Greetings from the back side of the camera: If you’ve been keeping up with your Gazette as of late you may have noticed a few more MVA’s (motor vehicle accidents) in print. A lot of people drive lousy all year round, but, the numbers spike due to winter conditions. This keeps us hopping in the photo department. Shooting an accident scene such as the Lewiston Hill Rollover published last Friday 01/09/09 is a challenge. Technically and personally; the right angle, respect for law enforcement on the scene as well as the victims. This photo was shot from the 104 overpass, the accident took place at the base of the Moses Parkway Hill about a 1/8 of a mile before the Center Street exit.
**Tech tip: during the winter set your camera ( or manually under expose by 1/3 of a stop it will bring out detail in the snow which will throw you exposure off a bit)
I used an 80 to 200mm zoom lens shot at f/8 at 200mm (which calculates to about a 320mm in the digital world).
I am often asked, what is going through my mind on a fire or accident scene, and at times have been verbally accosted on assignment for photographing a grim scene at the expense of the victims.
While I’m shooting I separate myself from the scene to capture the image. This is not to say I don’t have empathy for the subject I’m photographing. One hopes that the readership will look as such photos using them to plant a seed in the old brain box to drive safer, illustrate to their children the dangers of playing with fire, etc.
On a less heavy note, hope your enjoying your paper, go Sabres, and keep our newspapers healthy. Read daily.
Enjoy. Dan
January 15, 2009 at 3:31 am
Great pics of the tragic accident on the Moses. As a lifelong shutterbug, I’m very much enjoying your posts.
Cheers,
Freddy