These are hard days And we are witnesses: Wildfires of historic size. Brutal effects of COVID-19. Protests unending and emotional. While looming ...
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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020
These are
hard days
And we are witnesses: Wildfires
of historic size. Brutal effects of
COVID-19. Protests unending
and emotional. While looming
over all, an election like no other.
NPPA Membership
nppa.org/join
FOUNDED IN 1946
News Photographer Official publication of the SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020
is a registered trademark NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
PRESIDENT Andrew Stanfill of the National Press Published continuously since 1946,
Photo Editor, Gainesville, FL
Photographers Association previously as National Press Photographer
president@nppa.org @madshrew on Twitter
EDITOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR THE SECOND COVER
VICE PRESIDENT Katie Schoolov Sue Morrow
Producer, CNBC, San Francisco
magazine@nppa.org @suelmorrow on Twitter
VIDEO AWARDS
vicepresident@nppa.org @KatieSchoolov on Twitter BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM, begins on page 62
SECRETARY Marie D. De Jesús EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Photojournalist, Houston Chronicle Akili-Casundria Ramsess
secretary@nppa.org @MarieDennise on Twitter
TREASURER Kyle Grantham
director@nppa.org @NPPAExec on Twitter
EMERITUS EDITORS
CHAD NELSON
NCCTV in New Castle, DE
treasurer@nppa.org @kylegrantham on Twitter
Tom Burton, 2016-2018 It’s all about the ‘moments'
Donald R. Winslow, 2003-2016 Ernie Crisp Photographer of the Year
Jim Gordon, 1978-2003
PAST PRESIDENT Michael P. King & Editor of the Year
Bill Kuykendall, 1977
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
pastpresident@nppa.org @UWmpking on Twitter Marjorie Morris, 1974-1976
Tom Keane, 1971-1974
REGIONAL CHAIRS REPRESENTATIVE Andy Colwell Cal Olson, 1967-1971
Independent Journalist Joe Costa, 1946-1967
boardrep@nppa.org andycolwell@gmail.com
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS National Press Photographers Association
Marcia Allert | Josh Davis 120 Hooper Street
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The NPPA is an active advocate
Oliver Janney | Eric Seals
for the legal rights of visual 919.237.1782
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journalists. Our work focuses on INFO@NPPA.ORG WWW.NPPA.ORG
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Bridget Fetsko
regulations, copyright, creden- News Photographer (ISSN 0199-2422), Sept/October 2020,
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gag” laws, unlawful assault on Press Photographers Association Inc., 120 Hooper St, Athens,
NPPA REGIONAL CHAIRS
visual journalists and cases that GA 30602. One year Subscription price: US $48; Canada $60;
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MID-ATLANTIC nppa.org/advocacy
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midatlantic@nppa.org @cainimages on Instagram of the National Press Photographers Association, Inc. NPPA
and News Photographer magazine believe that photographers
SOUTHEAST and writers should retain the rights and the benefits of owning
Zak Bennett, Independent Journalist their rights to their own images and articles. One of the primary
goals of NPPA and News Photographer magazine is the educa-
southeast@nppa.org Student, professional and retiree tion of photojournalists and the public about photojournalism
MIDWEST memberships are available in by reaching as wide an audience as possible. NPPA and News
Photographer assume no ownership or copyrights to the imag-
Sam Owens, Photographer, Evansville Courier & Press addition to numerous benefits. es or articles submitted by freelancers and published. Rights
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For more information: of the magazine and archival electronic rights for the Internet
CENTRAL nppa.org/join and searchable data bases in the context of the original article for
Steffani Nolte, Chief Photographer, KMTV which they were submitted.
central@nppa.org
NPPA MONTHLY NEWS CLIP CONTEST It is is understood that any copy-
SOUTH right of an entry remains the property of the photographer or
Julia Robinson, Independent Journalist employer of the photographer. However, all participants agree
south@nppa.org that by entering the contest, they give permission to NPPA for its
The NPPF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit regional and national publications to reproduce winning entries,
WEST organization and is also the place either through hard copy or electronically, including and not
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tion to the work of the NPPA. net. Full rules may be found at nppa.org.
NORTHWEST For more information: THANK YOU To all of the volunteers and NPPA staff who make
Andy Colwell, Independent Journalist this magazine possible through their tireless efforts. Chad Nelson, KARE 11 Minneapolis
andycolwell@gmail.com nppf.org/donations
Photo by Evan Frost, MPR News
2 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 3
CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 Editor's Column
Sue Morrow 7
Executive Director &
President's Column
Akili Ramsess & Andrew Stanfill 9
Stories of advocacy
Kathleen Cairns Heist 10
Advocacy
Mickey Osterreicher & Alicia Calzada 12
Best of Photojournalism
New BOP chair, Dudley Brooks 15
Drones and government policy
Mickey Osterreicher 19
Spotlight: Small-market
Khadejeh Nikouyeh 22
Taking visual journalism online
Peggy Peattie 24
Eyes on Research
Tara Pixley, Martin Smith-Rodden 28
Women photographers @ PDX protests
Dan DeWitt 52
BOP Video Awards
POY, EOY: Chad Nelson, by Al Tompkins 62
ROY: Boyd Huppert, by Nicole Vowell 68
SOY: KUSA Denver, by Derrick Larr 70
Wildfire insomnia
Tracy Barbutes 72
Book Reviews
"Alexia at 30" by Stephen Wolgast 80
"Chasing Indiana's Game" by Sue Morrow 86
The Image Deconstructed
Gabrielle Lurie, by Ross Taylor 92
COVID-19 on campus
Charles "Stretch" Ledford 102
Portraits of first responders
Victor J. Blue 112
Columnists
Doing It Well: Matt Pearl 17
Career/Life Balance: Autumn Payne 20
It's a process: Eric Maierson 21
Openers/Enders
Pages 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50,
118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130
ON THE COVER
Photograph by Kent Porter
The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California
July 26, 2020: In Portland, Oregon more than 5,000 people protest- Houses burn as the Glass Fire rolls in from
ed outside the federal courthouse on the two-month anniversary of Napa County. Eleven homes burned in the
Goerge Floyd’s death at the hands of a police officer. area, but firefighters saved hundreds of others.
