To all the press photographers,

Can't help, But well done!
 
It'll probably depend how old and experienced you are.

I'm not a very experienced press tog but I'd expect you might be doing general grunt work, carrying bags, holding flashguns, holding brollies (the wet kind), being sent to get tea/coffee, uploading images, that kind of thing.

I guess it's the same for assisting any kind of tog in that they are all different, some will want you to be their slave, running around while they get the glory, some will want you to do everything so they get a rest and some will be quite willing to teach you everything they know and treat you like an equal.

Fingers crossed you either get chucked in at the deepend and asked to do it all or someone that enjoys teaching.
 
Can you make tea?

Seriously - you may get involved in cataloging pics - or editing - and hopefully - some photography - but not guaranteed in the early days. You have to show that you can get the shot - no matter what. They'll maybe give you some 'easy' jobs first to see how you get on - but what is easy will depend on your level of experience. Keep your eyes and ears open - and learn - great opportunity.
 
chrisphoto said:
Has anyone got any pointers when it comes to getting the shot?
Click to expand...

That's not so easy to answer - you will be faced with many different types of subject - mostly people though I suspect - learn to control people - in a nice way - and you will get the shot. You must always get the shot - no excuses!
 
awp said:
That's not so easy to answer - you will be faced with many different types of subject - mostly people though I suspect - learn to control people - in a nice way - and you will get the shot. You must always get the shot - no excuses!
Click to expand...

This.
I had no idea how much of this there'd be when I started turning up at press jobs and the experienced guys would all jump in there and totally direct what was happening.
I'm still not very good at it.
 
When we used to get work ex's at the paper what they did depended a lot If they could use a camera. I'm going to assume that you can.

What we used to do was if it was busy you'd be out with us, if you have a camera (for Christ sake take your camera the number of "photographers" that would turn up sans camera always astounded me) and if the situation allowed we would let you loose to shoot what you wanted with out getting in our way, and then compare yours to ours back at the office. We used to take work ex's with us to everything from local artist wins award, to triple fatality RTC and everything in-between. If your showing promise we'd normally let you loose on your own after a while.


do take a camera, notepad and pen (chances are they will provided you with an office one but it's never a bad thing to carry) decent coat and a good pair of shoes that can take some abuse.

Always get a contact name and number
Don't speak when the reporter is interviewing unless spoken to.
Don't use on camera flash, if you can get it off camera do.
Do have fun
Do ask questions and learn

Any questions feel free to ask away
 
chrisphoto said:
Has anyone got any pointers when it comes to getting the shot?
Click to expand...

your always going to need landscape portrait and a square image, always shoot a couple of options. If you can get away with it never more than three people in the image, image has gotta have depth look for stuff to shoot around or through to make something interesting, do get the flash off camera, if you can try and shoot outside it makes life so much easier.

Always get them to spell their names you'd be amazed at some spellings.

Don't get frustrated when the subs hack your perfectly crafted image to bits on the page.
 
awp said:
You must always get the shot - no excuses!
Click to expand...

And if you don't you'll be sent back till you do get it!

Nothing more humiliating than being sent back to do a image, but an inevitable part of life as a snapper.

Oh and never take photographic advice from a scribbler


All this talk of press photography and I almost miss it, only almost mind ;-)
 
Plus you need to know where your local McDonalds is for the lunch run!! lol
 
This is all great advice. I think most of it would apply whether its press or some other form of job shadowing.
If you get on well with the Tog, don't be afraid to ask if you can arrange a different shot to theirs, especially if you can talk the two over later and compare. AND ENJOY!




Takes me back, wish I could do it all again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top