new job includes photography

Having relocated to Banning, "Stagecoach Town U.S.A.", I got my first job (part-time) with the Banning Chamber of Commerce. I'm their new Membership Director. I literally "walked" into this job one day when I went into the Chamber to inquire if they had any info on jobs in the area.

As the Membership Director, it will be part of my responsibility to attend ribbon cutting ceremonies and snap pictures. The pictures themselves will be featured in our local paper, the Record Gazette, and our Chamber's newsletter, The Banning Mail Pouch.

Speaking of the Record-Gazette, when I first moved into the area I left a message with the owner of the paper stating that I was interested in any openings they might have for a photographer. I never received a call back, so when I was informed by one of our church members that he had read in the Record Gazette that they were seeking a part-time graphic designer (to build advertisements), I immediately went in with my resume and two weeks later received word that I got that job as well. And wouldn't you know it, the owner of the paper is also on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, lol. Yeah, it's a small town.

Anyhow, here is my first pic of a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new business on the main street. I don't really get to get creative here photographically speaking, but hey, I'll be "published" every month. :) The quality of the jpg is a bit diminished from the tiff I have saved on the computer.

Hey! That's very awesome. Congrats on the new job!

Hi, Schrackman, I'm new here, we haven't met, nice to meet you. :-) Congratulations on getting the job! It's fun to get published. I'm in a photojournalism class right now and have been reading some books on it. I haven't done ribbon cutting or awards ceremonies but they suggest that in addition to getting the shot of the ribbon cutting and handshake, try to take some shots that tell a story about what the event is for. For example in this shot, the owners could be opening the doors of their new business (perhaps with arms out in a 'welcome' gesture) with the group "going in" or standing to each side, but still looking at the camera. Subjects might not be willing but on the other hand, it could be a lot of fun. If you're shooting digital, your downside is low. My guess is that readers/viewers, the participants and you would like these better, so as long as the key people are in the shot, the editor might like it, too. Good luck!