Photo by Maranie Rae Staab Story on Page 52 Story on Page 72
4 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 5
November 9–14, 2020
Six days of virtual presentations, contest judging SUE MORROW | EDITOR
and manufacturer demos by photojournalists and
industry leaders at the nation’s longest-running
photojournalism conference.
www.photojournalism.org/2020
I am grateful, and I don’t want
to be the one who turns out the lights
Oct. 7, 2020 – I had a column written ations due to the pandemic. We were told
Registration is free 2020 SPEAKERS* but realized it didn’t speak to what is Nothing is normal. by some that it helped pay their rent.
for all live programming, MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION weighing heavily on my heart and mind. Thanks, pandemic The ability to accomplish these tasks
thanks to our Premiere I am grateful for each of you who during one of the most onerous times of
Usually, the Best of Photojour-
Sponsor Sony Electronics. contributes to this 74-year-old magazine. our lives is a tough thing to sustain.
nalism Video Awards would
www.photojournalism.org/ I am grateful for your emails, encourage- This is the second News Photographer
have been the cover story in the
register ment and support. And more. previous issue. But changes in our produced exclusively as an interactive
I need to say this: The NPPA will not events and news coverage dictat- PDF (not printed). I am grateful for the
Recorded speaker sessions KYNDELL HARKNESS CARLOS GONZALEZ BEN GRAY survive without its members and greater positive feedback but I don’t know if mem-
ed that change. Thank you, pan-
Photo editor for the Veteran of the Minneapolis Atlanta freelance
can be purchased for $29 support from the photographic commu- demic. Thanks to the interactive bers realize how fragile things are.
Minneapolis Star Tribune, Star Tribune photography photojournalist after
up to midnight Eastern Time after more than two decades staff who covers a variety a career at newspapers nity. In a year that won’t stop chunking format, there are direct links to the I added a new feature to this issue. If a
on November 14. working as a photojournalist. of assignments. and non-profits. away at our psyche, our values and basic winning work. I keep wishing for contributor is a member (you don’t have
human decency, I’ll be damned if I don’t some badass wizardry from Adobe to be a member to be a part of the mag-
After November 14, to make a PDF into The Daily
shout it from a mountaintop: azine), it is indicated how long they have
price increases to $49. Prophet. How cool would that be?
been a member next to a byline.
Photo Contest Deadline:
The NPPA will not survive If Harry Potter can have it …
I’m not the membership police. My
October 20. Cash and without its members and intentions are to publish the best work
Thanks, SONY -- and USPS
camera awards. greater support from the that is being done, that is available to
publish and that visually represents his-
November 9-13: DEB PASTNER RICHARD TSONG- ALYSSA POINTER photography community. The NovDec issue will be the Best
of Photojournalism 2019 issue. toric events going on in the world. There
Director of Photo and TAATARII Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ET. Members (and others) need to bluntly SONY is sponsoring the printing is no other publication/organization that
Multimedia at the Award-winning staff staff photojournalist who
Online contest judging, Minneapolis Star Tribune strives to create impactful hear this. I don’t have to be as polite and and it will be delivered old school showcases great visual journalism and the
Photographer at the
whose teams’ work has images of the people diplomatic in my writing as the president, to your mailboxes. It had been people who produce it. Seeing who is/is
panel discussions, and Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Andrew Stanfill, and my boss, Akili Ram- scheduled to be printed in time for
received numerous awards. and places. not a member was enlightening.
sponsor demos. the NPPA banquets last spring, but
sess, the executive director (see page 9). Mostly, I’m guessing, people forget
due to the pandemic, we switched
November 14: Being a part of the NPPA means that to renew. We send out reminders, but
gears to cover the unprecedented
11 a.m.-8 p.m. ET. you are a supported member of an orga- news. At this time, the JanFeb issue there is a ton on everyone’s mind these
Nine live speaker sessions nization dedicated exclusively to visual will be an interactive PDF. days, and budgets are bad. Maybe the
journalism. For nearly 75 years, because NPPA has displeased them and they
with Q&A. Equipment and
of memberships and outreach activities, decided not to renew. Entirely possible
software door prizes given out. VICTOR J. BLUE CAROLYN COLE LESLYE DAVIS this organization has offered multiple took cuts during their busiest days ever. and fair. Maybe they have been laid off or
New York-based Staff photojournalist at the Filmmaker whose first film,
photojournalist who Los Angeles Times. Pulitzer “Father Soldier Son,” was
platforms for training, scholarships, Yet they are still available at all hours to have retired. Maybe they have switched
documents issues that Prize winner for her work directed/produced alongside mentorship programs, legal advocacy and help NPPA members through daunting careers and don’t need the NPPA any
include armed conflict in Liberia and a five-time Catrin Einhorn for The New professional discounts. This organization legal processes after being assaulted and/ longer. Newsroom numbers are down for
Premiere Sponsor and human rights. Pulitzer Prize finalist. York Times and Netflix. has a track record to help uphold high eth- or arrested during the protests, pandemic photojournalists but there are a multitude
ical standards in the field of journalism. and elections (see pages 10 and 12). of photographers in the world who are
That’s a big deal. The NPPA ID badges that are extremely not members. How do we reach them to
Sony Electronics The revenue from public activities was helpful to those working in the field, partic- convey the value of being a member of the
grossly affected due to the pandemic. ularly for independent photographers, are NPPA community?
Platinum Sponsors Like everyone else, we are regrouping but churned out in batches by Akili at her home. My call to action: Renew. Join. Gift
Atlanta Journal-Constitution have not bounced back either. We have The NPPA also depends upon the board a membership. Donate to support our
MERIDITH KOHUT KHARY MASON BETH NAKAMURA adjusted our financial output to support and executive committee -- all volun-
Canon
Award-winning Detroit-based former law Emmy Award-winning visual
programs. And then get two people to do
Nikon photojournalist who has enforcement official who and multimedia journalist the basic needs of a responsive office. teers -- who have day jobs. These are not one of those things as well.
Tamron documented humanitarian co-founded Capturing Belief, with The Oregonian in The NPPA staff consists of three paid normal times, so imagine the pressure And consider this: You don’t have to be
University of Georgia issues and global health in a children’s photography and Portland, Oregon. full-time positions. Me, Akili Ramsess, and dedication required to stay on top of on the board to help the NPPA. Bring your
Latin America since 2007. creative writing program. executive director, and Thomas Kenniff, things. To survive, we adapt. knowledge and expertise to us. Ask us
Gold Sponsor our director of professional services and In lieu of our canceled events, we con- how you can help. There is plenty of work
Ohio University: School office manager. Due to the pandemic, we ducted remote townhall sessions on safe- to go around.
of Visual Communication voluntarily took 25% pay cuts, which is ty, organized virtual workshops and built Being the editor of this magazine is
@atlantaseminar @atlpj fine because it beats the alternative of not community support. In April, we formed an honor. I don’t want to be the one who
Silver Sponsors #ATLPJ #ATLPJ being here at all. Unfortunately, we did the NPPA COVID-19 Emergency Relief turns out the lights. As a member, I hope
Camera Bits have to lay off our part-time office assis- Fund (via the National Press Photogra- you feel the same way. ■
MICHAEL SANTIAGO
Cradoc fotoSoftware Getty Images staff
tant in Athens, GA. phers Foundation), raising over $34,000.
