Let’s get this blog started. All things politics in Southwest Michigan.
Most times, press conferences are dull to shoot. Talking head, no variation and little room to move if there are other photogs. As a reporter, they can be on either extremes: a) you know everything they are talking about already, because you are a good reporter, and you are there incase any new news breaks or b) you know nothing about whats going on and are taking frantic, stenographic notes. Today, the press conference was great as a photographer: variation in light, room to move and a compelling subject matter: a police officer grazed a bullet. And there is video.
(also, we heard this on the scanner — eerie to hear it again with the added visuals.)
I’ve started covering politics and government for the Kalamazoo Gazette. It’s a fun beat: always something new going, always complex. But beyond all the budgets and agendas and motions, it’s been hard for me to find the human story. I don’t know if it’s all about telling the human story — that is the the ultimate goal of a journalist — but to tell a story in a different way. Tell the story of the city in its inner workings, through programs and taxers, through the people who work for the city.
The additional challenges are:
a) making people care
b) make the information engaging
c) provide context.
Covering the City, State and Federal government now (it’s a temporary gig) how do each of these work together, how are they different.
Why should people care? What is the human story?
The adventure begins.
New Harvey’s on the Mall. Sports bar #kalamazoo (Taken with Instagram at Harvey’s On The Mall)
#christmas in #kalamazoo circa 1965. Kalamazoo Gazette file photo (Taken with instagram)
Howliday card of the #dogs I made for mom and dad. #christmas #dog #bradybunch (Taken with instagram)
That’s the name I call myself. #kalamazoo #vanityliscenceplate (Taken with instagram)
Derek Jeter and Santa Claus come to Kalamazoo #yankees (Taken with instagram)
