Zen and the Art of Photojournalism
Zen, it’s really what I do as a photographer. When I was a young photojournalist I showed my portfolio at photo conferences and I remember a chat with a photographer who had just had his work reviewed by a renowned photojournalist. “He said my work was technically great, but it had no soul!” He was crushed. When I gained some notoriety as a shooter and was asked to critique other’s work at one of these same conferences, I recalled this impression I had that day as what not to say to a young up and coming photographer. I critiqued other photographer’s work by relaying my approach. First, I connect with my subject. Next, I evaluate the light and quickly determine the need for strobes. Thirdly, the environment is surveyed. As I am conversing with my subject I am looking for something that is the most valuable commodity for an image; that is an honest look into my subject’s essence. Each of us have a sum total of our life that is hidden within. As an empath with a visual perspective, I dance with my subject to reach the best possible photographic solution in the shooting situation. More often than not, this new friend I have made, gives me something of themselves that is beyond the surface and is an intimate look into who they are as a person. Recently, on assignment for the Los Angeles Times, in the sleepy little Sierra town of North Fork, I made some new friends and tried to honestly tell their story. Their faces, the light in their eyes, and body position manifest, like a highly valued antique, something that is recognizable and beautiful. There may be some scuffs, a piece broken off, but you can recognize their humanity, and the common bond that you share with them, as a member of our family.