I'm No Photojournalist
After shooting a high school football game this weekend, I really began to question how good of a journalist I really am. I had the opportunity to follow the Omaha North High School football team while they prepared for their game against Omaha Westside. It was a really great experience, but when the Vikings lost the game, I didn't have the heart to shoot the dejection photos that most papers would have run. While walking on the field after the game, I came across the stud quarterback bawling while being held by a coach. I couldn't pull myself to take the picture. I know that I have done it dozens of times with college athletes, but I just couldn't do it with a high school athlete. This got me thinking that I might respect people's emotions a little too much while holding a camera. If I had been shooting this game for a big time paper, I would have gotten my butt chewed for not shooting what could have been an award-winning photo. I guess I don't really know what I am getting at except that maybe I am in the wrong line of work.






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you may not be a photojournalist. but you are young with lots to learn about photography, journalism and life. heck, bates may not have even noticed you. and as you get more experienced, you start to learn how to handle yourself at emotional events. sometimes everyone passes up pictures like that. what would have been gained by taking that picture? nothing. most papers (not even "big-time" ones) would have not been pleased with you. the purpose of covering an event is sharing moments like that (life is all ablout ups and downs). maybe bates would have appreciated that down the line. you would be surprised. it is just a game, and that is important to remember. many of us have had to weigh the impact of moments much much more poignant and dramatic than a sporting event and decided to push the shutter--or not. i would not read too much into this one incident, cvk. you were not covering this game for anyone but yourself, right? go easy on yourself. so anyway, get out there and shoot some more stuff.
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