| Topic Name: |
Feedback on following comment. |
| Message Name: |
Only "half" an idiot.... |
| Date Posted: |
05/01/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
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. |
| Message: |
This middle manager may be an idiot---but really he's only half an idiot for telling you these things. I shot for nearly a decade, won my share of awards and moved on to management.
As a former photog, I'm embarrassed when I hear photographers talk about "my video" or "my story" or "my way." You have every right to develop a style which works for you---but you are a paid employee (with benefits) who works for a news organization, not an art gallery. Individual creativity and expression are important hallmarks of your trade, but it is still a business.
You and this 'manager' need to have MORE communications, not fewer. He needs to thoroughly explain his "bigger picture" rationales about "WHY" he wants you to adjust your shooting style and YOU need to explain your rationales for NOT wanting to change. He may or may not have a logical explanation for his request. If he does have one, you should take it under advisement. If he does not, then you should appeal to a higher source.
Ignoring a request from a manager serves no one. Politely challenge this person to a wider discussion---perhaps an open forum---on the subject. Likely, both of you will learn something. Shutting him out completely suggests you are neither open nor creative.
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