Public Apologies to some photojounalists

[twoblink]

On my website, (of which the comments have now been removed), I talk about the 2A, etc.. blah blah blah. One of the things I go on about is the "liberal media".etc.. and how ALL media is trash and anti-2A...

Well, got an email yesterday, from a guy who's a photographer.. he basically said to me,

Just because we don't make waves about it doesn't mean we ain't packin' in the hot zones and when we cover most stories!!.. btw.. I own two Ruger revolvers and guess where they sit when I am on a story??



Nice, homeboy packs BOTH on assignment.

So my apologies for lumping all of the media into the anti-2A group. Glad we have some that understand, the freedom of press is only secured by the 2nd.

 

[MrMurphy]

I used to shoot for an NBC affiliate. I tried to get 2nd Amend. stuff on air when I could, but even as a senior staff photog you have little pull when the General Manager, News Director are both antigun Democrats. I got a dove hunting story out, and a CHL-applications-are-up-which-is-good after 9-11-01 story out, and a few others but generally any progun stories were killed by the ND.

I couldn't carry at work, and eventually I said screw it and got out of the business. But I did teach three of my reporters how to shoot first. (.38, .45, 7.62X39mm, 5.56)

 

[Justin]

It's been my experience that those behind the camera, engineers, production, etc., tend not to be raving lefties.

 

[itgoesboom]

TwoBlink,

I think you would be suprised how many photojournalists are into firearms. While its definatly not the majority, there are a lot of us that shoot, and quite a few who carry.

On photography forums that attract alot of photojournalists, this subject comes up everyonce and awhile, and usually causes some controversy. There are a few photographers that even admit to having their CHLs too. I prefer to keep a low profile about it though.

So just know that not all of us are bad.

Just most.

I.G.B.

 

[twoblink]

I think you would be suprised how many photojournalists are into firearms

I am!!!

Some of the people who are behind the camera (literally) seem to have a very good head on their shoulders...

I'm good with buying a beer for the reporter/photographer who packs two Revolvers on assignment.

Glad we still have some allies in the press, albeit a minority.

All I gotta say, that wasn't my impression when I had a 2 day LA Times Orientation... Then again, LA Times...

 

[dinosaur]

Any pretty boy/girl airhead can read copy off a teleprompter. It takes some skill (aka brains) to work the tools of the trade. If you ever get to see a movie or TV show being made watch and see who the actors hang out with. Intelligence goes to intelligence.

 

[techmike]

Speaking as a former photojournalist..

I always found that photographer/shooters were not an uncommon combination. In fact a rival once became a friend because we both liked to shoot.

 

[MrMurphy]

What really annoyed many other photogs I worked with was the fact I shoot off the shoulder moving very well, few bumps or rolls, at speed (normal walking speed) which is hard to do. They're all like, "how do you do that?" and I just tell them truthfully it's like shooting pistol/SMG/carbine on the move. Same technique, with a heavier object that's sitting ON your shoulder instead of against it. And with about 10 years practice doing it with live fire, cameras are easy!


They were not amused.

 

[Politically Incorrect]

Our station has posted a no firearms policy for on and off property while at work. I think I would've been an excellent photog, but my legs just wouldn't survive a week of carrying the equipment around.

 

[itgoesboom]

I think I would've been an excellent photog, but my legs just wouldn't survive a week of carrying the equipment around.

Yeah, you think that the equipment that TV guys carry around is bad, try being a still shooter, photographing golf, walking several miles, the whole time carrying 2-3 pro digital bodies, a 600 f4 (almost 15lbs by itself), a 300 2.8, a 70-200 and a nice fast wide angle. Talking 50+lbs of gear, and we get heckled by all the crowds. "hey, you know how long I have been waiting here just so that I can see Tiger/Sergio/whoever, what gives you the right to set up in front of me....".

I.G.B.

 

[twoblink]

I got a 10x15" enlargment of a picture I took (my first). Guy walks by and asks "What tripod do you use?" I was taken back by the question; I told him, but then I told him, this shot was handheld. "No way!!" he was shocked. wanted to know my secret to a steady hand.. "Dry firing!!"

All my "personal" photographer friends are shooters; be it a camera or a rifle... Some on my photography discussion boards however leave much to be desired...

 

[Politically Incorrect]

I went to school for broadcasting and people kept asking me about a pseduo-Steadicam shot I did on a school project of following a person walking in front of me. I just used a wide angle adapter on a camcorder.

It's the same principle of using a variable high power scope. If you zoom in camera/scope movement is exaggerated. Zoom out and the little movements of your hands are not as noticeable. I would just "float" along the camcorder.

Of course, weight and activity are what limits me since I've had both legs broken. I think I went into the wrong line of business. Soon, I'm going to compete with Parker Vision.

I've been out with a photog several times, but there is no question that without major painkillers I could not do the work day in and day out. The same photog who was overheard saying about how even though he was black he hated going to the west side of town joked about how he needed a gun. The memo went up the next day.

 

[MrMurphy]

Camera: Panasonic AJD400 digital video cam with light and battery attached: 27 lbs or so.

Tripod: 14 lbs.

Bag of toys: about ten pounds, fourteen with a spare battery.


That's fairly light, when I shot with a Betacam SP the camera was 40lbs. Wearing all that and running flat out 100+ yards to a crime scene means no trips to the gym. Just working keeps you in shape. I also carried that crap in the rain about 3/4 of a mile to a flooded underpass once. That was no fun.

I'm soooooooo glad I'm out of the business.