Portfolio Building: "Hard" News

[houstonrunner]

Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting "hard" news shots for portfolios. I'm looking to at some point apply for wire stringer positions. I've asked my current editor (major metro weekly paper) for tips, and she said everything in my portfolio is great except I need "to have fire, accidents, people suffering, etc..." My question is, what's the best way to get into a position to shoot this stuff. I'm a little leery about just showing up at accidents and what not without any credential / authorization, kind of goes against my beliefs - but if this is a generally accepted way to break into freelancing/stringing I am willing to do it. But... is there any way to hook up for ride alongs with officers or fire departments? It's been tough getting anything other than fluffy feel-good assignments (which I love, don't get me wrong!) since I'm working a full time engineering job and my nights and weekends are kind of erratic sometimes. I'd like to start doing some higher visibility stuff though; however, right now the daily doesn't want me since I've got other stuff going on and apparently I don't have enough suffering to make a good application elsewhere...

Any comments or experience would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Jason

[kenw]

"...just showing up at accidents and what not without any credential / authorization,.... "

that's how a several acquaintances got into it. But you DO have credentials from your current position.

Even I can (and have) walk up to, within reason, a fire scene, etc without any hassles whatsoever and I have less credentials than you have. Many fire scenes for example are clearly visible from the street. Chase a few firetrucks (carefully). Stay out of the way but don't be shy. Use a long lens, look for drama and human interest angles.

Go for it.

[dminton]

This needs to be moved to the Photojournalism section.

[rph]

Get a scanner. Show up with a lens long enough to keep you out of the way, and shoot. Most of the time I've been around anything like this, no one bothered or usually even noticed, so long as the folks with cameras stayed out of the way. I'd try that.

[Debbi]

I can only speak for FTW but I believe it's common practice. You can do ride-alongs with the Fire Department. Required a liability release and the Captain's approval. However, it's a crap shoot. I did this twice at my brother's station and there were no fires and we slept all night. I was told I could come back ANY time! lol

[houstonrunner]

Thanks for the advice everybody. I have a scanner and a link to the City of Houston's FD and PD event listings, so I guess I will bite the bullet and just show up and shoot if I get a chance. I've been a little hesitant ever since a River Oaks security guard went ballistic when I was shooting the remains of a house fire (he was completely out of line - he called in HPD and they just laughed at him and then started talking cameras with me). I'm guessing the police will be slightly more professional, plus now I know my rights. I'd definitely feel more comfortable in a ride-along situation though, so I'll definitely look into that, especially since there's a station less than a mile from my house. Thanks again!

BTW, If this thread really needs to be moved to the PJ forum feel free to PM the admins or let me know if I need to. I didn't feel it really fit under the PJ Showcase section since I wasn't showcasing anything, rather just asking a general question, but I probably just misunderstood the forum guidelines.

Jason

[bondarnes]

One problem with a ride-along. If Houston is like most cities you can't sell work you shoot during a ride along. It's great for portfolio building, but If you get the "shot of the century" so sorry.

[lscottpht]

I would def. suggest a ride along. I am supposed to do that with my cousin who is a sergeant for HPD in one of the worst gang areas in Houston. I'm looking forward to it. It would be great for your portfolio. Also, as the others suggested, listen to your scanner and go to the fires, accidents and such. Personally, I hate doing that type of stuff, especially accidents. I just don't see much of point shooting accidents and sticking my camera in people's facing that are suffering and don't want you there. It's diff. when you are covering wars and such because the people want you to show the world their suffering. Another idea is to do an emotional photo essay. I did one at a battered women's shelter. I spent a couple of months there. The first week, I didn't even take a single photo, just talked with the women and children and really got to know them. They ended up being very comfortable with me, and that really helps, especially in their situation. There are photo essays around every corner. These look great for portfolios. You really need to go beyond just accidents and such to shoot with the big guys. Show your depth. I will be happy to help and answer any questions you have.

[Howard Barlow]

You don't need credentials to photograph anything like a fire, wreck, etc., as long as it is in a public area. You should not expect to get inside a refinery, or such.

There is a fellow around here who works in a refinery, but is Mr. News Video on his own time (not a real name, I just made it up). He has been chasing sirens for several years. He gets a lot of film the stations don't get to.

I don't know about compensation, though they always give him verbal credit when they show his coverage.