How I Photographed My First New York Times Assignment
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Let's talk about my first photography assignment ever.
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Great work Bryan, a respectful approach and you're awareness of the situation goes a long way.
Thanks, Willem. Really appreciate it.
Your messages to me have been insightful with this whole process. Probably even saved me a verbal lashing when I posted without permission that first time. Your kindness is appreciated.
uh oh willem, your*
Beautiful images. Keep it up
Outstanding work Bryan. You told the stories in a really compelling way more like an artist than a journalist I would say, but without any personal bias or sensationalism. Very inspirational
Glad to hear that, Dave. Really means a lot! I just tried to tackle it like anything else.
Fantastic photos and you handled the whole situation like a professional. Can’t wait to see you progress with the next assignments
Also can’t wait for the Ouray vid…
Thanks, Logan. Hopefully my next one is little more laidback!
Started editing it and have no idea where to begin...gonna have to brainstorm.
Something I appreciate about your work is the transparency and honesty you show. Like that situation with cops letting you in and you reflecting on that feeling. It just seems right to acknowledge that. Also sharing insecurity and thought process with friends and even people on the spot. Out of curiosity, are photo editors open to film nowadays? Considering assignments and fast turnover.
Thanks for the kind words. Being honest is the only way I can do it. I value that when I watch others.
They are very open to film but you definitely have to have the track record to back it up. I’m assuming (big assumption possibly) that most of them know that I primarily use 4x5 so if I get assigned a specific story they would know that I would use large format as my main camera. But for this it doesn’t make sense so you gotta go with what is fastest.
You can have an exhibition in the town when its rebuild with the intervjus
Dude the cops hate the press do you know why? It's because they're always catching them doing sh*t they shouldn't be doing.
Great video Bryan. Do newspapers in North America publish a lot of black and white photos? I study photojournalism in Sweden and over here there are barely any black and white work at all.
Thanks, Jakob! I don’t see it too much over here apart from some very popular photographers that I follow that primarily use black and white. That’s why I did indeed send the final images in color. But for my own personal taste, black and white is more for me.
you are really outstanding in your position as a photography content creator on this platform in my eyes. I really dig the honesty and the way you talk about experiences rather than gear or other useless time consuming stuff (even though I love content of gear, don't we all do?)
Anyway, the next publication might be yours !
Keep it up
Thank you! Yeah, I like gear as much as the next guy but there comes a point where you’ve said everything you can say about it. That happened on RUclips like five years ago but people continually talk about it for views. To each their own but I can’t do it.
@@BryanBirks haha won't you please make video about the m6 ? There's just not enough content of it out there.
all jokes aside, I really love the fact that you specifically didn't talk about what camera you used !
This is such a great video! Honest and really helpful to anyone who's interested in documentary photography.
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This was so insightful Bryan, thank you for sharing the story. Great work on the respectful and thoughtful approach you had and the results speak for themselves. I can't yet imagine making work of this kind, so it was highly interesting to listen to your experience. Congrats on the assignment, hopefully more will follow.
Thanks, Teo. Glad you enjoyed!
Man.... I really enjoy watching your video, work. It makes me want to shoot more ...unfortunately the area where I'm at nowadays isn't really inspiring :( (Belgium, Brussels) THAT FIRST photo of the lady next to here camera is just perfect!!!
Thank you!
Love this video super insightful. Great work!🌸✨
Thank you very much 🖤
@@BryanBirks of course!
This is great. Do you think you’ll revisit the subjects in a few months time?
I definitely think I’ll go back in a couple of months. Specifically to make some portraits on film.
@@BryanBirks that is a great idea. Often after the media leaves the people are left dealing with insurance companies and waiting their turn to rebuild. Shining some light on what happens after the TV news and media cycle moves on would be a good thing - obviously with the consent of those involved.
Question; What camera/gear were you using? I take it GFX or something digital? I just associate you as a large format shooter, and with this kind of assignment (and necessity for quick delivery) then this was not a feasible option (or even desirable)?
