How To Photograph Spot News

Learn how to cover breaking spot news and disasters without losing your way, or your life. I’m breaking down 5 essential steps for photojournalists navigating a world on the brink of apocalypse. The world feels like a mess, doesn't it? The algorithm fries our brains with division and hatred until we can't see the truth right in front of us. In this video, I’m looking back at the time an earthquake shook me out of bed in 2007, leading to a cover on the Sunday Times and a crash course in what it actually means to document disaster. What We’re Covering: I’ve condensed my experience and training from the likes of Paul Lowe at LCC into five hard-won steps for any photographer who finds themselves cover a confusing breaking news event: Work Out What’s Going On: Real life isn't a film; there’s no pre-written narrative. You have to find the truth in the chaos. And then photograph it. Be Safe: From road accidents to active targeting, your first job is to survive. I talk through the reality of navigating a city when the lights go out. Get the Photographs Out: Whether it's finding a working internet connection in a blackout or hiding film in your boots like a scene from Salvador, your images mean nothing if no one sees them. Save Yourself: As Mike Goldwater once told me in this very cellar: if you die, no one sees the work. Save the World: We can't appeal to intellect anymore in this "post-truth" world. We have to appeal to the heart. I discuss my work with Syrian refugees in Lebanon from 2013 and why focusing on innocence is the only way to cut through the noise. Conflict might come to you when you least expect it. When it does, will you be ready to shape the nature of our reality? Please do like and subscribe—I know everyone says it, but it truly helps these stories reach more humans (and fewer monsters). SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/user/edthomps.... BUY PHOTO BOOKS & ZINES.... https://edwardthompson.co.uk/Book-Sales INSTAGRAM   / mredthompson   If you found that helpful please consider becoming a CHANNEL MEMBER for exclusive videos and access, it's only £2.99 and well, its the cats pyjamas!    / @picturesonmymind   TUTORIALS I do regular 1-2-1 tutorials with photographers from all over the world helping them with their photography projects, from the West Coast of America to Japan! If you like my analysis and 'can do attitude' then feel free to book me for a tutorial. From only £50 https://edwardthompson.co.uk/teaching I'M WRITING ON SUBSTACK. IT'S FREE https://substack.com/@synchromancy/notes #Photojournalism #DocumentaryPhotography #PhotographyEthics #SpotNews #VisualStorytelling #PicturesOnMyMind