It’s been a year since I picked up my camera and started photographing life in a small town on Cape Cod as a photojournalist for the local newspaper. When I started, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew that I loved taking pictures, and this would be a fun way to explore my new community, earn a paycheck and get my foot in the door within the industry. Looking back on the past year, I’m amazed at all that I’ve witnessed — and learned.
From quiet moments on the beach to bustling holiday parades, these photos have given me a unique glimpse into life in Falmouth and the surrounding communities of Bourne, Sandwich and Mashpee. As a photojournalist, my goal is always to capture the everyday moments and newsworthy events to share with those readers who pick up the newspaper each week.
On What Led Me to Become a Photographer
I learned photography by stealing my grandfather’s disposable cameras. I would take his cameras, filled with film, and wander around my home and backyard taking pictures of random things. it was fascinating to see how differently life looked through a lens. I would have absolutely no idea what the photos would turn out like, and Im sure my grandfather was quite surprised when he discovered 24 frames of our pet cat when he got the film developed.
When I was a freshman in college in Vermont, I tried to enroll in the one introductory course to photography, but I was always one step behind or my internet browser too slow when trying to get a spot in the class. Only in my last semester of my senior year did I finally secure a seat in the course — Intro to Darkroom photography
After college, I moved to back home to Falmouth, Massachusetts and, I suppose on a whim, applied for an opening at the local community newspaper. I’m not sure what the publisher and editor saw in my portfolio as I was very, very green but I soon started working as a photographer for the Enterprise Newspapers. It has been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot about photography. I often refer to this job as my post-graduate education.
On the Process of Documenting My Community
When I started working as a photographer for the Enterprise Newspapers, I was very new to the profession. But, I was excited to start documenting my community, despite it being a daunting task. It often means capturing the essence of a community in pixels, and trying to tell its story through images. One of the great things about shooting for a small town paper is that you really get to know the community.
On Being My Own Worst Critic
People say that they are their own worse critics. I often find myself questioning whether or not I captured the shot well enough. As a general news photographer for a community newspaper on Cape Cod, I’m expected to cover a wide field of photo assignments. On any given day, I could shoot high school sports, jewelry for local advertisements and town politicians in a town meeting format. There are some days when I know that I’ve nailed it, and others, it’s tough to talk to the editor with confidence about what you’re passing in.
But that’s just the nature of the job. You never know what you’re going to get from one day to the next.
On the Challenge
Working as a small community photojournalist can be a challenging job. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of control over lighting. In a commercial setting, photographers can rely on well-lit sets and a number of assistants. However, as a community newspaper photographer, I’m often expected to capture photos in a wide range of situations, often with little or no control over the lighting. This can be tough, but it’s also part of what makes the job interesting and challenging.
On Inspiration from my Colleagues
When I was starting out, I worked with some great reporters and editors who taught me a lot about being a good journalist. They showed me the ropes and helped me develop my skillset. One of the things that I learned from them was the importance of being able to discern the trivial everyday moments from the truly newsworthy events and to craft the story of the community I documented with my cameras. Their passion for their work was contagious, and it motivated me to become a better photographer.
