Just minutes ago I sat in on my first CPOY judging of the year, General News. General news is shooting an event that may have an outcome, sometimes hard news. You want to keep away from feature photos, those are not general news. Keep away from signs or people holding signs these photos are more likely to be snapshots. Snapshots are not photographs, they lack semblance of intelligence and composition. A photograph hones in on a message.
WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?
The CPOY judges are looking for a moment. There were many photos submitted that lacked the moment, or the patience it takes to wait for the moment.
HOW SHOULD IT BE SHOT?
While shooting general news you are normally told how and where you can shoot. As a photographer we have to obey the boundaries but know how far you can push them. It is better to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission.
General news situations can be boring. When the photographer composes an image and directs the eye a great photo can come of a boring situation. For example a celebrity in a frame does not make a great photograph but rather a snapshot.
WHAT ABOUT THE ANGLE?
General news events can at times be like “a turkey shoot” so overwhelming that you don’t know what to make photos of or what your angle will be. For example if you are at a riot, who do you focus on? You can’t focus on all the elements at once. Do you tell the story of the rioter and their reason for being there? Do you tell the story of the police and their actions to control the situation? Or do you stand by and shoot the event as an attendee. When the situation is not mundane what do you shoot and how do you shoot it?
These are some topics that came up in the general news section of CPOY judging Monday November 12, 2012.
Keep Calm and Carry On
Colleen DeAnna
Colleen DeAnna Photo 