My sweetheart and I had quite an enjoyable day recently. It started out a small, simple photo shoot of a few local events for a regional magazine, one of her favorite clients. They basically had asked for images documenting what was going on in town during a very busy weekend filled with excitement as local people are out and about enjoying the events. What I came to realize, in almost no time, is that it does not matter where you live, what city or town, the suburbs or the downtown area. There is a vibrant, almost palpable pulse you can feel when you step inside the bubble of getting "plugged in" to what is going on.
A city known for music, they start them young in Muskogee, OK
Our little town had the following events all going on at the same time:
- Classic Car Show
- Downtown Art Walk, featuring local talents
- "Grape Stomp" at a Local Winery
- The 5K "Zombie Run" for Charity in Full Costume
- Family Fun Day, A Cancer Fund-raiser
- Well-known Entertainers featuring Live Music at the Newest Local Wine Bar
One of the busy booths at the local park.
Imagine the excitement of going from event to event and often bumping into the same people time and time again throughout the day. From the Mayor and city officials, to families, local radio personalities, and more.
This is the kind of shoot that does not require you to speak. With this kind of work you seek and hunt for images. You don't pose, you don't move them into position. You go find pictures that tell a story. You have to set the stage. You record what is taking place.
One of the many "grape stompers"
My biggest point for this post is to pass along the importance of doing your best to make a great picture that tells a story. Based on what your use is of the work, you have to decide what kind of pictures you wish to take. But keep in mind that in the case of magazine photography you are not there to explain what the viewer sees as they turn the pages. They either get that the images follow along with the story and fit, or they don't..