Diary of a Press Photographer

Dman said:
Great thread, but one thing that confuses me - If you're only 14, how do you get the time to shoot these jobs? Surely you should be at school? Or have I missed something here?
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Holidays, after school, weekends. In Scotland we're currently on summer holiday - I think England is too (or maybe theirs hasn't started yet?).
 
scottcampbell said:
Holidays, after school, weekends. In Scotland we're currently on summer holiday - I think England is too (or maybe theirs hasn't started yet?).
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Yeah, I think they are now, but your diary started off on a Monday and I thought maybe you worked during the day.

Fair play to you :thumbs:
 
scottcampbell said:
I really don't have a problem with that - it happens all the time, but I've seen this particular photographer turn round and shout at someone for doing the same before so it's fairly hypocritical.
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Stamp on his lenses - or, when he's not looking, change his WB; alter his ISO to 64,000; change his file size to JPEG-Small...lots of things you can do to discourage wayne-kerrs on the job...

If all else fails, 'P' in his camera bag. I've seen it done - and not by me - this was civilian Press togs...the recipient was an Italian agency-snapper I think and the Brits gave him no quarter after he breached a couple of 'accepted practices' repeatedly after being warned off - the clincher was moving a ladder, as I recall...
 
I used to do a lot of court photography. We used to have to leave our equipment with security whilst we went into court to identify our target.

We would always check we still had film in the camera and that the opposition had not bribed (as if lol) security to allow them to remove it.

We would justle, push, jump in front of each other and try to outwit each other.

Then we would go and share a few pints together. Press photography is big boy stuff, leave the emotions at home :):):) and enjoy

stew
 
Arkady said:
Stamp on his lenses - or, when he's not looking, change his WB; alter his ISO to 64,000; change his file size to JPEG-Small...lots of things you can do to discourage wayne-kerrs on the job...

If all else fails, 'P' in his camera bag. I've seen it done - and not by me - this was civilian Press togs...the recipient was an Italian agency-snapper I think and the Brits gave him no quarter after he breached a couple of 'accepted practices' repeatedly after being warned off - the clincher was moving a ladder, as I recall...
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I LOL
 
Arkady said:
Stamp on his lenses - or, when he's not looking, change his WB; alter his ISO to 64,000; change his file size to JPEG-Small...lots of things you can do to discourage wayne-kerrs on the job...

If all else fails, 'P' in his camera bag. I've seen it done - and not by me - this was civilian Press togs...the recipient was an Italian agency-snapper I think and the Brits gave him no quarter after he breached a couple of 'accepted practices' repeatedly after being warned off - the clincher was moving a ladder, as I recall...
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Ha ha.
 
artona said:
I used to do a lot of court photography. We used to have to leave our equipment with security whilst we went into court to identify our target.

We would always check we still had film in the camera and that the opposition had not bribed (as if lol) security to allow them to remove it.

We would justle, push, jump in front of each other and try to outwit each other.

Then we would go and share a few pints together. Press photography is big boy stuff, leave the emotions at home :):):) and enjoy

stew
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Yeah, that happens a lot as I've seen. But these were "quit photography" remarks - obviously trying to destroy the competition before I take away too much business.
 
Become more blinkered Scott, focus on what you are trying to do. No idea but he is probably an adult trying to feed his family and here you are, a young teenager probably still being fed by your parents.

He is probably thinking there is not enough work to go around as it is....you will get much flack, its upto you whether you can hack it or not.

I am not going to soft soap you Scott and say he did wrong etc etc. You are heading out into a tough world, be prepared.....:):);)

stew
 
When you set a shot up Scott stick with it and don't be distracted by the other togs till you get what you want out of the set up.
 
