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04/14/2007 10:01:03 PM · #1 |
Hi,
I am in the process of interviewing at a local newspaper as a part time photographer. I spoke with them a few times and in 10 days I have to drop off a CD of photos. Mostly high school sports.
Here are some of the photos I took today that I thought I would include on the CD. I am going to go out everyday and take more. Can you tell me if these are any good for a newspaper? It think I learned a lot today. If you can, please comment on these, suggest improvment ideas.
(ps. Cropping is ok, color adjustment and brightness/contrast, but no advanced editing is allowed.)
    
    
    
   
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04/14/2007 10:05:22 PM · #2 |
Hope it works out for you!
The answer is that it probably depends on the size of the newspaper you're trying to get into. I think this is a fine sample for a smaller paper.
If you're trying to get into a larger paper, they'd probably want to see a better range of things... perhaps from a variety of different sports (if you're trying specifically for a sports position), or from a bigger variety of photojournalistic shots all around if you're trying for a general position.
As a PS -- I'd probably show the ones that show multiple people more so than ones that just have a single person in them. The single person shots are nice for selling to individuals/families and so forth, but the ones that include more players, or other people that can provide more context for a shot, will do better for newspaper use. The shots need to do a good job of "telling a story," more than just being nicely composed shots of an individual in action.
I'd also eliminate any where you can't see the person's face.
Message edited by author 2007-04-14 22:09:08. |
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04/14/2007 10:13:14 PM · #3 |
I would second what Alan said.
I'm not sure what sort of newspaper you are applying to, but most decent ones don't want to see the same sort of image repeat itself in your portfolio. You also need to show that you can write good, accurate cutlines that help add something to the story.
Do you have any shots that are of a photojournalistic nature (not sports)?
Also these shots need to be edited down.... You can tell me as much about your photography in one or two pictures of these pictures as you say with these 20 or so images. I would also work on cleaning up your backgrounds more.
Less is more with portfolios.
Give it your best shot, but from what I know this isn't a collection of images most photo editors would be that thrilled about... unless you are just applying to shoot high school sports....that might be another story.
I would just say get some variety and work on experience now.
Hope this doesn't come across as harsh...but this is the area I work in right now so I'm just telling you what I think you would hear from a good editor, and hopefully it's helpful.
Good luck. |
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04/14/2007 10:21:30 PM · #4 |
Just a couple more thoughts as I've been looking at them, too... and again, none of this is meant to be harsh... just honest thoughts that I'm hoping you'll find helpful.
I'd probably stay away from showcasing much of the pitching/batting shots. The honest to goodness reason is that there's really not a whole lot of skill involved in taking those (again, no offense intended). The reason I say that is that these are actions of the game that any photographer (or anyone viewing the game) would know are going to be happening without any surprise.
In other words, it's not hard to capture a shot of a pitcher throwing the ball because you KNOW exactly when they're going to throw the ball, and where they're going to throw it. Ditto with a batter. You KNOW right where they're going to be and what they're going to be doing, so there's no true sense of awe to see a shot of a batter or pitcher in most cases.
If you can get a dramatic shot of someone sliding into base, or someone catching a ball as a runner arrives at a base... THOSE are the shots that are going to be more impressive. Those kinds of shots will offer a much better showcase of your abilities to follow the action and react to it quickly.
Just sayin' :)
Message edited by author 2007-04-14 22:31:49. |
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04/14/2007 10:38:07 PM · #5 |
I would state that based on what I see here, you may want to reconsider giving some of them to the newspaper as part of your interview. One thing that generally connects the viewer to the story is the photo, to connect the viewer you need faces, most of the photos dont show peak action, or faces. Alot of them also dont have stopped motion even in what appears to be good light. That might make an editor question 2 things.
1. How well do you know the sport that your shooting that your not stopping the action in good light(most will understand that poor light there will be motion blur)
2. Is your equipment up to snuff to handle the sports that you might be sent too.
Even small town sports editors want to put forth the best they can for their readers. Please understand I'm not trying to be mean I'm trying to be honest to help you put your best foot forward. You also may want to put some more diversified stuff in, newsworthy stuff. Although I work mostly for the sports dept, I included news stuff into my port when I applied and do get occasional work from the news dept.
Good luck with your interview.
MattO
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04/14/2007 10:46:54 PM · #6 |
| from pennsylvania huh? what paper is it for...morning call? times? or something else |
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04/14/2007 11:08:13 PM · #7 |
If you going to shoot sports you need 2.8 lens. Some shots don't look too sharp. Good luck.
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04/15/2007 12:30:10 AM · #8 |
you've gotten some good feedback about the images you posted up. let me give you another way to look at it:
look at the photos the paper runs on a regular basis, then go out and try to shoot those same shots as good or better than what they're currently doing. and, while you're out there, look for feature shots that are interesting (like maybe the way bats are stacked up, or the way the infield looks while shooting through the dugout). also look for candid moments in-between innings when the players are coming off the field or taking the field. look for interplay between players and between players and coaches. look for crowd reactions. look for emotional images that help tell the story of the game. look for stuff that says you did more than just show up and point the camera at the field...
good luck! |
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04/15/2007 03:28:29 PM · #9 |
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