NPPA photojournalist and member Our advocacy lawyers, Mickey Oster- Numerous photographers received grants Email Sue Morrow at smorrow@nppa.org.
* Speakers are subject to change. See their full bios
Roberts Camera of the Pittsburgh Post- at www.photojournalism.org/2020. reicher and Alicia Wagner Calzada, also to help them through tough financial situ- She has been an NPPA member since 1986.
Gazette staff that won a
6 September-October 2020 News Photographer 7
2019 Pulitzer Prize.
AKILI-CASUNDRIA RAMSESS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANDREW STANFILL | PRESIDENT
In troubling times, NPPA works for you
— and needs your support more than ever
A crisis has the ability to pro- is the second interactive PDF available Osterreicher and Alicia Wagner Calzada
vide focus to the most vital priorities to members while we are on hiatus from enough for their accomplishments, which
of existence and purpose. Because of its printing. We have received positive have had numerous positive impacts for
the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPPA has feedback on the format. our members.
responded to the needs of our members And we still have three months to go
Our achievements
and the greater photojournalism com- in the year, with hefty goals. We need
through these crises
munity as nationwide protests against your help.
police brutality and racial inequity have We have had to reset our expectations
Build membership
ensued. We marshaled resources to help during the pandemic. Our three-person
our members protect themselves as they staff and multiple volunteers have worked We are in the final stretch of one of the
place themselves at risk to document hard to deliver to the visual community in hardest years that this organization has
this historic time. We raised funds to an online environment. faced, and we must build our membership
support members unable to work as the ■ Virtual Storytelling Workshop for a sustainable future. We are 4,600
nation shut down to contain the virus. We celebrated 60 years of the News Video members strong now. Our goal is 500
utilized technology to stay connected and Workshop. additional members by the end of the year
informed. As national protests broke out, ■ Virtual Video Storytelling Workshop as we seek organizational partners to help
we reflected internally on how to right the gathered over 200 video storytellers, us as we build for the future.
wrongs of our own complicity in the lack including speakers. How you can help
of inclusivity and diversity, and then we ■ Women in Visual Journalism
took action. Conference included 130 attendees and The best way to support the NPPA is
speakers and centered the conversation to maintain your membership, encourage
NPPA is a necessity for others to join or renew, and/or donate
on the women doing outstanding work
photojournalists directly to support our activities through
throughout the industry.
We are the only national organization ■ We collaborated with ASMP, Fuji Fo- the National Press Photographers Foun-
dedicated specifically to visual journal- rum and Photo Bill of Rights in a series of dation (NPPF).
ism. We are your greatest advocates. Our webinars and panel discussions about pho- We adjusted our membership tiers to
legal counsels, Mickey Osterreicher and tographers’ rights, diversity and inclusion. accommodate several levels, including
Alicia Wagner Calzada, are on the front Collectively, hundreds of visual jour- a retired tier. Do you know a student
lines to protect our First Amendment nalists gathered online to learn from one or professional who could benefit from
rights. (See Pages 10 and 12.) They have another. We have been encouraged by the joining the organization? You can gift a
provided legal aid when photographers feedback and will continue these digital membership for them. It makes for great
were arrested and camera gear confis- efforts to reach photojournalists who holiday giving that lasts all year! Ask for a
cated while covering the protests. They could not travel to our traditional events. membership for Christmas!
go before the courts and fight for fair Additionally, the NPPA Mentorship You don’t have to be on the NPPA board
copyright laws and work with legislators Program has been launched again with to help. If you are interested in lending
to change laws preventing independent the leadership of Marlena Sloss. At least your expertise to help the NPPA sustain
photographers from working. 30 mentors and mentees have been paired our lifeline for visual journalists, please
When COVID-19 eliminated our in-per- to foster growth and progress over the let us know by contacting us at director@
son workshops and events, we adapted. next year. nppa.org and president@nppa.org.
Using Zoom and the latest technology The NPPA has been in existence for
Advocacy is here for you
available, we developed webinars and nearly 75 years. Please help us help you as
interactive gatherings to continue our This summer, our advocacy team has we launch the largest membership drive
outreach, to learn, gain resources and stay been working in overdrive for NPPA mem- we have ever done to stay relevant, active
connected. bers. It has provided legal training for and supportive in very troubling times. ■
Our News Photographer magazine those covering the political conventions
editor, Sue Morrow, continues to pro- and protests. It led us in joining with the
duce and elegantly design our magazine Press Freedom Defense Fund to launch Andrew Stanfill is president of the
to display the amazing work and tell the the PFDF-NPPA Legal Advocacy Initiative NPPA and can be reached at president@
stories of the courageous visual journal- for journalists who were arrested or in- nppa.org. He has been a member since
ists covering these history-making events. jured while covering news stories, includ- 2011.
Since 1946 — 74 years! — the magazine ing the continuing nationwide protests. Akili Ramsess is the executive director
has been one of the great advantages of a For California members, the team’s re- of the NPPA. She can be reached at direc-
membership. We want to keep producing lentless work directly affected the removal tor@nppa.org. She has been a member
it, but we have had to adjust the output of of the 35-assignment limit imposed by since 1984.
expenses during the pandemic. This issue AB5 legislation. We cannot thank Mickey
8 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 9
news story. There have been reports
of journalists stomped, kicked, pep-
per-sprayed and wrongfully detained and
arrested. As an attorney with expertise
in First Amendment law, he recommends
journalists always maintain situational
awareness while working. “It is a personal
decision what risk level you are willing
to take, but always be aware of your exit
strategy,” Osterreicher says. “You need to
be working with people who can watch
your back and keep recording. In a court
case that may prove crucial.”
Las Vegas Review-Journal staff photog-
rapher Ellen Schmidt followed that exact
advice on the evening of Friday, May 20.
She was covering a Black Lives Matter
demonstration.
Protesters were reacting to the death of
George Floyd, who died while in Minne-
apolis police custody in May. She followed
the crowd walking alongside Bridget Ben-
nett, a freelance photographer working for
Agence France-Presse (AFP) when police
moved in. Video captured the moments,
as Schmidt and Bennett took photos of the
encounter between police and protestors.
