Bungee Fall

The child was injured when he fell from a bungee ride at a local

festival.

A fine piece of photojournalism. You captured the gravity of the situation along with the intense concentration of the EMTs and their concern for the injured child. (This is the kind of shot where the rating categories make no sense. The "aesthetics" and "originality" of a good spot news shot consist almost entirely of finding a way to get to the heart of the moment, and you did exactly that.)

I am particularly grateful that you chose to comment on this. I think it does have a sense of poignancy and urgency. The reaction to it has made me think that perhaps I am just out of step with PhotoNet viewers. I don't want to let that start to influence my approach to photography. I certainly have room to improve, and suggestions from viewers can be most helpful. But I can't abandon whatever vision I may have just to fit in.

Doug, With pictures like this, the ratings are meaningless. I bet if we posted Robert Capa's classic "Falling Soldier" it would get its share of low ratings. I can imagine some of the comments: "Grainy," "Listless sky," "Not enough contrast," "Doesn't quite pop," "Dull tones," "Lacks texture," "Too centered," etc. All missing the point. Your work is always worthy of serious attention, and this shot is no exception. Any of the papers I've worked for would have likely given it major play. It's a fine and moving photo of a serious situation. Regards...

Thanks for the encouragement. In terms of showing my work, I needed that.

 

I was a photographer for my hometown weekly when I was in college, eons ago (I was issued a YashicaMat). I still have an appreciation of the work of news photographers.

 

There is, of course, always that issue of exploitation. People could say that here I was exploiting the child's injury just to get a photo. I think that is a valid concern. Here I was told that the bungee ride broke, causing the kid to fall. Also, I was very impressed with how skillfully the paramedics dealt with the situation. I think that shows in the picture. It didn't seem exploitive to me, and that's all I can say.

 

You obviously have experience in this area. How have you and your papers dealt with it?

 

 

Doug, I don't think you came close to crossing any borders with this shot, although I understand your apprehension. I rode with EMT crews many times and was always worried about edging too close to the very line you're concerned about. But the child in your image is not shown in a way that could be considered exploitative by a reasonable viewer. The boy is injured, yes, but his injury is not graphically displayed. The EMTs are doing their job with great care. The news value here, of course, would be the danger of the bungee ride and the consequences of lax inspection, etc. That alone gives the picture significance. Add to that the compassion you captured i.e. the look of deep concern, the gentle hand on the boy's leg (both, by the way, also indicating that the child was in some way responsive)... This image is clearly a good and serious one. Regards, Joe