I was recently at the University of Missouri judging College Photographer of the Year, and I had the opportunity to judge both stills and multimedia. One of the biggest surprises, aside from great work, was the videos that were coming out of the Danish School of Journalism. They were taking chances. I have always had an issue when someone is talking constantly (narrating) during a video; it takes away from my experience of looking at the visuals and exploring the story. And I’ve explored the idea of movement in a video, maybe sometimes too much. But in a video titled Peter, by a student of The Danish School of Journalism, there were moments of complete silence; there were moments of no movement. And it was breathtaking. It sounds simple, but I think we all try to stuff as much information as possible into the minutes we have. If you are serious about shooting video and want to see exceptionl work, it’s worth your time to take a look at this video: http://www.cpoy.org/index.php?s=WinningImages&yr=70&c=316#1.0 Check out the other winners too.
CPOY, can’t get enough of Missouri
I am truly honored and excited to be a judge at this year's CPOY. I just got back from teaching at the Missouri Photo Workshop in September and ran into Rita Reed where she asked me to be a judge. How lucky is that? I’m getting to judge both the stills and multi-media divisions this year. I judged this contest years and years ago and remember such promising talent that I can’t wait to see how students are improving their skills.
My Photo Editor Mind - Those silly post
Because I spend so much time on Facebook, twitter, etc., I see a lot of photos...a lot. And way too many bad pictures. I think if you are a professional photographer and you post a photo, you are saying you think this is good. Even if it’s meant for your family, it’s being shown to the public. When I see it, and it’s bad, I'm thinking you are not as good a photographer as I thought, hmmm. That’s what you are telling me. You never know who is looking at your post. Furthermore, when you post a bunch of photos from a particular event, some good and some bad, you are telling me you don’t know the difference between the good pix and the bad. So be mindful of posting pictures.
My Photo Editor Mind - Dave Getzschman
I used to hire Dave Getzschman when I was a photo editor at the Los Angeles Times, and now he hired me! He asked me to curate a show he is having titled “Projections of my Paranoia: an Unwitting Self Portrait," at Namaste Highland Park in Los Angeles, starting October 10, 2015 at 7pm. Wow, he took me inside his head, and I had to make sure that I edited his truth. I got to know him pretty well over discussions of this project, and it was a pleasure. If you happen to be in Los Angeles, I would recommend the show! Great photos. Deep stuff.
My Photo Editor Mind - Headed to Los Angeles for ESPN
Headed to Los Angeles this weekend for the Confederations Cup playoff between the United States and Mexico for ESPN, working with photographer Dominic DeSaia. My old boss Tim Rasmussen from The Sun-Sentinel is now working at ESPN, so I started researching some story ideas for him and then he called to picture edit a feature for the Cup. The Rose Bowl is already sold out. I have a feeling it is going to be a long and loud day.
My Photo Editor Mind - KISS (keep it simple stupid)
OMG, just because you shot it, that doesn’t mean it has to go on your website. I’m seeing quite a bit of this this week. Less is more; keep it simple stupid; you’re only as good as your worse photo. Most editors, including myself, get a gut reaction about a photographer in seconds, not minutes, actual seconds, first impression and all. If you’re looking for work, you have a few frames, and I’ve made a decision about you – brutal, hell yes, but that’s the reality. So lighten up on the quantity of the photos. Show me who you are and what you want to do, and keep it to the best of the best! Oh, and if you need help, I’m here for you!
My Photo Editor Mind - You can't handle the truth
How do you tell someone they are not as good as they think they are, and that what they are shooting doesn’t translate. Hard? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. I’ve always felt that as a photo editor, if I didn’t say anything, I wasn’t doing my job very well. I think you have friends to tell you how great you are. I had a client who I didn’t think was showing what he was explaining to me; he hadn’t signed on yet, so after viewing some of his pictures to get an idea of what I was going to edit, I told him what I thought. Oh well, I thought. I can’t start out a relationship lying; I guess it’s better to lose a client than to lie. But he hired me! I think I sometimes forget that photographers want the truth!
My Photo Editor Mind - Missouri Photo Workshop
To team members Xyza Bacani, Jessica Chen, Loren Elliott, Matthew Herp, Mansura Khanam, Eric Kruszewski, Gabrielle Lurie, Yeong-Ung Yang, and fellow faculty Kim Komenich, I miss you guys. It was so intense, we talked every day and I woke up this morning missing that connection. I thank you all for allowing to be part of your lives for a week at the Missouri Photo Workshop. I was so impressed by your dedication and hard work and persistence. I saw such improvements in each and every one of you. Keep up the great work!
My Photo Editor Mind — Days Away MPW.67
Heading out tomorrow for The Missouri Photo Workshop, where I will be part of the faculty. Perryville, Mo. here I come! I can't wait to see the next generation of brilliant talent. Can't wait to be blown away. Ready for the shock and awe. Looking forward to this trip!