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The photographer should always identify what is important and emphasize it. Before taking this photograph, I knew that the trophy and crowd were the most important objects at this event. To get both in same frame, I put a wide angle lens (24mm) on the camera, put the camera above my head and tilted it down a little and took several frames to get this image. This technique is known as a "Hail Mary" in news photography. By the way, one should say a prayer as one presses the shutter button.
In this photograph taken for the Associated Press, an estimated 40 thousand fans get a look at the coveted NBA trophy at Boston's City Hall in 1981. The Boston Celtics where being honored after winning their 14th title. See graphic below outlining how this photograph was taken.
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Several days after announcing he was a candidate for president in 1979, Reagan made an appearance in Boston. Getting a photograph emphasizing this relatively unknown candidate with his wife was the story of the day. After getting dull podium photographs, I positioned myself in the crowd, hoping that Reagan would shake some hands. The crowd made it difficult for me to get near the candidate. Shooting three frames using the "Hail Mary" technique resulted in this photograph. Keeping the security agents in the background reminds the viewers that he is now a presidential candidate. The photograph ran on the front page of the Boston University student newspaper (Daily Free Press). |
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Make sure what you want the viewer to see is what appears in the photograph. To get this photograph, I walked around the stadium to get the least disturbing background. In attempt to emphasize the bear and keep distractions to a minimal, I used a telephoto lens. The bear was performing in small traveling circus which was making a stop in Boston. This photograph was transmitted to newspapers around the USA by the Associated Press. |
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Keeping the composition simple makes the routine interesting. Using a 200mm lens to draw focus only on the child, keeps the viewer's attention on the face and the water. This photograph was taken after being at the children's pool in a Boston neighborhood for an hour waiting for everything to come together. Published by Associated Press.
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A light subject has more impact when placed
against a dark background. The woman's face and white scarf contrast
against the dark coat. The striped umbrella further intensifies
interest in her arm movement. I found this subject right in my
neighborhood while searching for winter storm features in 1984.
Published by Associated Press.
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In this photograph, I patiently walked around the firefighter until I saw the dark background to contrast against the white steam coming from his head. Using a 200mm lens threw the background out of focus. I captured this moment at a small two-alarm fire in the Brighton section of Boston in 1983. There were no serious injuries at this single house fire. Even small events can present interesting subjects. The key is to look and then look again at possible subjects. The most obscure subject can present a simple but interesting photograph. Published by Associated Press. |
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©Copyright 2005 by Sean C. Kardon