Right. I used a Lumix s1 and 35mm lens. Probably could have shot some 4x5 in hindsight but I was looking to deliver quite quickly.
Congrats on the job! Nicely done.
Regarding the photo on the left with the guys smiling. Even though it doesn’t fit the somber narrative/story of sadness and distraction, it certainly still tells a story on its own. The very first thought I had when viewing that photograph was, WOW, they are seeing their friends, family and neighbors for the first time after a tragic event. They are so happy to see each other. But yeah, the sad hug photo was probably the better one for the story as a whole.
Out of curiosity, did you just verbally tell the officer you were on assignment for the NYT, or did you have an official press pass or something to verify you were legit?
I’d feel pretty baller too, not gonna lie.
Keep up the good work.
Yeah, I just said we were working for the Times and were photographers. I thought to myself that if he asks for more proof all I really have is an email, but luckily he didn't. Haha
Would you be comfortable sharing editorial feedback on this assignment ? I think that'd be really great because in my opinion some of the shots were worthy of publication. Maybe the information is too sensitive and the NYT doesn't allow it.
Feedback was positive for sure. I don’t really know (or care) why they weren’t published specifically. If they boost the story then good but if it doesn’t or if time has passed then no problem in my book. I’m going to photograph that same way regardless.
It's always a bit strange to comment on an old video but it just appeared in my feed. As someone who's not really interested in photos of vintage cars and such like, I was very impressed to see your work in a real life situation. I completely understand the awkwardness as a first assignment in the face of such a tragedy. I hope you get more assignments because you've done really well.
Coming to this late Bryan, could you have worn something with “Press” visible on it (say a high vis vest or something similar)?
Definitely. Might be something in my toolbag if I ever get called again for something like this.
You don't see videos like this that give information on what to do or the resources to do it. People are very protective these days on their methods and it sucks for people that want to know or want to be in the dame field. That information doesn't belong to anyone so it should be shared more.
I agree. The people that are afraid are just people that know they have a lot to lose. I’m confident in my work and believe that if we all learn it’s a good thing overall.
A fantastic look into a world not many of us are familiar with. Your honesty and humility here is remarkable.
Appreciate you, Eric!
Heartfelt and honest, Bryan. Thanks. I also prefer the b&w edits.
Thanks for watching, William.
So good, dude. Do you have a link to the NYT article?
This specific one wasn’t published unfortunately! But I’m already working on starting my second one so hopefully I have something on the page soon ✌🏻
Your success speaks for itself. NYT! Being honest, polite and straightforward is best in all things. Congrats.
Thank you, Zoltan!
Thanks as always for you thoughtful approach. I love listening to you videos and seeing your work. It seems like you got some great results given the incredible stressful situation for everyone involved. You captured some very powerful images of the chaos and desperation - yet your usual sense of inner calm (visual style) comes through. I am curious, insomuch as you like to shoot film, what type of gear you chose to uses for this situation? Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks, Blakeann. I used digital for all of this. A Lumix S1 and Sigma 35mm f/1.2. Mostly shot stopped down all the way and also used a 1/8 pro mist filter to take the edge off. I did have to remove that there at the end because the humidity was getting to it.
Great insights, thank you
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Congratulations and great work on the first assignment Bryan, Seemed like a tricky one to start of with too!👏🏾
Very tricky! But learned a lot. Thank you.
Some powerful images - a “Baptism of Fire” for your first professional assignment, well done.
Yes, I would say. Haha the first one they reached out about (that I cut out of the video) was actually much more chill. It involved some portraits of teachers and students but it fell through because of a location mistake. So maybe the next one will be more like that.
great job, im sure this is the first of many life changing assignments
Thanks, Gabriel.
