This thumbnail is for the guy who said “Ya, I know you are birding now, but don’t post any of that stuff.” I guess I should post about fluoride elements in my lenses? Anywho, wanted to share a little information about stories based on an email I received. Why answer for one when I can answer for many? Thanks to Ahmed for reaching out with solid questions and solid story ideas. Undertaking long-term projects now, especially those that involve other humans, is not for the faint at heart. This is why so few people are operating this way. Thankfully, there are still those fighting the good fight, and I’m hoping Ahmed can join the ranks.
Creative: Flushing Out Stories
Comments 15
One of your best talks ever. Great information. Thanks.
Author
Welcome…
A person is living somewhere. They have a life. For whatever reason, they need to leave that life, packing up what they can. They travel to a new place, often devoid of safety much less comfort and start over somewhere else completely unknown to them. Much of the time, they arrive to face derision. The courage one would have to summon within themselves to do this is breathtaking. That’s if they have any time at all to prepare. Sometimes it’s as frantic as stay and die or leave right then. It escapes me how human beings can look at immigrants with anything other than awe and grace. Especially in the US where the majority of us have immigrants in our gene pool. It makes me wonder about the people drooling over their family tree on ancestrydotcom while criticising the people who did the same thing their own ancestors did.
Ahmed, I applaud your drive for your projects and I hope you run with them. I would be interested to see them come to fruition. You are on the brink of tapping into a fascinating vein of humanity.
Thank you, Ellen, for the kind words. I am very excited to see where these projects take me.
Author
Totally agree. Fortitude.
Awsome, Dan! This should be the first lecture in every photojournalism course at every university in the world. The second lesson would be: practice, practice, practice! The third would be: Aperture 8 and be there.
Author
Oh, the practice thing….that will crush most newbie photogs. I’ve found fame is front and center in the mindset. Practice, not so much.
All I can say is, “Wow… “. Echo Jo Becker that this should the first day of Photojournalism 101.
After many years of contemplating short form documentary I just got turned down for the first time. It actually felt good – everyone, including the business owner, was interested in the project I pitched. But I had no idea gearing up for Christmas this small, family owned chocolate business means starting in August. The owner sincerely really liked the idea but did not want the distraction of me being there behind the scenes. Perhaps another time. I consider it a good start because I didn’t get the door slammed in my face.
I do have a question. As a thank you, I offered to give them select images I took to them for promoting their business, provided they show credit for my taking them. I also offered a single free copy of the final project in printed form that they could put in their lobby.
What are your thoughts on offering those?
Author
I think everyone has to negotiate their own standing. I think the images for their promotion should have been met with positivity, but then again, do they know the difference between a quick snap for IG? Most places have found cause to believe that “anyone can do the photography.”
Involving the subjects in the project somehow , great idea , they feel their part of it , a collaborative project 😀
Author
The only way…but it does make it more time consuming…
Great advice. Open a small door, they see your legit website, and they tell others you’re legit. Also like the field book idea, instead of the lame “look at my phone photos.” There was something at the end about regurgitated worms, too, so quite the video today. Thanks.
Author
The phone thing drives me crazy. It never works as people think it does. The second they start scrolling…I’m out.
Thank you, Dan, for taking the time to read my email and to respond with such kindness, depth, wisdom and generosity. I truly and deeply appreciate it and very very grateful.
Author
No problem. Welcome.