View from the media benchWords and Image by Anil Mungal
RAMA, Ont. – Okay, so I've been asked: "What is it like being a photojournalist at the TSN Skins Game?"
Let's start by answering the question of what a photojournalist does. The primary duty is to take photographs that tell a story. The photos themselves should be clear, concise, truthful images that easily convey a message to the readers. Along with the image, a photojournalist must also write caption information for each image to explain the "who, what, where, when, and why" of the photograph.
On a typical shoot, I usually arrive at the venue an hour before game time and remain until after the game is over. First, I setup my laptop at the media bench which is at one end of the curling sheet. I verify that I have an internet connection and that I can download and edit my photos from my camera. Next, I set up my two cameras and ensure that I can get good exposures based on the lighting for the venue. Here at Casino Rama the lighting is very good – better than most arena venues that I've encountered.
For the rest of the event I will spend my time shooting images, downloading them to my laptop, editing, cropping, colour-correcting, captioning and transmitting the images. I will move around the arena to get some different angles, but a lot of the time, I am sitting at ice level on a carpet directly on the curling sheet or on a cold concrete floor... so it can get pretty chilly!
A couple of things to keep in mind in creating good images is to use observation and pre-visualization. Keep a constant lookout to find a good subject with a good background. Have a good understanding of the event and its rules so that you know how the game will flow and what photo opportunities will arise (and when). It also helps to know your subjects so you can be prepared for displays of emotion which help to communicate your story. If you aren't prepared for a broom smash, you'll only get a photo of the pieces.
It can be quite exhausting once its over, but there is always that personal quest for a great image that can be the highlight of your portfolio.
As far as blogging goes, well, this is kind of new for me – after all, I'm an image guy, not a word guy. How do you think I'm doing? Rate my blog attempts below by choosing one through five stars!