This is a topic that I have been incredibly curious about for the longest time. Like you say, no one really talks about these other dynamics of these sorts of projects. Appreciate the knowledge. 🖖
Bryan, it was an honor to see images after the destruction this town faced and to hear about your experience of covering this assignment. Congratulations on all your hard work to get to the point of making work for NY Times. I admire your courage in taking on this assignment. I really appreciated your honesty with us in n your video and with the people of this town. I cannot imagine how challenging, uncomfortable and overwhelming this would have been to document and cover this disaster-so much tension between wanting to share the stories and experiences of these people and also not wanting to be in the way or cause more problems for them. I deeply appreciated seeing your fantastic images, the stories they tell and how you approached the situation and people with kindness, respect and understanding. Thank you for sharing your experience with us-I admire you and your work.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Amanda. Really means a lot. Glad you got a lot out of it!
Its hard making money out of other's misfortune. But by showing the situation you ultimately help them. I think you did a great job, sensibly handled with care. Nice photos. And congrats on working for the NYT. Pulitzer coming up in the next few years? Mono really suits the scene. Well done.
So pleased we don't get storms like this in the UK. And our houses are made of bricks!
Thanks, Andy. Definitely a hard task but if it has to be done, I want to be the one that does it. Pulitzer? Probably not ever. Haha I’m still very new to this type of work. Maybe if I go all in on photojournalism.
wonderful stuff hope squarespace doesn’t get upset that you super imposed their logo over the devastation… 😉
They have to approve everything before uploading so I don’t think they mind.
Great work! Thank you for sharing it. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
congrats man
Thank you!
Far out I enjoy listening to you talk about your experiences. And also, looking at your images. It's all so bloomin' wonderful!
Glad you enjoy, sir. Thank you!
Can I ask how much you paid for the assignment?
I’m not going to name specifics but if you want to know just send me a DM and I’ll give more details. Payment was worth my time but not anything mind blowing.
@@BryanBirks Yeah I get that. DM on IG?
Not an easy first assignment Bryan, the photos look amazing. Thank you for making this video, it was really inspiring.
Thanks for watching, Ivan 🖤
Great job! Curious about the photojournalism standards you had to follow, if any. Did they want just jpegs or could you shoot raw? (For a minute I thought these were 4x5 film...) Interesting to hear what you were "allowed" to do with each photograph.
Also, could you have followed that man into his house and taken more photos? It would be incredibly powerful to experience someone eating a meal in their destroyed dining room.
Thanks for taking us along for this ride.
Just jpegs and minimal edits. I could have followed him but I had a feeling that he wanted to be alone. And honestly I would have wanted that for myself if I was him. He had his dogs and I think that’s all that really mattered. Appreciate the comment, Tom.
That was incredibly fascinating to watch. It was interesting to hear about your insecurities on the assignment, and I can't imagine how tough that must have been. I myself often feel paralysed with trying to capture photographs of people, and strangers, so it was great to listen to you describe in detail how you managed those feelings and were able to overcome them to get the work done. Loved seeing the photographs too - thank you!
Excellent video Bryan thank you and yes I learned a lot. Congratulations on your first assignment and I loved the work. Great to see someone going in to such a difficult situation with self-awareness and humility.
Great work ! As someone who’s shy I literally struggle w the same thing when taking photos so this was definitely inspiring ! Keep it up
Congratulations! Did you ever get to the car show in Forest Park? Also, a great location with a couple of old cars and trucks, McCausland and Southwest...east of McCausland on Southwest, Abbot and Southwest, near Southwest Diner...
Thanks. I've been busy with other work to focus on the project at the moment but looking forward to shooting more as the weather gets warmer.
Awesome work bud and I appreciate the insight into how it started. Those images were stellar, really moving - I appreciate the small blurs from what I assume are raindrops on your lens. It really adds character to the images and helps illustrate the chaos of it all.
Thanks, Robbie. I’ve had a couple of people say that about the raindrops. I was trying my best to clear the lens the whole time by frantically drying it off but looking back, I definitely don’t mind it at all. Definitely agree with you.
Thanks for the kind words 🍻
@@BryanBirks Always my friend! Can't wait to see the shenanigans in your next video.
