During major media events, it is clear that there are many photographers, camera operators and journalists. In some cases, we find ourselves reluctantly forced to include our colleagues in our photos.
Actress Meryl Streep received the Palme d'Honneur this week at the Cannes Film Festival in France. The number of photographers on the Croisette is always impressive.
The photo-taking protocol is skillfully coordinated. Upon arrival, the artists climb the stairs of the Palais des Festivals and pose for a few minutes in front of the photographers.
Management made the decision to place 12 background photographers on one side of the stage. Therefore, photographers on the other hand are forced to deal with them, and vice versa.
This sudden decision was likely well thought out. Is the organization betting that the large number of photographers adds a touch of flair? luster In the event?
So, as for the picture. The actress's smile is real. His sunglasses, his stylish hat, the position of his hands, everything is perfect.
In the background, more than a hundred photographers talk about everything and nothing. I'm not convinced that this is the best idea.
Actress Meryl Streep received the Palme d'Honneur at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France on May 14, 2024.
Photo: Getty Images/Nelson Barnard
Now let's look at the opposite corner. While they wait for the actress to approach them, five of the eleven photographers prepare their cameras. It's normal. We often switch from one camera to another in order to quickly switch from a very narrow focal length to a wider focal length.
This is amazing Chaos
Photographers still generate great distraction. Meryl Streep's visual impact is muted in this photo.
American actress Meryl Streep poses for photographers at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 14, 2024.
Photo: Getty Images/Valerie Hachey
A good way to get rid of unwanted background is to shoot with a wide aperture to get a blurred background.
Photographer Valerie Hache used this technique. We can see several photographers a little back. On the other hand, our eyes remain focused on the expression of the famous actress.
Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen leaves his home in New York on May 14, 2024.
Photo: Getty Images/Timothy A. Clary
In New York, Michael Cohen testified in the criminal trial against former President Donald Trump. When he left his home, photographers were waiting for him. Many of them rushed towards him as he walked towards his car.
Photographer Timothy A. Clary includes two colleagues on the left and right of the frame. Quite frankly, he didn't really have a choice. In this type of situation, we take photos in burst mode and focus on our subject.
Next, it is essential that we take the time to visualize our collection of images and crop them appropriately to remove unnecessary and annoying elements. The man behind him, Michael Cohen, the driver, and the scaffold are all distracting elements, but acceptable in the circumstances.
I'm sharing with you one of my tips for getting good photos in such conditions. This includes deciding which vehicle will be used. Then, I sit next to the passenger door and wait for the subject to come toward me!
Law enforcement officers arrest a demonstrator during a demonstration in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 14, 2024.
Photo: Getty Images/Giorgy Argevanidze
Thousands of Georgians opposing a controversial bill gathered in the center of the capital, Tbilisi, Georgia. Police were deployed near the Parliament building. There were major clashes between the police and the demonstrators.
The scene is intense. Masked police officers try to arrest a protester. The man in the center of the photo, fist raised in the air, defends himself as best he can. Photographers are in the crowd and taking pictures as best they can.
Working among masked people is never comfortable, but the only way to get good photos is to get close to the action.
My wink of the week
Andre Boicler arrives at a Montreal courthouse during his trial on sexual assault charges, June 20, 2022.
Photo: Radio-Canada/Ivanoh Demers
In 2022, the media covered the trial of Andre Boicler for sexual assault extensively. When he arrived at the Montreal courthouse, there were about a dozen photographers and photographers on site.
As soon as he appeared, we approached him. Then we turned back, following André Boisclerc as long as we could. Typically, this type of stalking lasts about fifteen seconds. The way we work is very simple, we take as many pictures as possible and hope we get good results.
When sorting the photos, I first selected the best expression of the accused. Coincidentally, the members of the media in the back were well placed in my frame, making for an aesthetically interesting photo.
Sometimes, luck is on our side.
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