Car Wreck ... Photo journalism attempt

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

10/31/2006 03:49:22 PM · #1

These were shot this morning on my way to work. I caught the accident just after the paramedics got there. I was across the street and using my 80-200. I was not in anyone's way and the cops and fire were already on scene.

I saw this and felt I had to see what it would be like to be a photog on scene kinda like Skip. It was a weird feeling and I am sure the people that saw me thought I was invading. Still not sure how I really feel about it but I thought I would share and get some feedback.

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 16:30:25.

rox_rox

Canon EOS-20D

10/31/2006 04:00:48 PM · #2

I've been thinking about posting this link. I suppose this is a good enough time.

craigslist.com

Good timing. I'm always on the lookout for these opportunities. I hope you are prepared for the ethical discussion that is probably warming up right now;)

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

10/31/2006 04:03:03 PM · #3

I don't know ... but that link is wild!

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 16:06:43.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

10/31/2006 04:16:19 PM · #4

IMO dissaster images are pretty ghoulish unless it incident is spectacular or odd and might serve some educational purpose. I assume you'd need to put yourself in the place of a family member and you wouldn't give this sort of thing a thumbs up. Again, there are exceptions if for example, the incident was part of an actual newsworthy story. These images as far as I can see aren't.

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 16:29:17.

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

10/31/2006 04:18:05 PM · #5

i took a shot of a car wreck last week.. I will post it here in a little bit.

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

10/31/2006 04:21:09 PM · #6

I was trying to get a feeling of what it would be like if it was my job to do so. I felt like , at the time, I wanted to document the accident. But like I said I am still not sure how I feel about it. I have never done anything like this before and wanted to experience it.

When I was a kid my Dad was a camera man for a TV station and used to run with the fire department and shoot footage of the accident scene for the news. I guess I wanted to understand that feeling.

It is not so much what I am trying to show you as to see if these are voyeuristic and in poor taste or photojournalism.

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 16:21:59.

scarbrd

Leica M10

10/31/2006 04:23:26 PM · #7

A picture of a car wreck in and of itself is not photojournalism. There must be something that seperates this event from the 1000s of events just like it that happen every day.

Or if there is a story on paramedics, or police, or some other element that makes this event something that should be shared with others.

all this is IMO, of course.

10/31/2006 04:24:52 PM · #8

Originally posted by scarbrd:

So I would have to have a story in mind before I shoot the images? So the accident is not the story?

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 16:25:13.

alfresco

Nikon D700

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/31/2006 04:27:42 PM · #9

I don't feel they are voyeuristic nor in poor taste - the world should be documented. Yes lines can be crossed, and are every day, by sensationalists. I don't feel that's the case with responsible pj, or even for someone wondering what that (pj) is like.

Documentation of tragedy, and the consequences of those tragedies on real people, can be a great motivator for people to act to not let those tragedies occur. In this case someone might think twice before talking on the cell and making a left turn. Fires, war, famine, flood, accidents ... telling the story is important.

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

10/31/2006 04:28:09 PM · #10

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

So I would have to have a story in mind before I shoot the images?

Not unless you are a paparazzi or an "ambulance chaser".

rox_rox

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

10/31/2006 04:31:08 PM · #11

I find them very interesting. It's human nature to be drawn to accidents. I always look when I'm riding and refuse to look when I'm driving.

But what I like most about these images, besides the appearance that no one seems to have been killed; is the people you've captured. You've documented first responders providing their invaluable service to the community and an unusual array of bystanders; people who you might not expect to see standing together on a sidewalk if not for such an event as this. The photos tell a story of anguish, pain, confusion, inconvenience, anxiety, fear and possibly even boredom.

It's very documentary and I thank you for sharing.

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

10/31/2006 04:31:19 PM · #12

This was in Madison Wisconsin last week. It tied up traffic for about 2 hours

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

10/31/2006 04:42:14 PM · #13

Thanks for your feedback I really appreciate it!

scarbrd

Leica M10

10/31/2006 04:45:38 PM · #14

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Originally posted by scarbrd:
A picture of a car wreck in and of itself is not photojournalism. There must be something that seperates this event from the 1000s of events just like it that happen every day.

Or if there is a story on paramedics, or police, or some other element that makes this event something that should be shared with others.

all this is IMO, of course.

So I would have to have a story in mind before I shoot the images? So the accident is not the story?

What you are talking about is called "spot news" in the news business. There are reporters and photographers who drive around while monitoring police radio broadcasts. They respond to reports of crimes, accidents, fires, etc. Most do not end up in the paper or on TV.

The accident IS a story, the question is, Is it news?

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

10/31/2006 04:50:16 PM · #15

Gotcha. Good point.

Bugzeye

10/31/2006 04:54:43 PM · #16

It is a story if it were you or I in that accident. It is news if it was a NFL quarterback. It is even bigger news if he was drunk. so on and so on.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

10/31/2006 05:14:59 PM · #17

Just my opinion but morbid curiosity or being drawn to others misfortune is NOT mans most endearing characterstic but yes it's sadly in our nature.

I get extremely angry at rubber-necking. Seeing blood on a windsheild is a pretty unpleasant thing to see, if you ask me and I never understood why people are so interested. Or worse how they could get stuck in hours of annoying rubber-necking traffic and still take time to gaze themselves. It's really nasty if you think about it.

I understand that he was trying to see what it feels like to take these pictures and that makes perfect sense. I've taken a few nasty pictures that were more for the experience than anything else, so I can sympathize with that.

So...how did it make you feel?

Message edited by author 2006-10-31 17:24:47.

dahkota

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/31/2006 05:33:14 PM · #18

The pictures are good and, during a slow news week, my paper might print them, IF. Big if, which is the difficult part. For every image I turn in, I must have the names of all parties in the image whom can be recognized (i.e. their face is showing). I would also have to have the details - so and so was turning left on such and such street blah blah blah, blank was transported to the hospital. The IF is the hard part. Its very easy to stand outside of an event and take pictures but, as a photojournalist, you have to get involved somewhat, if only to get the information needed for the story. If its a huge story that is on-going (hostage situation for example), they might send a reporter. But, as a photographer you still have to know who the pictures are of, what they are doing, and what makes them part of the story.

I think of it as such: I didn't cause the problem, I didn't exacerbate the problem. I can tell if people don't want to talk or if they don't want their pictures taken and I move on. But its my job and I do what I have to do with as much kindness and consideration as I can. Truth be told, people absolutely love it if they think they will be in the news and will tell you anything and everything.

So, anyone can judge me all they want. Doesn't bother me. I'm not a newscaster in a new widow's face asking inane questions. I am just a photographer doing my job as best I can.