Photojournalism

I feel saturated in photojournalism. For the life of me, I can't figure out if this is a good thing or a bad thing. It's exciting, but stifling at the same time. A couple months back I stumbled across an opportunity on the long commute from school in Kelowna to home in Salmon Arm. A fire had broke out up the hill from the highway. When I saw it, I thought I would go take some pictures and I actually beat the fire department there. Took some mediocre shots and sent them off to the Vernon Morning Star as soon as I got home. This one was published, and I got to go for coffee with Cory Bialecki and pick his brain about his work. Very cool opportunity.

I got an email from Cory last week asking if I wanted to be a weekend freelancer while one of the photographers was away. I'm super excited, but a little worried about the time I'd be taking from my studies. Many of my classmates are doing this course load with jobs on top, but I made the conscious decision to dedicate myself completely to school while I'm here. This opportunity is a way for me to cut my teeth as a photojournalist and see if it's something I would like.

Anyone who knows me, knows that my holy grail is to land a job with National Geographic. Working at a paper would be a mandatory step for such a lofty goal and the experience can only serve to prepare me (if only a little) for war photography. That is something I would like to experience - bringing the horror of war home, so it's not just perceived to be about money and politics.

We're also studying photojournalism in school right now; complete with homework. We are to get a shot of "breaking news": something timely like an event. I don't think I've got it with this shot, but let me know if you disagree, either by commenting, or by voting in the poll on the right column. Make sure you read the caption!

Richard Klokeid cracks a smile as he disposes of the rubber from last year's tire before replacing it. Although Motor Cycle Awareness Month isn't until May, eager enthusiasts everywhere are getting an early start on a promising riding season.