Foray into Photojournalism (comments please)

[calpie]

These were taken at an anti-war rally held in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, March 20, 2004. The last two shots involve the Los Angeles Police Department and a group of anarchists. The anarchists had brought live ammunition to the rally strapped around their waists. The police quickly confiscated these items despite the anarchists protests that it was not illegal to carry ammunition. Any and all comments are welcome. Thank you.

[PuckJunkey]

The second shot is by far the best. It is nicely framed and conveys clearly the emotion of the moment, something about who the people in the frame "are", and the exposure is pretty good considering it was shot in bright sunlight. This to me is a good photo-j shot.

The first, because of its perspective, is not very photo-j-like (is that a word?) to me. I think all the great photojouralist shots I've seen are amidst the action. Not looking down on it or looking upon it from afar. They're right there (sometimes right where they ought not be) and the shot puts you in a place you could otherwise only read about. Also here, the shot is more about the balloon than the people below... tends to give it a more editorial flavor, rather than a journalistic one.

The third is just too busy IMO.

My final recommendation: if you're shooting digital, try doing some B&W conversions / or your camera's B&W setting, if it has one. Photo-j is almost always more powerful in B&W IMO.

[Ronnoco]

These were taken at an anti-war rally held in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, March 20, 2004. The last two shots involve the Los Angeles Police Department and a group of anarchists. The anarchists had brought live ammunition to the rally strapped around their waists. The police quickly confiscated these items despite the anarchists protests that it was not illegal to carry ammunition. Any and all comments are welcome. Thank you.

The contrast seems to be too extreme on your shots, which means that you are missing some of the important details which contribute to the mood of the protest and the feelings of the protesters.

Without changing the composition, I just modified the contrast in one of your shots, to improve the detail. What do you think?

Ronnoco

[natatbeach]

I've come back to look at this post several times and I just really like the strength behind the middle shot. The tension is very apparent. Easy to see what part each person has...I think your venture has worked out well. the second shot could definitely benefit from an adjustment in curves and cloning that hair that I presume was on the scanner. I also increased the saturation by +7....hope you don't mind... I think it was a successful first venture

[gahspidy]

I think the second shot is very powerful and by far the best.. As usual , PJ has taken my thoughts and stated them word for word.. Good stuff . . . . .