As a journalist I try to pay attention and write down those small, odd things. Things that contribute and gives rhythm. Things I like to see in any reporting. It’s got to be the same with pictures, right? What is it I want to see? What’s important?
I’m fond of a simple pencil and a piece of whatever crappy paper I have. I take notes. Sometimes I need to have stuff on tape, but anyway, my tools are basic. When it comes to photography or moving picture … the game changes. I’m in no way a pro shooter, just trying to get better and get the pictures in line with the text, and this is why I get the importance of reliable gear. My camera and all the other hard ware is basic.
What do I like, what do I see? The smile on a face. Eyes on the ball. Cool green nails. The referee. The Bench. People in general. What are they doing, what are they looking at?
Even with raw photography chewing memory cards I tend to crawl back in my cave with tons of pictures. Or I did. I am monster deleting pictures at sight, but it still means 30–40 shots from one single footy game.
Most pictures need to be edited. How is this done? A lot of layers here or just a few sliders there? I think it depends. The story and the media. Art or news? Maybe both.
Do I like what I see? Are my pictures in line with other peoples photos in the same magazine?
I don’t like much reading my old stories. I get disappointed. But I do go back and find things to improve or avoid. It’s the same with photography.
Time is of essence so keeping it simple is a good advice. But. I’ts easy to go down in time consuming procedures. Planning, thinking and re-thinking in advance might get stuff happen.
@ About the writer. A journalist based in Helsinki, fluent in Swedish and Finnish. Writer and composer of stuff. Photography.
