Moises Saman (Magnum) and writing

emraphoto

emraphoto

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the NYTimes is available in some strange places!

i have been following the events in North Africa with vigor, specifically Moises' work for the NYTimes. after reading an article, accompanying some beautiful photographs, i noticed that he (Moises) appears to be writing the articles that accompany his work.

has writing been ignored in the kit bag of working photographers in lieu of technology and video? everyone i talk to these days asks the same question, "can you write"? if you look closely at domestic NPPA or NPAC job postings the majority are listed as 'reporter/photographer'. writing being a major component of the job. have any of the old guard here met a similar situation?

so, when we are handing out advice to the newcomers does 'learning to write' have a place?
 
It absolutely has a place. I've many times written the news stories that accompany my photos. These days, if you can't write, you don't have much of a chance in the news game. Newspapers want the complete package (while only actually paying for one of the jobs, I'm afraid).
 
Can you imagine the workload? Not only being a photographer but writing as well? This is just a cost cutting measure, but its also indicative of a general lowering of expectations, not only from written reportage but PJ as well.
 
It depends on the person.

Some people can write, but can't shoot pictures.
Some shoot very well, but can't write.

I would expect someone who can do both very well would go far as a PJ.
 
shadowfox said:
It depends on the person.

Some people can write, but can't shoot pictures.
Some shoot very well, but can't write.

I would expect someone who can do both very well would go far as a PJ.
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i reckon that is tue. as Pickett has mentioned it seems to go hand in hand these days (i encounter it quite a bit). with all the newcomer advice i don't see learning to write mentioned very often?

i suppose i look at it in a different light, rather than being a 'the end is nigh' affair i prefer to see it as a poke in the right, or in this case write, direction.

for the record i starting writing a few years back.
 
GSNfan said:
Can you imagine the workload? Not only being a photographer but writing as well? This is just a cost cutting measure, but its also indicative of a general lowering of expectations, not only from written reportage but PJ as well.
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Well he seems to have risen to the occasion on both fronts.
 
I was thinking more along the line of writing stories. Indeed captions and tagging is a necessary (and mind numbingly boring) skill for anyone filing.
 
This is absolutely something I will be doing to accompany my projects in future. I have done some collaborative articles with with my GF, who is a talented writer, and will be doing some of my own in support of forthcoming documentary projects. Its a great way to present a strong finished product when everyone seems to want 'plug 'n play.'
 
ryan26 said:
When I blogged for NPAC last week (or the week before?) I mentioned narrative writing to accompany photos on "Day 2" , great minds think alike 🙂 . What I find funny though, is the camp that preaches video and multimedia as this new groundbreaking way of "owning" your work, as though photography has existed in a void since it;s birth. The possibility is there, but I have yet to be engulfed in a multimedia piece the way that Eugene Richard's writing and photos take me. Different strokes...
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i will go and check out what you wrote Ryan (NPAC). i do concur 100% with what you said here. and it just so happens that Richards has been a benchmark for me since my first camera.
 
Turtle said:
This is absolutely something I will be doing to accompany my projects in future. I have done some collaborative articles with with my GF, who is a talented writer, and will be doing some of my own in support of forthcoming documentary projects. Its a great way to present a strong finished product when everyone seems to want 'plug 'n play.'
Click to expand...

oh the similarities mon ami! my wife is my editor.
 
ryan26 said:
When I blogged for NPAC last week (or the week before?) I mentioned narrative writing to accompany photos on "Day 2" , great minds think alike 🙂 . What I find funny though, is the camp that preaches video and multimedia as this new groundbreaking way of "owning" your work, as though photography has existed in a void since it;s birth. The possibility is there, but I have yet to be engulfed in a multimedia piece the way that Eugene Richard's writing and photos take me. Different strokes...
Click to expand...

PS that BURN piece was a thing of beauty mate!
 
It is harder and for many small papers it is a way of saving money (usually the writer is handed a camera). But I've been writing as long as I've been photographing professionally and I enjoy being able to shape the story as well; here's an example.

All that said I enjoy the times when I can just go out and shoot...

GSNfan said:
Can you imagine the workload? Not only being a photographer but writing as well? This is just a cost cutting measure, but its also indicative of a general lowering of expectations, not only from written reportage but PJ as well.
Click to expand...
 
It's been the case for a long time that a photographer also needs to be able to write. It was already the case when I worked as a PJ 12 years ago.

Marty
 
Damaso said:
It is harder and for many small papers it is a way of saving money (usually the writer is handed a camera). But I've been writing as long as I've been photographing professionally and I enjoy being able to shape the story as well; here's an example.

All that said I enjoy the times when I can just go out and shoot...
Click to expand...

nice article Damaso. out of curiosity, do you think the ability to write (with supporting tear sheets) improves your ability/chances to find jobs or does it fit into your pitch in the first place? do you actively promote it (writing)?
 
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