Spontaneous Portrait??? - (or give them what they want, not what they ask for)

It’s nice when a portrait presents itself from a real situation.

The assignment was pretty nebulous, as they often are. I was asked to take pictures of a new holiday market, but from the request, it was clear the story was about this local business man and his “entrepreneurial spirit.” While shooting the safety shots of people shopping at the market, I noticed that Christopher was on the sidewalk trying to drum up business like a modern-day carnival hawker. A couple of minutes later, and I have a shot that really tells much more about the subject than a contrived picture of him standing stiffly with the market in the background. And I get a great quote as a bonus - “It’s a little Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, but whatever it takes takes to to get people out here,” says Lancette. Remember, it’s photoJOURNALISM.

Moral(s) of the story -
1. Read between the lines of the photo-request and give them what they want, not what they asked for (well, along with what they ask for - just in case).
2. If time allows, natural behavior trumps a posed portrait hands down.

How To Say Goodbye To A Season - (when it doesn't end in jubilation)

One of our local high school football teams made it to the state finals. After dominating the first half, they lost the game in a heartbreaking overtime - no jubilation shots for me. I really wanted shots that respectfully expressed the disappointment to go with the usual game action shots. While there were a lot of tears on the field, none of those shots really worked for me.

This was my favorite shot of the night, and it shows how sticking around a little longer can pay off. The team has a rabid fan base - the Raider Nation has nothing on these guys and gals. While everyone else was on their way to the showers, this player went to the stands thanking the fans for their support throughout the year. I think it tells the story well.

Although a picture of a coach talking with his team isn't unusual, with a little reporting - as in grabbing a quote from the huddle - the third effect kicks in and the picture means a little more.

"You are winners to me. I'm proud of you."

And I just love this shot. Local press focus so much attention on the teams and less on the supporting characters. It was the last football game for the senior cheerleaders, poms and band members as well. Including one very exuberant drum major.

And the action...