"This Will Define Who You Are" Day 3

James Estrin was an absolute pleasure to listen to today at The New York Times. He gave us some background information on his career in newspaper, studying at ICP, going to law school, freelancing and eventually ending up at The Times. He talked to us about his start in multimedia around '03/'04 and showed us some really moving pieces on people going through the process called an "assisted suicide". He brought us through his process of documenting such an emotional issue. Once he got into these peoples lives and homes, he gave us tips on how to make them and their family or friends feel comfortable with a stranger with a camera in the room. They also brought in one of their newest employees Leslye who graduated from Western Kentucky University just this past May! It was really crazy to see someone practically our age at the head of the conference table! But it was extremely reassuring, she was full of determination and confidence. Anytime that you are awake and functioning, you should be shooting! She was even kind enough to show us videos inspired her as a student.
We traveled to Getty Images afterwards - where I soaked up so much important information. The level at which that company operates is just incredible, they put out work in real time. Timing is very important - the photographer needs to be independent, have a good eye, and compose amazing images that clients will want to buy and publish on the front page of their papers. They shared the changes they've made in multimedia department, which I didn't hear anywhere else, how they shoot raw takes and let the client make the edits themselves (really interesting). Pancho basically told us how we should have such a fire under us to push through shooting all of the time, no other distractions in our life, and that we need to find what we love and follow through with it. My favorite piece of advice for someone who wants to be an editor in the future is to edit your classmates work! Just practice practice practice editing their raw takes - and having a conversation about why this works or doesn't work.