On a Weekend Getaway...Journalism Follows.

Wherever I go this summer, especially, journalism seems to slip up on me, no matter where I hide. I decided to venture down to Charleston for a weekend to see the beautiful, southern charm of a town while a college friend traveled there for a photography convention. Not just any convention, the National Press Photography Association's Awards convention. Patrick somehow led me to believe it was something lesser of value. Oh I figured out in no time, I was in for a treat. I didn't think much about the convention. I thought I'd sight see and show around then meet up with him whenever he wasn't occupied. Turns out, you can't escape the journalism world, especially during this lesson-filled summer I'm experiencing.


Still photographers weren't the only ones invited and recognized at this event. Videographers too were amongst the ranks. Patrick told me to bring some of my video work and have those professionals take a look. I arrived at 8:30 and sure enough, not a minute later, the critiquing began.


I sat down with two videographers: one from Des Moines, IA and the other from Wichita, KS. They both had some great suggestions and tips to strengthen and improve my video. One big shooting tip I remembered the most is to think about the flow of your shots: when you're about to shoot something think about what you want before and after that shot. It's got to be a continuous flow, so thinking about the big picture is key.


We went through my videos and picked on one story I did where I had this sticky situation about shooting still objects. That was the theatre story three weeks after it burn down. Mary, from Wichita, said the best thing you can do as a videographer is to find a way to shoot something 25 different ways.


"That was the most difficult thing to do...I had to shoot a park bench 25 ways," Mary told me.


"Shoot the donut and the donut hole...get creative," the Des Moines photographer explained.


They both talked about wanting to see the specks of te fire on the stage; we've got to see the tiny details. Try a wide shot from different angles: through the trees, from the parking lot.


Turns out, making this trip would be more than just a shopping spree...a bit more rewarding you'd imagine.


After that evening's critique, Patrick and I headed out to see the town of adorable Charleston. It has such wonderful charm and quaintness that I couldn't possibly give it justice. There are numberous shops, cafes, restaurants, one more cool than the next. Boutiques block after block, a place my mother wouldn't dream possible.


Saturday morning rolled around and I decided to venture out in the daylight. There was a farmer's market set-up across the street...long story short, I walked around and spent two hours just browsing the town until I couldn't take the heat or the walking any longer.


After lunch with Patrick, I swung back over to the photography convention, only to realize I came just in time for the best lecture, (at least for me). Fox 45 in Baltimore's photographer, Darren Durlach, won numerous awards for his phemonenal videography. He had some fantastic editing, audio and video to display and tips to go with them. 

• Always have your ear open for the best audio; don't just shoot video.
• Get the mic up close and personal; get those nats!
• Think creavitely...go for the interesting angles: shadow, reflection, etc.

Those are just a few of the many notes I jotted down at his engaging lecture.

Later that night, everyone get primped and pretty for the awards banquet. I got to see some amazing photos and video. One's that captured the pure essence of life that drives me to be a better visual journalist. This kind of work makes me realize how much I love the field. No matter the small pay, I'm positive this career path I have begun is worth all the stress.

At the end of the banquet, we all went out, enjoying the quaint town of Charleston. Sitting there among brillant photographers, I felt lucky to be surrounded by such talented, fun-loving people who understand and love the crazy world of journalism.

I never expected to learn such a wealth of knowledge in one weekend, originally thinking it would be an escape from journalism. Like I always say...Journalism follows those who truly have their heart deep in the depths of the field.