National Press Photographers Association - Region 2 Top Stories Clip Contest Archives Links About Us  Click on ad above to view J&R website   Contact Todd Maisel, Region 2 Director toddphoto@aol.com Vincent DiSalvio / The Journal NewsA Raines & Welsh driver is helped from his jacknifed truck on Route 59 in West Nyack on Oct. 19, 2007 by medics and Central Nyack Firefighters.  Members of the NPPA are eligible for corporate pricing and buying power afforded to many large companies Boxes for photographers, great deals SEPTEMBER City makes City Hall parking for press vehicles; Press Photographers thank officials for their help World Trade Center Workers Comp - Deadline extended until 2012 for all News briefs:Remote camera? Please tell authorities you are using it Our transit trip to Boston gets local photo support Calendar Items Dinner meeting of NPPA-NYPPA - Monday, September 8, 7 p.m. CONTEST: Public transportation photo Contest invites photos - Deadline Friday, October 10, 2008 AUGUST Calendar Items The Women in Photojournalism Conference coming to New Orleans in 2008 - Friday, August, 8-10 JULY Canon, Apple gear stolen from CT home Press parking becomes more difficult as result of media stories, mayor policies New Web Site Features 48 Live NPPA Multimedia Immersion Workshop Stories Mary Beth Murray, wife of NYDN Photographer, dies in her sleep Calendar Items J&R Events for July Daily News Photog, Todd Maisel to host seminar at J&R Lunch & Learn series - Tuesday, July 8 W. Eugene Smith Fund offers Humanistic Photo Grants - Deadline Tuesday, July 15 Exhibit in Bronx features local photojouralists until Saturday, July 12 NYPPA exhibit at Forbes on Fifth Avenue - Thursday, July 17 JUNE Daily News photographer, R2 director mugged in Brooklyn Cameras allowed in Manhattan Courtroom for "Madam" hearing Photo job opens at NYPD Your comments count on NPPA name change. Read what your fellow members are saying Calendar Items J&R Events for JuneStill Trying to Achieve my Personal Goal To raise money and make the big ride Mickey Osterriecher, attorney NPPA - Saturday, June 28Exhibit in Bronx features Many local photojouralists - Friday, June 6 MAY Reporters stories on NYPA parking spells trouble for city photographers Wanted for possible legal challenge Pooped by the Pope; 3-day trip to New York City Calendar Items J&R Events for MayDeadline for Entries in the 2008 IAFF Media Awards Contest - Thursday, May 1Adorama and Nikon sponsor: The Light and Location with photog, Joe McNally - Thursday, May 8 The 2008 NPPA Annual Awards Banquet - Saturday, May 31 City makes City Hall parking for press vehicles; Press Photographers thank officials for their help City Hall is again press friendly as city officials have designated a large stretch of Park Row that had been historically a parking area for visiting photographers. In June, press photographers were hit with surprise summonses for parking along Park Row, which is one of the few places for press to park and be able to cover events at City Hall. The ban made covering events in and around City Hall difficult, if not impossible to properly cover. While members of the media still covered major breaking events at City Hall, officials found that lesser events, especially those of the City Council, were suffering as a result of the ban. The ticketing of press vehicles began after some members of the media wrote stories and took photos of illegal parking by police officers, members of the Courts and officials from city government. The National Press Photographers Association Region 2 has and continues to condemn these stories as counter productive to solving parking issues in the city and inconsequential to the real issues of city congestion. We also found that instead of punishing the alleged illegal parking, the city instead took aim at members of the media – including ticket and towing vehicles while on the job in areas where they were allowed to operate and park. We thank the city for the wise decision and continue to support official efforts to ease congestion in other ways other than picking on those government officials that we in the media work closely with every day. World Trade Center Workers Comp Deadline extended until 2012 for all If you covered the attack at the World Trade Center or were present at the Trade Center site as a journalist any time afterwards the deadline to file with the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board has been extended to 2012. We encourage all journalists, whether injured or not, whether currently exhibiting signs of injury now or not, to document their being on the site on 9.11.01 or AT ANY TIME AFTERWARDS by filling out this form, having it notarized