Can't imagine how hard it was to walk up on the people; I have no doubt your approach was appreciated after seeing how a lot of "journalists" get right in people's faces with no respect. Strong work and agree the B&W conveys the sense of situation best.
Thanks for the kind words. I just tried to handle it with everything else that I do. It’s the only way I know how.
thanks for the insight. good on you for being so conscientious and thoughtful
Appreciate it, Ribs 🍻
Incredible video and photos. As a hobbyist, I really appreciate the candid insights into the profession, the thought process and your feelings towards such a heavy assignment. Thank you!
Thanks for watching Kevin!
Congratulations on your first assignment. Great work!
This is great work. I like your distance to things and people. I like the space and breathing you gave in your images. Turned backs don't matter as much as they tell the story of the catastrophe that just happened. I do miss one or two full frontal portrait like you know how to do. But overall the story you just told is the one of a small town missouri that saw a night of apocalypse and it is very well told. I hope it does get published someday.
The front portraits were very tough for me in the moment. I didn’t really know how to tackle that but I think with experience it will come to me. I think if I had the 4x5 I would have been more inclined. I’m just not a fan of taking portraits with a digital camera. Almost feels like paparazzi in a way.
Appreciate the kind words!
Really great video mate. Sounds and looks like you did a great job for your first time. Specially under the circumstances.
One you’ll never forget for sure!
Thank you! Definitely something I’ll never forget.
Good job man. Never ever be timid or act undecided or scared. You have to look as if you are in control, respect people's feelings and be courteous, but after that, be like a bulldog. I'm only where I am now in my photographic career because I never took no for an answer, just acted as if I was meant to be there and people will look up to you. I'm a professional gig and events photographer in Perth, Western Australia. I wear my press pass around my neck and once folk see that, literally 98% of everybody will allow you to get your photo. People are basically fantastic and they all want their face emblazoned across a page or spread somewhere. Heck - I even have them 'wheel' their kids out to be photographed. All my shots that have sold well and got me to where I am today, was because I just pushed in as if I was meant be there and got my shot. I'd always look back and the timid photographers were standing back with the their long lenses getting the same boring shots. I was in people's faces with a wide angle lens and got the money shot. Take a look if you don't believe me. All the best for your future and go for it young man - you'll do well. philipsuttonphotography.com
Thanks for the comment, Philip. Definitely something I need to work on. I was timid in the beginning and opened up more once I understood that people were taking me seriously but only a little bit more. Looking forward to the next opportunity as I expect to grow more and more.
I have been involved with disasters for many years all over the Us & the Caribbean & it is always a difficult time for the victims & the people who help in what ever capacity. Your video, to me, portrait that feeling.
Appreciate it, Ted.
Wow, what an awful situation for those folks. I really appreciate the insight you gave in this video, Bryan. Some pretty strong images in there. Congrats on what I would consider a job very well done. Hopefully there's more opportunities coming your way!
Thank you! I hope so as well 🍻
Great Video, Congrats for your NY Times Assignment!. looking forward to seeing you with Brae 😆
It should be a good time 🍻
Congratulations. Beautifully work. Raw, filled with truth and just the right amount of hope
Thanks so much, Laura 🖤
I haven’t finished watching yet. But it’s great seeing you out here creating amazing work and working for the NYT! I love this for you! Also what gear did you take with you?
Thanks, Nita.
I ended up taking my Lumix S1 and Sigma 35mm. That’s it. Had I known that this wasn’t going to be published than I probably would have shot some 4x5 as well. But that’s just a lesson to learn.
Great video Bryan and congratulations on completing your first assignment with The NY Times. You are to be commended for being so candid in revealing your feelings experienced while approaching this tragic story. Bravo!
Thank you, Alan 🍻
Beautiful work with your first assignment. I can imagine how hard it is to begin with such an event...
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This is super interesting and educational. Thank you so much for sharing with us on how you got to be in the position that you could be called on to do this. Everything you said about interacting with the people really resonated with me. Well done.
