"You just take pictures?"
Just.
It's funny how one little word can rub you the wrong way.
Granted, I feel lucky to be a professional photojournalist. The ability to make my living doing something I love is not a luxury afforded to most, but that oh-so-common question seems to imply that my job is easy, trivial and nothing but fun.
Anybody can make a good photo at a boisterous event in good light, but what about a sedate one in dim lighting?
Or worse, a staged event in mixed lighting.
Such was the case when the city of Richland unveiled its 50th anniversary banner back in May. Im not slamming the organizers of the event, only pointing to the fact that what makes for comfortable participants doesnt usually make for good photos.
The subjects were situated in shade while a 1947 Chevy shined in harsh midday sun, and the banner hung high on a wall across the street in lighting that was somewhere in between.
At times like these, a photographer has to dive into his or her bag of tricks in an attempt to come up with an interesting image from a visually boring event.
I tried working the reflection off the car window to include the necessary elements while capturing the spirit of the event. Its not earth-shattering, but I was happy with ithappy enough to be disappointed when it didnt run due to limited space.
And now Im happy it has a home here.
~~~~~
kyau@tricityherald.com
(509) 585-7205
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Cliché Bells Ring
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Once the turkey-wine-and-starch hangover wears off, holiday season dread starts settling in for me. I'm no soldier in the supposed war on Christmas, but there's plenty for me to loathe in the most wonderful time of the year. Chief is how boring I find the majority of holiday-themed assignments.
The annual cycle of community photojournalism does repeat in numerous areas of coverage, but standard go-to Christmas features make me cringe more than any other. There's a lot to like about the feel-good stories that populate holiday pages, but I'm lamenting the easy cheesy space-fillers.
The top offender is our annual rundown of local Christmas light displays. It'll be in our Sunday Extra section on Sunday, Dec. 18., and I know some readers can't wait to get recommendations on what houses to check out. I like Christmas lights just fine, but photographing them is as mind-numbing as it is finger-and-toe-numbing.
We're thankful for our traditions and community
We're thankful for our traditions and community
Christmas really does bring out feelings of generosity and gratitude in our community. Either you're in a position where you can help someone else or you're able to be grateful for what you have -- most of probably fall into both categories.
Here's just a few of the examples we've seen this week.
Stolen presents
WSU: 'Santa' Butch to visit Gordon Brothers Winery event in Pasco
WSU: 'Santa' Butch to visit Gordon Brothers Winery event in Pasco
PASCO — Gordon Brothers Winery and the Washington State University Alumni Association team up to present their annual Tri-Cities Cougar Gold and Mistletoe event on Saturday at the estate winery in Pasco.
This event features features a wine tasting, Cougar cheeses light appetizers and WSU merchandise. It's a good way to start holiday shopping for the favorite Cougars in your life.
Pre-registration costs include a souvenir wine glass, wine tasting, light appetizers, and photos with Santa Butch (bring your own camera).
Battelle Flim Club presents 'Le Bonheur' with much happiness
Battelle Flim Club presents 'Le Bonheur' with much happiness
This week, the Battelle Film Club
presents Le Bonheur , a French film with the title that translates to “Happiness.”
The title of the subtitled flick is appropriate. Francois is happily married to the beautiful Therese. They have two equally beautiful kids. The very much in love Francois and Therese and the children spend many happy hours being — well — happy.
Francois meets Emilie. Like everyone else, she’s happy. He’s instantly smitten. Moments later, Francois is completely in love. So is she. They have an affair. Nothing super sordid. Just a happy get together once or twice a week. In fact, the more he sees Emilie, the deeper he falls in love with her, the deeper he falls in love with his wife.
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