I have been on assignment in Mindoro twice for two different publications. The first one when I covered an Iraya Mangyan Festival and a resort in Oriental Mindoro. The most recent one was for Mabuhay Magazine when I went to Occidental Mindoro to discover its secrets. This was published last June 2009 Issue. On both occasions I went there both as a writer and a photographer.
With one hand on the camera and the other on a pen and notebook, I went around Mindoro to capture a story. Personally, I would prefer to be either a writer or a photographer. But I have seen a good mix of photographer and writers who does a great job at their work in the likes of Lester Ledesma. I also heard from a friend in the publication industry saying that the prestigious Outside Magazine, one my favorite outdoor and travel mags is known to hire people who could both write and take photos. In my experience, working as both has advantages and advantages.
Advantages. Being both the writer and the photographer gives you full control on how you would capture the images for the story. I find that I can envision the important angles and shots that I need for the story. Since I would be the one writing, I know what mood in a photo that would accompany the text. In post assignment, it’s easy to sort out the photos that may probably be used. Does save a lot of time.
Disadvantages. Being the writer has certain responsibilities. One is to jot down a lot of details and even to interview key persons during the assignments. I remember when I was in Occidental Mindoro where I was on a boat talking to the tourism officer while jotting down some notes and at times stealing snaps during conversation as we pass by interesting sites. In Oriental Mindoro, I was shooting a sunset which has only has a few sweeping moments when a key person arrived. Of course I can’t make this guy wait long so I had to abandon the camera and let the dying light pass while I turn on the voice recorder and track back on the questions I need to ask. Case in point, being a writer at times can give you missed opportunities to be a photographer to take what could be a memorable shot.
With that said, I must say that I had no qualms on wearing two hats. I guess the important thing here is striking a balance on when to wear the photographer’s hat or pick up the pen. I think this is a skill that can be honed during assignments which is as easy as task management as well. Why not schedule interviews during mid-days when the light isn’t ideal to shoot? Or set a day for interviews and go shooting on another day. It’s definitely a thing I can explore further granted I’ll be doing another assignment on both task.
Read the article on the Secrets of Mindoro on the Chronicles Summary on Ironwulf.net.
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