Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 488 Journalism: Publishing Across Media and dignifi ed stride was photographed beside the contorted, screaming face of Hazel Bryan, and that photograph told a story that moved a nation. That is the power of photojournalism—to show in clear images the experiences of others who are distant from us. Photojournalists, video journalists and audio journalists have the power to tap into our senses and make us feel. In some cases they change our minds, in other cases, they change our hearts. In rare cases, they change the world. How to “Be There” How to “Be There” Rookie multimedia journalists miss opportunities because they worry they may be conspicuous or offend others. While there are important ethical and legal considerations (see Chapters 3 and 4), more often rookies miss shots because they are simply uncomfortable. Here are four signs that a photojournalist is uncomfortable shooting an event: • She relies on a zoom lens rather than getting close to the action. • He stops to review the shots he has taken instead of shooting continuously. • She stops shooting during breaks and pauses. • He never turns his back to the action, which means he does not take any reaction shots. You may feel awkward at fi rst, but the more you photograph or record sound, the more comfortable you and those around you will become with your presence. You will be conspicuous for only a few moments and then become no more noticeable than wallpaper. When that happens, you will begin to get powerful, candid shots and important sound. So how do you become that all-but-invisible journalist in the right spot at the right time? Research, pause, interview, get close and back up. Research Research Do your homework before you shoot. Talk to the subjects you will be photographing, learn about the event and try to predict possible shots. Scout the location, taking note of angles, lighting and obstacles, such as goal posts. Review others’ shots from the same venue. If you cannot visit the site in advance, look it up online. Pause Pause Try to arrive early, but pause for a moment before you pull out your camera and start shooting. Walk around looking for the best places to position yourself. Think about the lighting as it will be during the event, so you can choose the best settings for your camera and so you will not be shooting into bright lights. If you are shooting at an event where special authorization is required to access certain areas, request press credentials and wear a press pass.