Comments on: ACFJ Final Projects

By: Jai alai tournament slideshow | I AM A DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER

Jai alai tournament slideshow | I AM A DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:37:20 +0000

[...] had their yearend tournament. As posted before, I am documenting this unique sport as part of my course project. With permission from Alex Singca, association president and the one I interviewed here, I was [...]

By: estan

estan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:31:09 +0000

Sidney, I’m not losing hope. I at least have a lead that I’m trying to pursue. You’re right about what you said above, being a documentary photographer takes much effort and most of these can’t be seen in photos. These are behind the scenes that may take much effort than doing the story itself.

Really, I’m in awe of your work as well because of the great lengths you’ve gone to just get these images.

By: Sidney

Sidney — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:11:08 +0000

Estan… sorry… but you shouldn’t give up if one of your friends tell you that he don’t want the idea of being covered.
That is a VERY bad excuse !!! (Your lucky I am not your professor
Of course it is possible to cover the call center industry.
Being a documentary photographer is not just taking pictures… it is also about being able to open doors that are closed to outsiders.
90 % is preparation, courting people, making friends, finding leads…
It took me ONE year before I was able to start taking pictures in jail. I spend countless hours and energy on this project, courting people…till I got the right guy who helped me with one signature! Never give up is my advice.
It took me also more than a year to be able to cover the Rizalista.
Every project is feasible…but you need the will to succeed, you need time and sometimes money.

You need to befriend insiders who can show you their world. Otherwise you can forget it.

I am sure that you are aware that some of those famous documentary photographers are spending years of their life on a single project.