What would you shoot? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/22/2007 08:16:39 PM · #1

Hey everyone!

So here is the situation:

I am getting ready to graduate with a degree in commercial photography, emphasizing in Editorial Photojournalism. I live in a large metro area, which has the same resources and everything that any large city would have. The problem is this: There really are no large events going on around here. I have a print due almost every week that reflects my major. I have shot some things, but am slowly running out of ideas. I figured what a great way to maybe get my creative juices flowing again, and see what you all can help me come up with. So please help, put yourself in my shoes, and advize away!

Thanks Everyone!

fotomann_forever

01/22/2007 08:20:20 PM · #2

Originally posted by amathiasphoto:

I have a print due almost every week that reflects my major.

I don't quite understand this part... the shots have to have something to do with your major? Nah, that couldn't be... how many photos could one take of Editorial Photojournalism?

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

01/22/2007 08:35:35 PM · #3

Politicians seem a natural choice. They're always doing something to piss someone off. Any major projects going on in the city? New construction, infrastructure development, commerce, transportation, health issues?

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

01/22/2007 09:19:17 PM · #4

fotomann, that is the case! I have never shot so much before as I have during this program. I saw the question "how many pictures have you taken over the last year?" posted somewhere else. I had to chuckle to myself, cause since I enrolled in school here, its easily in the thousands.

TechnoShroom, not much going on here politically. The rest of what you said, at least according to the program I am in, seems to lay heavily on the corporate industrial side of photography. So, as much as I wish they would, I dont see those getting me to far. A huge thanks though!

fotomann_forever

01/22/2007 09:29:05 PM · #5

Adam, when I worked in photojournalism, I shot everything from sports to fashion to dead animals in the road to street signs to old folks in nursing homes...

The list is truly amazing what will fit into editorial journalism.

Now, since you do Editorial type stuff in commercial photography, you could hit some current issues with "stock" style photos.

Just a few off the top of my head:
Obesity
The whole thing about the new laws being passed banning smoking in cars with children
Corporal punishment
Guns in schools

You could take a look at some national headlines and come up with all sorts of ideas.

Message edited by author 2007-01-22 21:29:44.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

01/22/2007 09:30:28 PM · #6

If there a foodbank in the area?
Is homelessness an issue?
What about poverty?

quiet_observation

Canon EOS-7D

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

01/22/2007 09:45:59 PM · #7

Some newspapers maintain photos of the day websites. You might get some ideas there. Check the Seattle newspaper websites.

Examples: Philadelphia Inquirer

Washington Post

Here are some stories in the Seattle Times that might be interesting:

Seattle Times-Farmers' Markets

Seattle Times Coffee Girls

Big Ski Boom

I Enjoy Ham

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/22/2007 09:46:07 PM · #8

childrens centers
schools
local sports
any performers visiting town....
the list can go on, just drive aroudn and look at posters and such, see what they say, and where the lead oyu

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

01/22/2007 09:52:28 PM · #9

Foto, arrgh, your ideas are so great that I really wish I could incorperate them more. If only you knew this teacher, you would understand that anything that is staged in the slightest wont fly, so the stock stuff is pretty much right out the window. It has to be live, and it has to be now basically for him to count it. Furthermore, he is so picky about what is and isnt acceptable when it is in the right "field". Things have to be dead on perfect, or its a reshoot, and no grade (which really means F).

Cpanaioti, I thought about "targeting" the homeless a bit more, but trust me I have a lot of that in my portfolio already.

If you dont mind and have time everyone, check out my site, and I will give examples off of it. //www.adammathiasphotography.com

Most of the stuff in the photojournalism section is good enough, but getting somewhat repetative. The stuff in the editorial portraiture is somewhat acceptable. Honestly, it basically depends on his mood with the ed potraiture ones. I love my travel page, but it has nothing of use for examples =^)~

I feel bad for sounding so picky, but I wouldnt be if he wasnt. I really am sorry if I am sounding so negative about it, I guess that I am just feeling down a bit because of a REALLY harsh critique today. All of your help is SO appreciated guys!

Feel free to keep throwin ideas my way though! Trust me, even if its something that I cannot use now, its something I am keeping in the back of my mind!

Fromac

Nikon D7000

01/22/2007 09:54:13 PM · #10

Hospitals, health-care clinics, abortion protests, churches, funerals, conferences of various organisations, ground-breaking for new construction, store openings, demolitions. Parks and seasonal activities. City councils are always bubbling with some kind of scandal or debate.