Appreciate it!
Awesome work, Bryan. So cool to hear how you approached this. I appreciate your openness and vulnerabilities. Congratulations on the job opportunity and looking forward to following the more to come. Love the photos, as always.
Appreciate the support as always, sir!
I really appreciate this video. I would like to know what lens did you use here and what aperture on most of those wider shots. These photographs are truly great.
35mm lens and f16 mostly.
This is a very interesting and compelling video. I think you did a very good job on your first assignment for the New York Times.
Thank you, Steve!
Really great man, especially for your first assignment! Honesty & humbleness will take you far!
Appreciate it!
thank you so much for sharing, I'm really happy for you.
can I ask you if when you sent the people's photos to the editor, did you also explain their stories?
Thank you! Not specific stories but just small details within the photo. Names, dates, and if they were doing anything.
You took some incredible photos. And good on you for facing your fears and discomfort and speaking honestly to the victims of this disaster. Their story deserves to be told and you honored them with your photos. I hope this leads to more assignment work for you. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Great video Bryan. Love your personal approach with people that just went through a very difficult experience. Kudos to your best bro for supporting you.
Thanks, Gary. Yeah Josh’s first reaction was “I don’t fuck with tornados.” But I had to inform him that the tornado had indeed already passed. Lol
Great video Bryan, very insightful, it’s been really interesting and eye opening to see how your career is developing, allowing this kind of insight into the process of becoming a NYT photographer is really unmatched. Thanks so much for sharing all this, you are inspiring more young photographers than you know!
Thanks, Colm. Happy to hear that. I try to make the videos that I would want to watch as a beginner. Just trying my best to be open about the whole process!
I think you are the right person for this job. The b/w-fotos are impressed.
I wish the best for these people.
Thank you kindly 🖤
Some really good images but the video is fantastic - your honesty about your reaction to the task is valuable - we all feel like this at some point.
Thanks, John. Glad you enjoyed!
I didn’t expect that as next video. Congrats on how you managed the hole thing. We are watching the beginning of a long long career.
Thank you, Corinne! I sure hope so.
Well done getting through it. Very articulate about why one image works and another doesn't (such as the women hugging, or the stoic dog). Your aesthetic is large format fine art photography tradition so it was a big ask to come up with photos that a newspaper would use.
Thanks, Pete. Would have loved to shoot some 4x5 there but just not enough time. I might go back at some point and shoot large format when time allows.
Great job
Thanks, Andrew 🍻
Awesome work. Really glad you're doing this kind of work.
Thank you, Chris!
Thanks for sharing thoughts and process Bryan ! It was a very interesting experience for you and i can’t wait to see your progression for the next ones !
Appreciate it, Simon. Happy to see you enjoyed it!
Good on you for succeeding on your first assignment, fantastic images, but hearing you take about the way you got to where you are now is the most interesting part.
Glad you got something out of it, Rob!
Kudos!
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Great work Bryan. Thank you for sharing this journey you are having with the New York Times, its very exciting and educational to hear your about you moving into this space.
Thanks for coming along with me. It’s all about learning and the process. Per usual. ✌🏻
I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play
You’re late!
What lens did you use?
Sigma 35mm f/1.2
Are you familiar with Sean Tucker on RUclips? Take a look, similar thought process.
Pretty familiar but stopped watching his videos a while back. I do dig his interviews with other photographers though.
it is very sad to see how a youtuber stole work that supose to be to a profesional photojournalist.
It’s sad you think that, Daniel. Hope you have a better day.
IMHO photojournalism is a truely noble profession but sadly the days of large numbers of staff photographers working for newspapers is long gone as many news papers and magazines are themselves long gone. (maybe stronger unions might help). At least the Times did not just send out a journalist with an iPhone and a one day training course on how to take photos.
@@ozbaz99 a journalist whit an iphone is a journalist atleast, not a youtuber.
do not reply to this message i really don´care you opinion and im not reading it before this message