The first time I went, on Feb. 19, the crowd was a mixture of anti-Walker/bill protesters along with some tea party and Walker supporters. The experience in and of itself - political beliefs and opinions of the budget repair bill aside - was absolutely incredible and breathtaking. The photos I took that day lacked depth, however, because I was so overwhelmed by the sheer number of people there and snapped pictures of nearly every sign I could see. Most of the frames I shot were of the protesters as I marched behind them, and occasionally I would turn and walk backwards to get the front of them. I will emphasize this again: I walking AS I was shooting, and sometimes doing so BACKWARDS. Not a smart idea in a mass of thousands of people. Many shots also turned out looking posed and unnatural. I was so concerned with taking photos every second that I wasn't lookind around for the less-typical shots. And I'm pretty sure a giddy smile was plastered on my face. I was like a tourist...just in a city less than an hour away from my home. I call that my get-a-grip-of-yourself-Sam phase. Shots taken: 500+ And they looked alot like this:
The second time I went, on Feb. 26, the crowd was pulsating -- many more protesters there than the Saturday before, despite the snow and cold. My tactic this time was to not focus so much on capturing the crowd itself, since shots from any day would look almost indistinguishable from any other publication/news broadcast. I tried different angles, went up on the curb and staying there a while to let the crowd pass by me and snap the shutter when something was actually there...not just because something filled the frame. That day I waited a little more than a half hour in line to get inside of the Capitol. And yes, I went through another get-a-grip-of-yourself-Sam phase ---I clicked at everything, only later realizing that my pictures looked EXACTLY like every other person who uploaded them on Facebook or Flickr. Pictures are not videos, so my excitement over how loud the protesters were inside didn't translate in each frame. And the aerial shots I took? Not that great. Though at the time I thought they were. Shots taken: 400+, like this:
-----Then, the unthinkable happened: I got a call last Wednesday night from the managing editor of my hometown newspaper...and he offered me the job!!! The next day I met with him to go over the details, and my first day is tomorrow!! I can honestly say this is the happiest I've been in months! ----------
Yesterday (March 5) I went back to try to get this photojournalism stuff down. Afterall, that will be my title in just a few days, so I better seem like a deserve it. This time I could be more focused. I wasn't phased by the crowd this time, not only because it was smaller and less vocal (other than while Michael Moore was there giving a speech), but also because I could picture myself in the role I was about to fill. My shots turned out much better. I took about 300 this time, many of which were valid shots. This time I looked for action and emotion. I found this both in people who shouted from on the street as well as those who just stood stoically gripping their signs. Most of all, I took the time to stop walking and set up my shot to avoid camera shake and motion blur. I wasn't 100% successful, but I think I did much better.
Here are some shots from March 5 -- feedback would be much appreciated :)
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| A protester dressed as Governor Scott Walker and handed out pink slips to those in the crowd at the Capitol Saturday, March 5. |
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| A protestor reads the list of items currently not allowed inside the state capitol. |
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| Wisconsin State Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs signals the last group of protesters who were escorted out of the Capitol late Saturday afternoon. |
3 comments:
Congratulations! I'm really excited for you. (Perhaps the paper will allow you to do a piece on strip clubs?) Keep plugging away...this is huge! Also, I responded to your comment, but I suppose I can reveal my secret here: Fuji Velvia 100 (slide film).
I am really excited for you Sam!!! Thanks for your comments on my photos as well! I am so pumped that you get to do what you love to do for a job! Isn't it amazing?! I get overwhelmed sometimes that I have that blessing! Move with it, learn from it daily and embrace all you can! Keep posting please!! I am loving seeing each entry everytime! The slide film is awesome Shane too! I need to start shooting film again too...I am missing it, but i need access to a scanner. If either of you find anything online or used let me know!
I am really moved my your writing on this post and your photos...this is truly a historic event and you are so damn lucky to have the opportunity to capture that aspect! Congrats on literally being a part of history! Keep it up and even if your afraid, walk with a false confidence...don't let anyone feel your fear...you are in complete control and you need to enforce that and get what you need no matter what. Best of luck!!
Thank you both!! I'm loving the opportunity to take photos everyday and to be able to write as well. I couldn't have asked for a better way to start my career. I feel energized throughout the day and even when I'm just at home, I'm always thinking of new ways to shoot the people and things in this community. And I'm finally beginning to feel ready to jump back into the fine art scene again. Upon hearing about my new job, a friend of the family dropped off a box filled with her and her husband's old Canon SLRs and a polaroid...plus a variety of lenses. I can't wait to use film again now that I am making use of my digital for work. :)
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