and returning it. You can get the form online at http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/forms/WTC-12.pdf The results of the health survey by David Handschuh and the NYPPA indicates that journalist emotional and physical injury is equal to or greater than that of rescue workers. Protect yourself and fill out the WTC-12 and then take a few minutes and take the WTC Journalist Health survey online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Cmwse_2bA9MO5Ix4FOqYsCXg_3d_3d The results will be used to lobby officials for proper journalist health coverage as a result of our exposure at the WTC. If you have any questions, feel free to email David at h2photo@optonline.net or call me at 646 872 5421. News briefs: Remote camera? Please tell authorities you are using it One of our photographers placed a remote camera under the steps of a local precinct during a perp walk. He ended up having his press card taken when Lt. Whyte decided that the camera resembled a “suspicious device.” Whether we agree with this or not, it is incumbent upon us not to put any remote cameras in places where it may cause alarm without letting police know you are doing it. The NYC Department of Film and Movies produced what has been viewed as a good set of rules concerning filming in New York City. We now believe those new rules will work favorably for photographers everywhere and reflect an understanding by the city that freedom of the press and the rights of citizens to take photos is also a major right in our society. Our a ttorneys believe the new rules are favorable to a free and unfettered press and even amateur photographers. NYPPA held their exhibit opening on July 17 at the Forbes Gallery. The Gallery is open five days a week and may be viewed till the end of the month of August. Problems with clip contest has been resolved and results will be released shortly. Unfortunately, with every new process, there are problems. We have worked hard to resolve them and results will be published on R2 and on the NPPA website. Look at the new listings for clip contest and you will see your images posted. College campus movie making? No access without permission: One photographer found out that being on campus at Brooklyn College didn’t mean that he had permission to be there. Even though he gave security the slip, campus security and PIO officials asked him to leave during the filming of Gossip Girl. Our attorney NPPA Mickey Osterreicher commented thus: “I would have to see the by-laws/charter of the college/university. It would take a bot of research but before doing all of that I think I would make the analogy of a movie being filmed on a NYC street. Certainly the street and sidewalk are public but when a production crew gets a permit to film (back to our friends at MOFTB, it changes the dynamic where people are no longer permitted to park, pedestrians are no longer permitted to walk and the press is restricted. I would guess that this is what is happening here. Had the photographer been barred for no reason I think we would have another case.” Many college campuses that have closed in campuses consider those areas to be private, even though they are considered city and state universities. We invite further comment from our membership. Audio, video is your defense: A videographer working at a recent pin job, encountered police who began pushing and acting badly. Unfortunately, the videographer didn’t have his press ID on him at the time. The same police also threatened to confiscate cameras from civilians, something that is grossly illegal and improper. A video was made of this incident and was given to the precinct community affairs officer and commander. Those officers were shown the video and community affairs officers determined that officers did not approach the photographers properly. Internal discipline and meetings were held subsequent to this incident in which police were instructed in the proper behavior with the media and public. We at NPPA believe that some incidents can be resolved on a local precinct level. Pushing, shoving and bad behavior by photographers and police is investigated by our organization. See it all at the Sept. 8 meeting. Our transit trip to Boston gets local photo support By Hugh Christopher Henry ACLU & NPPA member Last weekend, our transit enthusiasts' group spent a four-day weekend in Boston seeing the city sights and photographing Boston's mass-transit system. The pleasure we had and the courtesy we were shown by MBTA employees and supervision would have been unheard of a year or more ago. A lot of folks deserve credit for this...the NPPA, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and a number of very