| Topic Name: |
Feedback on following comment. |
| Message Name: |
Learn New Things |
| Date Posted: |
05/01/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
(I'm a shooter/editor.)
I SWEAR this is what a new middle-management-type told me (he's been at our shop two months now.
I have a reputation for shooting really solid, nicely-framed/nicely-composed shots. I don't pan or zoom...I shoot sequences and have a pretty good idea what I'm doing out in the field. The reporters on our staff really like my work and enjoy working with me.
But a new middle-manager told me that he wants me:
-to "get off the tripod...I like it when the shots are a bit shaky--even herky-jerky."
-"When I watch your packages, I feel as though I'm looking at postcards or paintings." (???)
I haven't approached our CP yet because this middle-mgr caught me as I was heading home today.
On the drive home, I thought it was kinda funny--I was laughing.
But after thinking/digesting what was said, I'm pissed-off.
I thought the purpose of a shooter was to give reporters the best-looking shots possible? (My reputation is that I'm one of the best shooters in our shop.)
What's your reaction to this?
I'm thinking "The hell with you! I will ONLY provide good-looking shots."
As far as I know, there isn't any station mandate that dictates style of shooting...though most of our shooters don't use tripods, or pan/zoom waaaay too much.
Unless our station suddenly puts out a memo stating that we shoot shaky video, I'm not changing.
If it does, I'm STILL not changing.
Rrrrrreaction??? |
| Message: |
From what you say about your shooting, you seem to be happy with your style. But, also, don't be afraid to add new things to your repertoir.
You're not Ansel Adams and this is not news photogray from twenty or more years ago. Television news shooting calls for improvisation.
Sounds like you're talented enough and imaginative enough to incorporate some new twists.
Be as creative as you can be and have fun with it. A story about city hall should be pretty cut and dry. But things change when it's crime or a lighter piece. Be edgy, be an outside the box thinker and shooter. Be collaborative.
And this person who told you to 'draw outside the lines', well, I'd say don't simply dismiss him/her. Maybe they did you a favor.
I'm guessing you're conscientious about your product. Now, show some flair and be a little artistic. You might surprise yourself.
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