Professional photojournalist Mark M. Hancock discusses photojournalism and the eccentricities associated with gathering images for daily newspapers and magazines.
My clients and colleagues know I give little pop-by gifts to my clients when we tour homes or whenever I’m in their neighborhood. I also have smaller ones for open houses. Each one comes with a “cheesy” little saying about real estate or my services.
I had the fastest-ever hunt-and-kill for a new home. Consequently, I stacked up some gifts while we were inspecting their future home. They were amused and said I could share their video.
This is an updated repost of the information presented on April 4, 2008 at the New York Press Association Annual Convention.
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If you find the "Quick Tips" version to be visual hot sauce, please watch "Savory Tips to Improve Photos." It's the same presentation with more time to savor each image.
Additional information is located on the All PJ-related posts section of this blog. Underlined topics are linked to previous posts with detailed information about the subject.
Timing:
Have patience.
Look for repeated action patterns.
Anticipate the action.
Shoot at apex.
Shoot before collision - wind through reaction.
Get reflective shots (quiet moments)
Seek "timeless" images.
Time of day.
Upon arrival:
Arrive early. Stay late. Shoot signs and rosters. Collect paperwork. Shoot name tags and numbers.
Shoot basic package: scene, normal, tight
Shoot story: lede, transitions, kicker, emotion. Get cutline information (5W & H). Get sound if possible.
Selecting subjects:
Hunting techniques: shadows, oblique angle, concealment, pre-compose, pre-focus Emotion
Activity
Color
Sound
Use attention span limitations.
Goals:
Tell the story.
Get main subjects.
Get emotion. Shoot 100-frame minimum.
Use each lens.
Shoot each angle (left, right, high, low).
Shoot reflection / refraction.
Shoot silhouette / isolation.
Shoot blur.
Before leaving:
Understand the story.
Be able to tell the story in one frame, three frames, five frames, 20 frames.
Have all cutline information. Have 100+ images.
Count equipment.
Advanced: Find new word.
Make unique (rare) images: access, subject, news value, combination.
Multi layers
Multi meaning
Please watch “Know Your Rights as a Citizen Photojournalist.”
Know your rights (most is covered on this link)
It's best to be courteous to defuse confrontations.
Don't be belligerent.
The First Amendment provides the right for anyone to make photos.
Anyone can shoot in public places, streets and sidewalks.
Anyone can shoot where access is granted.
Property owners have the right to deny access.
Understand trespass law by state.
Generally, PJs can shoot until asked to stop.
Exceptions include military facilities and some areas within nuclear plants. Model releases aren't required for editorial use (but pubs may still require).
Celebrities, politicians and emergency workers limited their right to privacy (injected themselves into spotlight).
Felony criminals have no right to privacy until in prison.
The right to privacy is seriously limited in public places.
The exception to this is medical facilities (which include ambulances in some states).
Business security isn't sufficient to prohibit photography.
Trade secrets aren't in public view. Trade dress doesn't apply to photojournalism.
Police may limit access, but can't prohibit photography (prior restraint).
You aren't required to explain the purpose of your photography.
Coercion and harassment by private security is a criminal offense in all states.
Private parties have limited rights to detain and could face criminal and civil charges.
Without a court order, private parties can't confiscate film.
Ask what law was specifically violated.
Ask for this person's name, and who they represent.
Report rights violations to police. Call before the offender does. Enough for now,
Skillman St., Unit 304C
Dallas, Texas 75231
Listed at $200,000 - BAC 3%
MLS# 20818558
This is a perfect property for your investment portfolio. The tenant signed a 12-month lease starting 1 Feb. 2025. This ground-level 964 sq. ft. condominium in Dallas has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, and a covered and fenced porch with outside storage. It’s ideally located near shopping, transportation, employment, dining and entertainment inside the desirable Richardson ISD.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring in the common areas and carpet in the bedrooms were recently installed. The interior was freshly painted. The kitchen features Kenmore appliances, large stainless-steel sink, loads of storage space, a pantry and a window for fresh air. Bathrooms feature new cabinets, sinks and faucets. The community mailboxes are located to the west of the building and the community pool is to the east with sidewalks connecting to both. The Lake Highlands Trail and Jackson Branch Creek are located behind the complex. The trail connects to White Rock Trail about a half mile from the complex.
Type "photojournalism + mark" in most search engines to return here.
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Rita Captured - Katie Award winner
The 2nd printing has also SOLD OUT. Thanks for your support and helping The United Way.