concerned and very vocal local photographers for bringing about this change. And the MBTA is to be commended for coming up with a rational and reasonable photo policy that no sane and reasonable person could find fault with. Let's hope this new wave of common sense continues to infiltrate the rest of his great nation. BTW, MBTA Boston has one great transit system!September Calendar ItemsDinner meeting of NPPA-NYPPA - Monday, September 8, 7 p.m.Members of both orgs get a discount $10 for member of either organization, $7 if member of both – cash bar and good raffle. Bring cash or check. Late dues will be accepted for both organizations. Join your fellow photographers for an evening of food, drink and vital information that will help you in your daily efforts to be successful in an industry that continues to get tougher all the time. Find out what your organizations are doing for you and why it is more important now more than ever to be a part of the NYPPA and the NPPA. As part of the evening, a brief presentation will be conducted as both instructional and help to plan strategy in dealing peacefully with authorities in the metropolitan area. All attendees get a copy of the NYPPA Year in Pictures book for 2008. We will be getting some great raffle prizes! YOU MUST RSVP THIS EVENT! Please RSVP at www.rsvp@nyppa.org ASAP (AS the place only holds 100 people. THE TIME IS 7-10 pm. Seating is limited so you must RSVP by Wednesday September 3. The dinner is from 7pm until 10pm. Unfortuantely, last minute "drop-in" will not be accommodated. For all last minute people, If you find that you can attend you may contact Betsy (office Manager of NYPPA ) at 917-836-1447 by Friday September the 5th. She will know the head count and if we have any seats left, will try to get you a seat. NO WALK-INS. PLEASE RSVP to rsvp@nyppa.org. We still have seats remaining so please RSVP.CONTESTPublic transportation photo Contest invites photos here The American Public Transportation Association is hosting its Ninth Annual Public Transportation: Wherever Life Takes You Photo Invitational. We're looking for photos from APTA members that not only depict public transportation's significance in value, but also demonstrate how it ensures that freedom of movement is available to everyone. See http://www.apta.com/services/photo/ for application and further info. From creating more livable communities, providing access to commuters, older Americans, persons with disabilities and youth, or helping reduce pollution and conserve energy--public transportation is a great story. And with your pictures, it's an even better one.They are looking for a variety of photos of diverse individuals traveling on public transportation to or from work, medical appointments, school, events, or countless other destinations, in addition to public transportation construction, expansions, and TOD making communities more livable.The winning photos should capture human emotion and illustrate how people or communities -- all using public transportation -- benefit. We are looking to show people using public transportation, not the vehicles.DEADLINE OCTOBER 10, 2008 Send entries to: Photo Invitational, c/o APTA 1666 K St., N.W. Washington, DC 20006 For more information, contact Mark Neuville at mneuville@apta.com or 202-496-4821Just think, if we had not battled the MTA’s idea to ban photography in our transit system, those entering this contest would be criminals. One comment from a member “This certainly is good news. Now, I wonder if the security folks at Maryland's MTA and Atlanta's MARTA will have a litter of kittens over it? Also the small Maybe this is diabolical. Get those pesky railfans out with their cameras and nail 'em and jail 'em for violating the Patrot Act. That'll stop those PITA photos of safety and maintenance lapses from appearing all over the web once and for all.” - RES August Calendar Items The Women in Photojournalism Conference coming to New Orleans in 2008 Call it “The City of Mystery” or the “Paris of the South” New Orleans will be the site of the 2008 NPPA Women in Photojournalism Conference. Everyone is familiar with the history of the city, now come and join us to see the new New Orleans August 8, 9, 10, 2008. This city features cultural riches; sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city – including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden istrict, Audubon Park and Zoo and St. Charles Avenue – is thriving. With all of its facets, a New Orleans experience is never anything but completely authentic. The city’s marvelous eccentricities are born from a rich heritage, respectfully and indelibly woven into the fabric of everyday life here. New Orleans