Good reading mate! :thumbs:

First Football match I did for the agency I work for had a new signing photocall at the start. I got bundled in with the rest of the photographers in the middle of the pitch and was getting lost and bundled out of the road. Did not know how to do it! :suspect:

I watched for 10seconds and then thought stuff it... Just tapped the middle guy on the shoulder and gave him a gentle shove to the side. He took a couple more shots and then moved to the right to let me in. I shouted to the new player and got him to look directly at me. I got my shots and then turned round to a couple of them and asked if they wanted to move into my spot. I got a thumbs up and then I moved.

It's a cut throat business but a bit of common courtesy usually works and gets the respect of the people around you.

Looking forward to seeing more from you scott! :thumbs:
 
If someone moved my ladder he'd not like my reaction!
 
Icee said:
When you set a shot up Scott stick with it and don't be distracted by the other togs till you get what you want out of the set up.
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Too right...when I was with La Derniere Agence the French togs were awful with this...they used to move your lights, fiddle with the settings, and generally stand around smoking and complaining until you'd finished.

I ended up shouting expletives in French at them in front of the English and French people who were being photographed...the English just looked confused but the French guys were a bit shocked.
 
It's been a while since I've posted anything. I'm just going to post pictures today and I'd love your thoughts on them; they're of the Edinburgh Fringe and I was on assignment for the Associated Press. It's my birthday tomorrow (August 7th) - just thought I'd mention that - also I'm a bit tired!

Your opinions on these pictures would be great guys!

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Also, what do you think of the watermark I made in Photoshop? I'll post today's diary tomorrow if I remember by the way.
 
Happy Birthday Scott. Hope you have a great day.



Tony
 
Happy Birthday Scott. Hope you have a great day.
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Thanks!

That's my pick of the group. Shutter speed is perfect to capture the movement of the cards. I really do like it.
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That was one of the four that AP used. One of them I didn't upload as it was a bit average.
 
Happy Birthday Scott - I'm with Jamie - the ninja card shuffler really stood out for me too
 
scottcampbell said:
Thanks! I'm not sure if it would have been better to freeze the cards in motion?
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Firstly happy birthday, have a great day.
Secondly I agree the shutterspeed is spot on, I don't think it would have worked if you had frozen the cards.

As a set of images from the carnival they are great, they really give a feel for the day.
 
artona said:
Things to remember as a press photographer if you want to get published and get commisioned

1) Tell the story with your photo
2) Make it jump out from the page
3) Use the entire frame, have no weak and wasted areas
4) Ensure you have a good tonal range so the photograph does not look flat
5) Make your subject look good if you want them to allow you to photograph them again - gain their trust
6) Make the most important subject stand out
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Thanks for the feedback! One thing:

"This user has not given their permission for their images to be edited and reposted on the forums. Please respect this."
 
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Tuesday 10th August

Went along to Inverurie Academy in Aberdeenshire earlier tonight to take pictures of the Scottish Education Minister Michael Russell MSP.

When I turned up I spoke to the Scottish Government's PR person for a little while, then had a quick chat with another photographer. It was only myself, another freelance and a GMTV cameraman that were there.

When people are filming, it's tough to get your shot without getting in theirs. However, I came away feeling satisfied that I had everything that I needed!

Near the end of the Q&A session, light coming through the window made for some great colour on the curtains behind the minister.

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He recognized me from a photocall in Glasgow so I got a "hello again" and mention at the start of his speech, vaguely at least!

Two more images...

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In other news, I bought Ken Kobre's 'Photojournalism: The Professional's Approach'. From the few pages I've read so far it's a fantastic book and worth buying. Also got an SB-800 from velonoir on here which should arrive tomorrow!

My pictures of the Fringe have so far been published on websites all over the world, in a newspaper named 'Asian Age' and the Daily Telegraph website in a gallery.

Tomorrow I'll be covering Michael Russell again in a location that means taking two buses to get there!

As usual, feedback and questions are appreciated.

/scott
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Hmmm, a snoot and grid set would come in handy for that.....pm me your details young man and I'll send you a late birthday present from TP ;)
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:clap: What a great chap, it's great to see that there is still some goodwill left in the world.:D
 
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