They were standing on a sidewalk
several yards away when an officer pushed
Bennett, knocking her to the ground, then
Photo by Sue Morrow/NPPA
pushed Schmidt. Both photojournalists
were wearing visible credentials and Alicia Wagner Calzada, at an NPPA board meeting in January 2019, is a past
carrying equipment for their jobs. Yet, president who became a lawyer after being a photographer for over 20 years.
Photo by John Shinkle/POLITICO they were arrested by Metro Police and
Mickey H. Osterreicher, NPPA general counsel, testifies before the House Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet charged with one misdemeanor count of
From his settlement, Adelman ad- again for journalists’ rights. He has testi-
Subcommittee during a hearing on "Judicial Transparency and Ethics" in 2017 in Washington, D.C. failure to disperse.
heres to the "pay it forward" thinking fied before members of Congress arguing
Schmidt explained that guidance she
and has footed the bill for several other cameras should be allowed in federal
got at the NPPA Northern Short Course
NPPA | STORIES OF ADVOCACY
journalists’ NPPA memberships. He said court, telling lawmakers, “It's a much
kicked in during those tense moments.
that, although he likes the training NPPA more direct form of democracy when
She remembered the training, "NPPA had
offers, he finds the legal advocacy pivotal people can see and hear for themselves,
NPPA membership
prepared me for something like this. I
for the media’s working members. “We just as our founders envisioned.”
followed NPPA guidance on how to act."
challenges, criminal cases involving are here to do a story,” Adelman explains, Another key member of that team is
As she was taken to jail, Schmidt also
wrongful arrests and even issues involv- “and we know Mickey and NPPA are there Alicia Wagner Calzada. A past president
can offer ‘protective
was well aware of the legal ramifications
ing drone regulations. to back us up.” of the NPPA, she became a lawyer after 20
she faced.
Osterreicher understands journalists Mannie Garcia has covered stories and years as a photographer and is well aware
"I knew I had my publication’s lawyer
conflicts around the world. He made what of the trials and tribulations working
bubble’ in today’s
because, before law school, he wore press (Las Vegas Review-Journal), but I also
credentials. He was a newspaper pho- became an iconic photo of then-President members of the media can face.
knew NPPA was in my corner. "
tographer who transitioned to broadcast George W. Bush surveying the damage Copyright infringement is also on the
In February 2016, Avi Adelman found
legal battlefront. Calzada explains that,
troubled times
news at WKBW in Buffalo, New York, from Hurricane Katrina over New Orleans
himself in handcuffs while taking photos
after the Buffalo Courier-Express folded from a helicopter. too often, “photography is not treated
of a woman being treated for an overdose
in 1982. He’s been a member of NPPA But Garcia faced trouble while covering with the care it deserves. So we work to
at a Dallas train station. He was charged
since 1973. For perspective, that was when a story on his home turf. He was arrested advocate and give photographers the tools
with criminal trespass and held for 24
Richard Nixon was president, a Snickers for disorderly conduct while taking pic- and legal environment needed to protect
hours before being released on bail. A
By Kathleen Cairns Heist journalists, when facing a moment of crisis, bar cost 15 cents and Pink Floyd released tures of police officers on a public street in their work.”
week later, the charges were dismissed.
dialed the same 10 digits to get help: They “Dark Side of the Moon.” And though times Montgomery County, Maryland. Although Sometimes their legal work is concen-
An audio recording of what transpired
Millions watched as the ball contacted NPPA’s legal advocacy team. have changed, Osterreicher says the he was later acquitted, the arrest prompt- trated in one region where the laws may
helped lead to a $345,000 federal civil
dropped in Times Square New Year’s Eve, NPPA General Counsel Mickey Oster- NPPA’s mission has not. It remains the ed the suspension of his White House not be aligned with members’ rights. In
rights settlement against Dallas Area
kicking off the start of 2020. No one could reicher describes this year as the perfect voice of visual journalists, and as he press credentials. As an NPPA member, California, for example, AB5 limited the
Rapid Transit. The night he was arrested,
have predicted what would happen in the storm. “We have a president who calls jour- explains, membership is essential because Garcia knew where to turn. “The first per- number of assignments freelance photo-
one of the first people he called was Os-
months that followed. The world is experi- nalists the ‘enemy of the people,’ protests “wearing a press credential is not supposed son I called was Mickey. He was instru- journalists were allowed. Calzada worked
terreicher. An NPPA member since 1984,
encing a pandemic. The country is divided are widespread, and journalists don’t have a to be a 'kick-me' sign or bull’s-eye” target. mental in helping.” Eventually, he had his relentlessly on legislative and judicial
Adelman said Osterreicher helped get the
and demonstrating. This year, more than protective bubble from assaults or arrests.” Journalists work hard to find the facts credentials reestablished. advocacy to help those members navigate
lawsuit filed on his behalf.
170 journalists have been attacked, and NPPA’s legal advocacy team has helped and report the news, but increasingly, As general counsel for the NPPA since the new law.
“I never planned to get arrested,” he
more than 50 arrested.* Many of those visual journalists with First Amendment they have become a part of their own 2006, Osterreicher has fought time and Story continued on page 13
added, “but I knew what to do.”
10 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 11
Membership
MICKEY H. OSTERREICHER & ALICIA CALZADA | NPPA GENERAL COUNSELS Continued from page 11
In early September, California insurance and a multitude of discounts
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2257, for business services. Osterreicher ex-
which among other changes to AB5 elim- plained it this way: “You can’t afford not
NPPA advocacy inated the 35-submission annual limit on
freelance photojournalists and writers.
Freelance photographer Erik Castro,
based in Santa Rosa, explained he could
to be a member. The stronger we are,
the louder our voice."
Calzada echoes those sentiments.
“You can’t afford not to be part of an
exercises its voice have lost two-thirds of his work with
a newspaper if not for the changes to
AB5. Castro described the anxiety felt
during those uncertain months before
the change. "I got the impression they
organization fighting for you every day.”
But Ellen Schmidt, the Las Vegas Re-
view-Journal staff photographer, may
sum it up best: “The (NPPA) media cre-
dentials are worth more than 140 bucks
But we need members to continue really cared. (Alicia) was always avail-
able," Castro was quick to point out.
if it keeps you from getting arrested or
ending up in jail,” she explains. “For 140
this crucially important mission “There are so many advantages to being
a member of NPPA, they support all
bucks it’s a good deal.” ■
aspects of journalism." Kathleen Cairns was a television
This change in AB5 was possible journalist for more than 30 years. She
because of investments in NPPA mem- is now the owner of Heist Training
As NPPA’s counsel, we hope you mental in helping to have the arrest war- Small Claims. We co-facilitate a coalition v. Cooper as well as extensive comments berships. Platforms LLC. She is a journalism
have a chance to read the advocacy article rants brought by Liberty University against of visual artists in support of the CASE with the USCO in pursuit of a legislative In a story on nppa.org, Osterreicher educator, media coach and storyteller.
on page 10. Fifteen years ago, Alicia, two NPPA photojournalists withdrawn. Act of 2019, which awaits passage in the fix. All of our advocacy on this issue has and Calzada wrote: “We are proud of She can be reached at KathleenCairns-
then president of NPPA, asked Mickey, a Mickey also provided virtual training Senate and would authorize a tribunal highlighted the First Amendment impact the advancements we made, but you Journalist@gmail.com.
longtime member-turned-attorney, if he along with Reporters Committee for Free- within the USCO for resolving copyright when states publish photographers’ work still have some restrictions on freelanc-
*SOURCE: U.S. Press Freedom Tracker
would be interested in helping to repre- dom of the Press for journalists in prepa- claims under $30,000, effectively helping without permission, an issue not ad- ing and in particular, freelance videog-
sent NPPA in its advocacy efforts. A few ration for the 2020 political conventions individual creators such as visual journal- dressed by any other amici or commenters. raphers for television clients need to pay Mickey Osterreicher has been an NPPA
years earlier, Alicia had launched as well as to the Milwaukee police and ists whose work is regularly used without After advocating for over a decade attention to restrictions that remain.” member since 1973.
NPPA’s Advocacy Committee with a other law enforcement agencies. He also permission, credit or compensation. against an unconstitutional photography Right now, NPPA membership is
budget of zero, and she wanted Mickey to worked with the Milwaukee and Char- This summer, Mickey helped draft and permitting scheme in the National Park 4,500 strong. The NPPA Profession- Alicia Wagner Calzada has been an
do more than just the occasional pro bono lotte-Mecklenburg police in advance of NPPA joined in an amicus brief filed by Service, this year we drafted and filed an al membership is $145 per year or a NPPA member since 2001.
project he had been doing. In the years the Democratic National Convention and the RCFP in support of the release of po- amicus brief in Price v. Barr, a case chal- little more than $12 a month. NPPA
that followed, we believe we have built an Republican National Convention to head lice disciplinary records in New York City lenging those restrictions. Our brief was also offers liability insurance, health
advocacy program that, while invaluable off any problems involving journalists. He and Buffalo, New York, and also drafted joined by several other photography and
to the NPPA, has also become a lifeline to provided training to the Denver police as and filed public comments on behalf of First Amendment organizations.
independent visual journalists. part of a settlement agreement in a federal the New York State Bar Association Media On top of the advocacy work we do,
Mickey became an attorney in 1999 civil rights lawsuit involving a journalist Law Committee regarding the Amend- we also work to help you, our members,
after 40 years as a print and broadcast arrested while recording police. ment of Rules for Suspension or Revoca- stay informed on relevant legal issues.
photojournalist. He became NPPA’s gen- As an associational plaintiff, NPPA tion of NYPD Press Credentials. He draft- Alicia led two copyright workshops at
eral counsel in 2006. Alicia, inspired by won a challenge striking down Wyoming’s ed and filed additional public comments the Northern Short Course in March (it
its advocacy work, became an attorney in trespassing statutes, which imposed addi- and testified remotely regarding this feels like a decade ago); led an in-person
2010 and is now deputy general counsel. tional criminal and civil penalties for any- issue, joined by the Committee to Protect seminar and a virtual webinar to help
Together we staunchly defend and protect one who collected research data or took Journalists and five other professional California photographers navigate AB5;
the rights of journalists, freedom of photographs. Our litigation fighting state associations. He also filed comments and and was a panelist at the Women in
speech and of the media. laws that violate the First Amendment testified before the New York State attor- Visual Journalism workshop last month.
For example, as visual journalists continues: NPPA is currently challenging ney general regarding “Police and Public Mickey is organizing the drone leadership
have been assaulted and arrested at the constitutionality of a Texas drone law, Interactions During Protests.” summit for November, which we both will
unprecedented levels this year, NPPA has as well as that of California’s AB5 labor Alicia participated in a congressional participate in.
been well-positioned to launch a fierce law, which discriminates against journal- roundtable on the DMCA, and Mickey All these things are just some of what
response. Mickey has worked for many ists’ ability to work as independent con- drafted testimony and testified before we do to fulfill our mission to protect the
years training journalists and police on tractors. We also successfully testified and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee legal rights of visual journalists — which
First Amendment rights. This year, as lobbied for AB2257, which removed some on Intellectual Property regarding the we believe are crucial to preserving our
part of our Legal Advocacy Initiative with of those restrictions, allowing members to DMCA and Fair Use and drafted follow-up democracy. As “the voice of visual jour-
the Press Freedom Defense Fund, we have get back to work. responses to senators’ questions. nalists,” we hope that our advocacy has
assisted over a dozen journalists who have On the copyright front, this has been We are also fighting state sovereign been clearly heard, with significant posi-
been arrested, threatened with arrest or a year of realizing years of effort as well. immunity from copyright liability, which tive impact on behalf of NPPA’s members
threatened with search and seizure of We submitted comments before the currently allows state entities to infringe and a free press. ■
their images, including in Dallas; Albu- U.S. Copyright Office in 2012 regarding photographers’ copyright with virtually
Got a question or topic for a future
querque, New Mexico; New York; and Las studies on remedies for small copyright no consequences. We drafted and filed
column? If you are member, send your
Vegas. NPPA has also been involved with claims — comments that were cited by several amicus briefs in related cases,
questions to Mickey lawyer@nppa.org or
this same issue in Seattle and was instru- the USCO in its 2013 report on Copyright including this year’s SCOTUS case Allen
Alicia at advocacy@nppa.org.
12 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 13
NPPA | BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM
DONATE Dudley Brooks named new chair
The NPPF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is also the place to
make a tax-deductible donation to the work of the NPPA.
of the Best of Photojournalism competition
The NPPA is pleased to announce
nppf.org/donantions the selection of Dudley Brooks as the new
chair of the Best of Photojournalism, the
association’s premier contest sponsored
by SONY with divisions in still photog-
raphy; video and video editing; picture
editing; and online video, innovation
and presenta-
tion. Brooks, an
award-winning
photographer
and photo editor,
is deputy director
of photography at The Washington Post,
where he manages the creative strategy
and production of the visual content for
the features and sports sections. He is
also the photo editor for The Washington
Post Magazine.
“I’ve watched the Best of Photojournal-
ism contest progress since its inception
and have always been impressed by the
quality of the work submitted for it,”
Brooks said. “To be the chair is a great
honor and I look forward to helping guide
its continued significance and growth.”
Brooks brings a wealth of experience
to NPPA’s efforts to continuously raise
the quality and profile of BOP. Before
his current role at The Washington Post,
Brooks was director of photography and
senior editor for the monthly magazine
Ebony and its weekly sister periodical
Jet, published by Johnson Publishing.
He served as the assistant managing
editor of photography at the The Balti-
more Sun newspaper after 22 years as an
award-winning staff photographer at The
Washington Post.
“I’m excited to have Dudley join our Photo by Marvin Joseph, The Washington Post
team to be at the helm of this important Dudley Brooks
contest,” said Andrew Stanfill, NPPA
president. “I’m looking forward to the Snyder did over the last few years,” said competition will be announced in December.
perspective he brings as someone who has Mark E. Johnson, administrative liaison NPPA members can look forward to the
worn many hats in the industry.” with NPPA and BOP. Johnson is a senior BOP special issue of News Photographer
JOIN @NPPA Brooks will work with the individual
division chairs to improve and streamline
lecturer in visual journalism and chief
technology officer with the Grady College
magazine in mid-November that will fea-
ture the 2019 contest results. Originally
various categories and innovate for the of Journalism and Mass Communication planned to be published as the May/June
Student, professional and retiree 2020 contest, which will be judged in 2021. at the University of Georgia where BOP is issue, it was postponed due to the corona-
“Having worked with Mr. Brooks hosted and the NPPA is headquartered. virus pandemic. We are grateful to SONY
memberships are available in “We welcome Dudley in his new role as for sponsoring the publication of the BOP
when he was here as a judge, listening
addition to numerous benefits. to his reasoned approach to evaluating he helps NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism issue during our hiatus of printing. The
entries and inquisitiveness about the competition continue to grow and adapt to issues we continue to publish are digital
nppa.org/join process of the competition, I believe this current challenges,” said Akili Ramsess, only and can be found online as interac-
will be an easy transition that will build NPPA executive director. tive PDFs. ■
upon the work that past chair William Information regarding the 2020 BOP
14 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 15
MATT PEARL | DOING IT ALL, DOING IT WELL
Introducing ‘The Solo Video Journalist,
2nd Edition,’ a how-to guide for
storytellers who do it all
I used to be an anomaly. in which nearly 100 soloists describe
When I arrived in the 10th-largest what they love — and don’t love —
market in the country, I was one of the about the job.
few who worked as a solo video journalist: Most importantly, I have filled these
a reporter who shoots and edits my own pages with some of the most talented
stories. There were maybe a handful of us, soloists — or onetime soloists — in the in-
and the newsroom wasn’t geared toward dustry. Jon Shirek discusses preparation
our interests. and time management. Heidi Wigdahl
More than a decade later, the state of talks about dressing for the dual roles
my newsroom — and most others — has of the job. Paige Pauroso speaks about
been upended. According to the latest MMJ safety. Greg Bledsoe offers a system
Radio Television Digital News Association for organizing one’s gear. Anne Herbst,
(RTDNA) survey, more than 90% of local Joe Little and Mitch Pittman talk about
TV newsrooms use solo video journalists shooting. Ted Land discusses logging
— or multimedia journalists, or MMJs. and writing, and Forrest Sanders covers
More than half of newsrooms in market 51 editing. Neima Abdulahi and Tiffany Liou
or lower use “mostly” MMJs, and four out dive into digital.
of five newsrooms in Top 25 markets use The “Career Chronicles” chapters
them in some way. Soloists are no longer a think bigger. Blayne Alexander of NBC
position of the future. We are present across News and Emily Kassie of the Marshall
the board in local news, and we’re finding Project rose from soloist roles to more
opportunities beyond broadcast as well. traditional jobs. Sarah Blake Morgan of
But for a long time, no book existed The Associated Press and Dougal Shaw of
that offered a comprehensive overview Links to purchase Matt Pearl's new book: the BBC found atypical lanes in solo video
of the position and gave instructions and AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, journalism. And Peter Rosen became an
advice specifically designed for it, written PUBLISHER MMJ midway through his career. Their
by someone currently in the role. journeys offer road maps beyond the stan-
That’s why I wrote one. dard broadcast model.
Four years ago, I announced the release to figure it out on their own, often on the And, as with the original, I’m hon-
of “The Solo Video Journalist,” which fly in the pressure cooker of their first jobs. ored that the legendary Boyd Huppert of
featured interviews with nearly a dozen My book offers a much-needed short- KARE-TV contributed the foreword —
MMJs and broke down every step of the cut: a one-stop how-to guide for every and offered insights in a chapter labeled,
solo storytelling process, from shooting to element of producing a story. “Learning From the Best.”
interviewing to writing to editing. But this new edition goes further. I am beyond excited that this 2nd
Now I’m thrilled to announce “The Solo In the four years since the original Edition is available because I believe in
Video Journalist, 2nd Edition,” with more text’s publication, the video journalism its power. I received this opportunity
interviews, significant updates and advice landscape has changed dramatically. because the original sold far beyond my
tailored to the updated landscape of video “The Solo Video Journalist, 2nd Edition” publisher’s expectations — a clear nod to
journalism. adapts to that: its necessity for aspiring storytellers in a
The core of the book hasn’t changed. • I have completely revamped and demanding field. As solo video journalists
My intent has always been to empower expanded the section about online and so- continue to populate newsrooms nation-
one-person crews with the types of in- cial media, geared toward thriving in the wide — and dominate in terms of awards,
sights, techniques and advice they rarely digital world while excelling on the air. assignments and opportunities — we
receive organically — and that I rarely • I have added several chapters called must continue to cultivate the talented,
received during my formative years in the “Career Chronicles,” which cover the Photograph
versatile and by Carina,
ambitious individuals 7.
who
field. Many journalism schools teach the increasing options for solo video jour- take on these
Afterpositions.
the Cinco de Mayo
necessary foundations of reporting, but nalists beyond the traditional paths in I am noparade,
longer an anomaly.
lowrider And that’s a
aficionados
they fail to dive deep into the realities of broadcast news. beautiful thing.
and residents
■ gather in South-
working alone: the emotional stress, the • I have addressed many of the changes Matt Pearl,west Detroit
whose column forusually
the Blessing
appears
increased emphasis on time management in equipment over the last half-decade, of the
in this space, Lowriders.
turned it over toThe event
his colleague
and the simple logistical questions of how namely the rise of phone and DSLR/ Hope Fordstarted
for this in 1997
issue. to blog
His create
canabe
safe
to perform two traditional jobs with one mirrorless cameras. space for neighborhood
found at tellingthestoryblog.com. Heyouths.
has
set of hands. Aspiring journalists are left • I have included The MMJ Survey, been an NPPA member since 2010.
16 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 17
MICKEY H. OSTERREICHER | NPPA GENERAL COUNSEL
The detrimental impact
of proposed governmental
drone policies on newsgathering
As a visual journalist, I have All drone users and those who care sion are not. The focus on where a drone
spent the past decade advocating for about drone innovation, especially is made, instead of on cybersecurity
small drones as a safe and economical protections across technologies used by
newsgathering tool. In that time, I have the news media, as a leading end-user the government, hurts drone users while
seen several waves of ill-conceived and of drone technology, must better doing nothing to address actual vulnera-
sometimes outlandish policy proposals scrutinize these “cybersecurity” bilities.
attempting to limit their use under false Genuine technological cybersecurity
pretenses of safety and privacy. concerns. concerns are already being addressed
First, civilian uses were stymied by by security standards and third-party
the connection of the word “drones” to validations. A recent data security test of
armed military Reapers and Predators. drone data may be automatically trans- products made by Chinese drone man-
After those fears were disproved came the ferred to China. ufacturer DJI showed “no evidence of
hand-wringing that drones were going to Adding to these restrictions, a draft Ex- [data] connections to China or to DJI”;
spy on everyone’s backyard and through ecutive Order (reported by Politico) would another study by a cybersecurity firm
everyone’s window. That was followed by bar professional drone work “on or over found the company employs security best
the dread that drones would hit and bring federally managed lands.” This leads me practices. For its part, DJI announced a
down an airliner. to believe that the concern is less about plan to enable a Local Data Mode (LDM)
The latest apprehension is over “cyber- sensitive data and more about a pretext which will mean that no data can be sent
security,” fueled by trade disagreements to restrict the use of certain makes of externally from its drones to any third
with China. No evidence has been offered drones. party, including DJI.
regarding a genuine threat from foreign A “right of transit” through airspace Further, China does not have a mo-
drone technology. Yet over the past year, has existed since the Air Commerce Act nopoly on cybersecurity risks. Instead
several proposals have been introduced of 1926. Today, anyone has the right to of focusing on DJI and China, we should
or implemented to limit the use of Chi- buy a drone, fly it in the national airspace, examine the actual cybersecurity risk by
nese-made drones and components – and and take pictures from that vantage point. drones and take steps within our own
in the process, place unacceptable new This freedom of operation in a shared workflows to minimize or eliminate them.
limits on how journalists gather news. public forum is what drone users value, All drone users and those who care
These policy decisions began in the U.S. whether for pleasure, profit or social about drone innovation, especially the
military, with internal memos in 2017 that benefit. news media, as a leading end-user of
raised security concerns about commer- And hundreds of media organizations drone technology, must better scrutinize
cial off-the-shelf drones, followed shortly and individual journalists like me exercise these “cybersecurity” concerns. Putting
after by a ban on their use. This was that right daily to gather news and images fear before fact and security pretexts
understandable, because those products that inform the public. In fact, journal- ahead of rational solutions will not only
are not made to meet military security re- ists supported by my own organization, chill newsgathering abilities and irrepa-
quirements, and because the U.S. military NPPA, are suing to overturn a statute rably harm all drone operators, but also
always prefers U.S. products. in Texas that restricts certain kinds of ground a beneficial technology that is just
But other government drone operations drone photography, on First Amendment getting airborne. ■
have been grounded with far less pretext. grounds. There is also a financial concern
The most prominent example has been at stake -- the current non-China drone Mickey H. Osterreicher serves as general
the U.S. Department of the Interior can- supply chain does not have the capacity to counsel for the National Press Photogra-
celing important fire-reduction missions make drones affordable or viable for me- phers Association (NPPA). He has been a
as forests in the West burn. In the past dia that have already invested thousands strong proponent of the safe use of drones
few months, at least four bills in Congress of dollars in equipment. for newsgathering and leads a yearly
have been proposed to ban the purchase It’s perplexing why Chinese-made Drone Journalism Leadership Summit
or use of foreign-sourced drones by all drones are considered such a security risk for members of the media, law enforce-
federal agencies, their contractors, and while phones, laptops, tablets, monitors, ment, the FAA and other agencies. He has
anyone receiving federal grant funding. or other electronic devices made in China been an NPPA member since 1973. Email
All have been justified by citing a risk that and capable of data collection/transmis- Mickey at lawyer@nppa.org.
18 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 19AUTUMN PAYNE | CAREER & LIFE BALANCE ERIC MAIERSON | IT'S A PROCESS, IT'S A PROCESS, IT'S A PROCESS
Zoom schooling may be all the How to help students
rage today, but not in our house (and yourself, too)
Fall has arrived, and a new school
year has begun. Pre-pandemic, our family The poet Robert Bly once be four sent a note to me afterward.
decided upon a public Waldorf education remarked that if you’re not actively And those who did were unfailingly
for our daughter, who is starting first helping those younger than yourself, polite and specific in their questions.
grade this year. I never wanted to home- then you are hurting them. This is The students who write are generally
school my children. I wanted to have people particularly true for journalists. the most driven, the most eager to
with degrees in primary education teach Because our profession is a craft, it is learn. Making connections with peo-
them, and I wanted her to have the daily so- learned by practice and experience, ple like this will always benefit you
cial interaction of a classroom full of peers. but it is teachers and mentors who in the long run.
We chose to send her to a Waldorf school First day of first guide us. We are indebted to those After students contact you, take a
because of its focus on the whole child, grade looked a who came before us, just as we, in moment a few weeks later to follow
giving what we felt would be a good balance lot different than turn, should nurture those who follow. up if you can. Ask how they are,
of emotional and academic growth. expected for I realize, of course, the immense whether your feedback was useful, if
Yet here we are, with a pandemic in Kaia Payne, competition in our field. There’s they were able to finish that difficult
full swing. Along with many families in the writer's a limited number of jobs and a part of their project. I realize this
this country, we are facing the ultimate daughter. seemingly ever-growing pool of new may sound heretical, as it puts the
juggling act: having to home-school our Photo by Autumn talent each year. So I understand the onus on us, the professionals. But
child and maintain careers from a worn Payne hesitation to help others. I’ve felt it, many students are too timid to write
and weary home. too. But assisting students, even a more than once. Going the extra
At the Waldorf school, screen time is essentially, this is what we will be doing son kindergarten, and I could happily little, can offer enormous benefits to distance can mean an awful lot to
militantly discouraged, and computers anyway, and only home-school families send her off to school and have the space professionals as well. someone who could benefit from
are not used in classrooms until middle receive financial support to do so. to work from home with Grandma watch- your help.
VISIT A CLASS, VIRTUALLY
school. So how will a Waldorf school teach But schools need attendance in order to ing my son for a few hours. But when Videoconferencing with a class is BE NICE
young children through Zoom? We are get funded, so my goal is to play the atten- the school switched to a half-hour Zoom an easy way to connect with students It sounds simple, but I can’t tell
about to find out. dance game but not sacrifice our family’s meeting once per week, we had to drag that doesn’t require an extensive you how many times I’ve heard
Waldorf education “strives to develop mental health in the process. her kicking and screaming to the screen. time commitment or a lot of prepa- stories from former students who
intellectual, artistic, and practical skills I want to keep the big picture in mind. And we were afraid to bring Grandma in ration. Teachers, in my experience, were mistreated by those at the top
in an integrated and holistic manner,” Mental health plays a huge part in the to help. It was a nightmare. are always looking for new ways to of the industry: a portfolio book
according to Wikipedia. “The cultivation of success of students of all ages. Chronic We won’t be doing that for first grade. impart information and are happy closed without the slightest encour-
pupils' imagination and creativity is a cen- stress is even more damaging to very We decided, out of necessity, to bring to host an experienced editor or aging word, an overheard comment
Illustration by Julie M. Elman
tral focus,” while qualitative assessments young children because their brains are Grandma into our bubble, and we won’t photographer for an hour or two. My about one’s lack of talent. Please,
play a larger role than quantitative testing. still developing. Undoubtedly, a world- force Zoom onto our child. We will be general routine is to ask students be- allow students the kind of space to
tionist, to see all the flaws in a beginner’s
When I think about having to do all of wide health crisis qualifies as stress. watching her experience carefully. It’s fore class to watch a short film I’ve edited, grow that you’d wish for yourself. Kind-
work. But your job is not to point out all of
this, maintain my fledgling videography For children, the quality of their rela- more important to us to keep her think- and then I will answer questions about the ness literally costs nothing. And today’s
their mistakes; your job is to assist them
business, teach at the community college, tionships with their primary caregivers is ing positively about her school experi- production as well as discuss issues about novice is tomorrow’s prizewinner. That
in some small way along a much longer
care for my 9-month-old son and provide the the greatest factor in forming their mental ence than it is for us to force her into their own work. transformation can happen overnight or
trajectory. Helping students to advance
equivalent of a full day of school program- health landscape. In other words, children an unnatural teaching scenario. So if Talking about my process not only helps be extinguished with a few cruel words.
even a single step is sometimes enough
ming to my 6-year-old, I get a headache. with strong supportive relationships will that means turning the camera on while clarify larger ideas that students may wres- Plus, it’s just good karma. Former stu-
encouragement to keep them energized
Migraines, to be exact. fare better in times of stress than those taking attendance and turning it off for tle with, but it also helps me to better un- dents are far more likely to hire you in the
and enthusiastic enough to clear the next
Honestly, it’s too much. And I know with no support. the lesson, then so be it because doing a derstand my own work. Talking to a class subsequent years if you can offer a little
hurdle.
that I’m not the only one who feels this Admittedly, my own stress level in fun craft with happy caregivers or playing can make everyone a better storyteller. encouragement now. That’s been true for
And on a self-serving note, workshops
way. So I’m going to share with you my dealing with the pandemic has affected with her pets outside is going to be better me, and it will be for you as well. Think of
COACH A WORKSHOP are a great place to network with peers.
self-talk with hopes that it will help others my parenting, and my relationship with for her mental health than sitting through it as an investment that will grow for years
Short of being a full-time teacher, Almost every time I’ve coached a work-
facing this daunting reality. my kids has been impacted. Which is why a forced Zoom lesson in tears. to come — both for you and the industry. ■
there’s no better way to instruct students shop or judged a contest, I’ve benefited
I drew unemployment for a couple of nurturing my relationships with my kids And I’m willing to bet her future on it.
than the hands-on mentorship of coach- from new freelance gigs afterward, even if
months after the pandemic hit. I’m not during my nonwork time will be my focus Her mental health is more important than Eric Maierson is a freelance writer and
ing a workshop. Teaching a small group not immediately.
about to jeopardize my now-recovering in the upcoming months. grades. My mental health is more im- two-time Emmy-winning video editor
business over a crackpot idea to teach first The way I see it, my child’s grades portant than jumping through arbitrary of students in an intimate and intense OFFER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS and producer. He lives in Brooklyn with
grade through Zoom. It’s not age-appro- in first grade will not affect her future hoops. We will get through this as long as environment is a great way to help them I’ll admit it, the thought of offering his wife, Ellen, and their two dogs, both
priate, and it’s destined to fail. chances at getting into a great college or we keep all of this in perspective. ■ quickly improve their skills. For me, it’s my email to a roomful of strangers still rascals.
We were lucky to land a spot for her via pursuing a rewarding career. Her ability always been helpful to approach these sit- makes me hesitate. But time and again, I
Autumn Payne is an independent visual
a lottery last year, so we wanted to hang to handle stress and adversity will. And uations by remembering myself at a young am surprised by just how few students ac- Illustration by Julie M. Elman, a
journalist based in Sacramento, Calif.
on to her position. Otherwise, I would she’s watching and learning about how to She can be reached at autumnpayne. age and recalling the kind of teachers who tually contact me. Two years ago, I spoke professor at the School of Visual Commu-
promptly take her out of school and enroll handle stress now. com. She has been an NPPA member helped me when I began. Meet students at Mountain Workshops. Of the 300-plus nication at Ohio University, where she
her as a home-schooler this year. Because Last year my daughter loved her in-per- since 2001. where they are. Yes, it’s easy to be a perfec- people in the audience that evening, may- teaches design.
20 September-October 2020 News Photographer September-October 2020 News Photographer 21You can also read