doesn’t act a part for its visitors; it simply welcomes everyone with open arms to a world all its own. The majestic Astor Crowne Plaza will be our host hotel for this conference. It is the gateway hotel to New Orleans' most exciting destination - the world famous French Quarter. Located where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street, The Astor Crowne Plaza allows for quick access to both the excitement of Bourbon Street and nearby downtown attractions of Harrah's Casino, Aquarium Of The Americas, Riverwalk Shopping Center, Morial Convention Center, N.O. Sports Arena and the Superdome. We have been able to get an outstanding rate of $129 per night for single and double occupancy. These rates will be available three days before, and three days after the conference. This hotel is truly a jewel of Bourbon Street! To book online, you only need a direct link to our reservation web site. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/advancedsearch?whichtype=room&roomResult =none&firstpoint=dcb1&hotelCode=msyla&quickRes=city&_GPC=WIP&checkInDate=06& checkOutMonthYear=072008&checkInMonthYear=072008&checkOutDate=11&_requestid=37788 This link will take you directly to reservation desk. You’re your reservations as soon as possible. The rate will be valid as long as we have rooms available, up to and including August 11, 2008. Volunteers Needed! We are in the beginning stages of planning, and if you want to help us put this program together, please contact our national coordinators. Our program relies on the generosity of our volunteers Tahra Makinson-Sanders at Tmakinson@yahoo.comJennifer Friedberg at jfriedberg@star-telegram.com or Pat Holloway at Tvphotog@aol.com  Canon, Apple gear stolen from CT home On June 22, the home of Christopher Capozziello at 107 Linwood Street in Milford, CT was broken into and every piece of equipment he owns was stolen. In total, he lost $16,000 worth of photography equipment. He currently works as a freelancer, mostly for the New York Times, in Connecticut, but has had to turn down assignments since this happened. Unfortunately he did not have insurance that can be obtained from NPPA at a low price; a hard lesson to learn. He has been scouring local pawn shops over the last week-and-a-half, and have been working with a detective from the police. but has found nothing. Anyone with information, contact: Chris Capozziello at www.chriscappy.com, phone 203-314-1714. NPPA Region 2 is offering a small reward to help out a fellow colleague. Here is a list of the stolen Items: Powerbook G4 Macintosh Laptop Serial Number: W85242NWSQ7; Canon 5D, digital SLR camera, Serial Number: 0520205294; Two Canon 5D BP-511A Lithium-Ion Batteries; Canon 1-V, film SLR camera, Serial Number: 257938; Canon 16-35mm zoom lens, Serial Number: 241324; B + W 82mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) filter slim; Canon 70-200 mm zoom lens, Serial Number: 270829; B + W 77mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) filter slim; Canon 2x tele-converter; Canon 580 EX Flash; Canon off camera shoe cord; Canon EF 24 mm 1.4 lens, Serial Number: 35664; B + W 77mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) filter slim; Canon EF 35mm 1.4 lens, Serial Number: 36315; Value: $1,180; B + W 72mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) filter slim; Canon EF 50 mm 1.4 lens, Serial Number: 12502425; B + W 77mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) filter slim; Canon ES-71 II Lens Hood for 50mm lens; 4GB Compact Flash Card; Flash Difuser; Firelite 120 GB Portable Hard Drive; Lacie 160 GB Portable Hard Drive; Domke F-3x camera bag; Domke F-5XB camera bag; Tamrac shoulder bag; Shepherd/Polaris – Digital Reflected, Incident and Flash Light Meter. Press parking becomes more difficult as result of media stories, mayor policies In light of the mayor's position on privileged parking, we must make an extra effort to park only where authorized as stated on the reverse side of the NYPD issued press parking permits. You may not park in bus stops, hydrants, blocking of crosswalks, no standing anytime and lastly no double parking. Do not park in a zone that is zoned for judges, doctors & etc. If you continue to disregard the parking privileges, we are placing our permits in jeopardy. Should we lose these permits, it is highly unlikely that we will ever get them back. Use common sense when parking and read the what the sign says. Recently, there has been concern about commercial parking areas because at least one NYP vehicle was towed and others were summoned. We continue to have the privilege to park these areas “while we are working,” so please, do not abuse the privilege. In the meantime, