Associated Press Photojournalist

Got this rare opportunity to meet up with an AP Photojournalist. It was a nice meet, and I definitely learn a lot from him.

We had some great discussion, saw some of his great photos, listened to how he tells each and every story, his photography life and his passion. Great boost to my photography knowledge and passion.

Definitely cherish the time we sat down to discuss about things that mattered.

Also, he shared some tips and other survival tips on the field too!

 

1. Wherever you go, always bring along DRINKING WATER and a TORCH LIGHT.

1. Zebra brand stainless steel tray is the best bullet proof material.

2. They shoot whatever they like, and share it with the whole world!

2. Always find out what’s going on with the local, ask the local journalists for info.

3. A great photo archive is at apimages.com

3. He uses 24mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.4 most of the time. Occasional 70-200mm 2.8.

4. Shoot more, observe more, study more images.

4. Compose your shots in your mind before you shoot.

5. When you’re there, just shoot, don’t think. Multiple shots helps too.

5. Find your personality. What makes your photographs so special, that people recognise it’s your work almost immediately??

6. Get your settings right before you use your cam. Also, A- and S-priority modes are very useful.

6. Sometimes, you just need a bit of luck on your side.

7. Adobe Lightroom is a very good friend. Organize your photos!

7. Emergency training is vital if you want to go to dangerous areas. You NEED IT!

8. Keep cropping and editing to the minimum. Occasional vignetting is fine.

8. Zip bags are very good during rain season. Cheapest protection is the microwave food wrap.

9.  If possible, keep triple backups – Laptop HDD, External HDD X 2.

9. Understand the local culture goes a long way.

10. During news reporting, always talk to the news journalist. Know what they’re writing.

10. Small cameras go a long way, when shooting photographs at sensitive areas which may attract unwanted attention. Be careful, NEVER attract other people’s attention.

So hope you guys learn some new things too ya!