Photo documentary journey to New Orleans

[Phil_F_NM]

First, I want to humbly apologize in advance if this posting is not kosher here on the forum. Moderators, please feel free to contact me to revise or delete it, if I have overstepped any bounds.

I'm funding a 7-10 day trip out of pocket to do as much shooting, interviewing and writing as I possibly can in that amount of time, to document the early stages and effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

As I'm a student of journalism at Temple University, I've spoken to the Provost's office regarding a grant and though they did not refuse funding the research, there are no grants available until after July 1. During those three weeks, the beaches on Grand Isle among others may be closed to the public and un-credentialed workers including freelance journalists.

At the suggestion of a friend, I've put out a virtual "tip jar" for donations to aid in funding of this upcoming research trip to New Orleans, Louisiana.

If you could donate a few dollars towards this endeavor, I would be very appreciative. I can receive payments through paypal at the following address:

photo dot forrest at earthlink.net

Email me here if you'd like to send me a payment via other means.

Even small amounts will help:
$4 will buy me enough oats to last a week's worth of breakfasts; $2 will buy a necessary cup of coffee; $5 will buy a roll of film.

I will be providing day-to-day updates in photos and words here:
philforrest.wordpress.com

I appreciate any and all assistance you all can offer. Helping to create part of the historical record of this event is something that believe very strongly in and I believe is the core of this community.

Sincerest regards,
Philip Forrest

 

[jordanstarr]

How much will this cost? Do you have a budget? You might also want to consider asking for film and other things that would help you get by (such as oats and coffee)

You might want to check your local organizations to see if they could help. If you have an environmentalist organization in the city, they might spot you some money in exchange for photos and information. If you're good, photo stores might be willing to give you a 100 foot roll of film if they feel there's some payback in it for them. I'll let you use your imagination there.

I just finished a 10 month documentary on an organic farm and applied for a grant for a modest $5,000 of the $10,000 it would cost me. I got nothing, so it all came out of my pocket. Be prepared for the worst and really budget it out the best you can while still balancing good work versus the cost of the project.

Good luck on your endeavour. Keep us up to date on your progress as that might also help generate income. A blog might help keep people interested and as a result, fund your project a little. I know of journalists who have chosen to become independent from corporate papers and other external influences and just write about what interests them. They then create a blog that people subscribe to for less than a newspaper. It's a great idea and people get to chose the ideas and writers they want to support.

Hope this helps...

Jordan.

 

[wgerrard]

I'll assume you have the money thing in hand, but you should assume it will cost more than you anticipate.

Try to get some press credentials from someone, some piece of paper or plastic your can wave to get into a news conference. The local paper, the Temple paper or radio station, etc. Maybe a local TV station will credential you if you agree to let them have first dibs to air your photos. Costs them nothing and might give them a story. (Is there any possible local angle?)

I saw on a PBS piece that BP employees are acting as gatekeepers to some public lands near the spill. Credentials might help you bluff your way by them.

After you arrive and have some work to show, pitch yourself to the local papers. Small local newspapers don't have an abundance of staff, so if they like your work they might lend a hand. If nothing else, a place to work.

Take compelling photos and don't be stingy with them.

I hope this all works out. I'm a more than a bit envious.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

My budget is very small right now. I'm actually selling my two bicycles, an old laptop & if need be, an M mount lens.

I have a place to stay with AC, shower, refrigerator and a door lock, so that's taken care of. I can live on the super cheap & have no problem doing so.

The only issue I feel may come up is transportation to and from various places which I want to investigate. It's a 65 mile bike ride down to some of the closest small towns which are being affected. Twice that to Grand Isle where the brunt of the impact is being felt right now.

I have several publications considering a press credential for me. If I am to get multiple offers, I'll have to make a choice. I'm not doing this for money, I'm doing it to be a documentarian, what I love to do. If I don't get a press cred. from any bigger publications, I have the editor of the Temple News backing be up with one. I do feel more comfortable with the TU press pass as it allows me complete freedom from any bigger corporation which may want more exclusivity to my images, writing and audio pieces.

This next week, I'll be finding my way through maps and plans. I have a few friends in the area who are going to get me in touch with some other locals to interview. I'll see if I can't talk my way out onto a fishing boat for some in-situ photography. I'm prior Navy, a Seabee, combat veteran & I went to school in Biloxi, 100 miles east. I'll make it work.

If any of the RFF community here has any contacts in the NOLA area, I'd love to speak with them.

Thanks all,
Phil Forrest

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Just arrived in NOLA last night

Just arrived in NOLA last night

and I like it so far. It's humid. amazingly so. but anyways it's nice I think. Feel free to follow me at:
philforrest.wordpress.com

And any RFF'ers in NOLA want to do a little impromptu meet in the next two weeks, let me know.