Angi, I would advise purchasing two books, Photojouralism, Content and Technique by Greg Lewis and Photojournalism; The Professional's Choice by Kenneth Kobre, two very excellent guides to the profession. Unlike portrait photography which has virtually nothing to do with journalism (although you may get the occasional assignment to do a portrait for an article and people skills are important) you're best bet is to go sit in the park. Watch the people and interactions around you and train yourself to read what is going to happen. "Knowing" a scene unfolding in font of you is one the biggest assets a photographer can have and is only developed through experience. I have had several "exclusives" because of this talent. I quickly grab some useable shots for the coverage (short, medium and wide shots both verticle and horizontal) then I watch very carefully. I don't just stand, I don't let the cop tell me I can't be somewhere I know I can. Although, the second most important asset in this business is networking. Know that street cop is better than yelling the laws in his or her face. But, knowing the law does not always garauntee access, your third and final most important asset, being there. Take care, Gregory david Stempel FIREFRAMEi m a g i n g www.americanphotojournalist.com "The brave ones were shooting the enemy, the crazy ones were shooting film"
