This routine assignment was to document Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen’s visit to a Washington County Library as part of the statewide focus on Imagination Library Week. That’s the partnership between Dolly Parton and The State of Tennessee to give every young child books to stimulate reading and education.
After the photo-op of the Governor reading to the kids I caught him in a private moment with Amanda Baker. Amanda couldn’t hear Gov. Bredesen read; she has grown up deaf. However this program and the love of reading is helping her thrive. She took part in the library’s summer reading program and read more than 150 books!
It’s important to note that the rest of the media were standing around socializing or giving the TV “talking heads” wrap up after the photo-op. They missed this moment. However, I kept watching for relevant photographs and didn’t leave till the Governor did.
I think this is what separates the true photojournalist from the faux pretenders. Often I wonder if some photographers are paying enough attention to the moment and to their craft to qualify themselves for the labels they’re assuming.
In many ways photography is like golf. Anyone who plays enough will hit a good shot every now and then. However it takes a lot of practice and determination to elevate your play to championship level.
In 1999 I went to Carnoustie, Scotland to help a colleague cover the British Open. Arriving at the course early one morning I saw that Tiger Woods was the only player practicing. And of players there, I think he was one of the few who needed practice the least. I think it’s the same in photography.
I’ve worked for 10 newspapers as college internships or staff. The last five years were at the Ft. Lauderdale News (part of the Chicago Tribune family). And along the way I’ve won numerous awards in photojournalism. Although I moved on to other work, I believe the ultra competitive discipline learned there is still an asset and keeps me focused on my work.
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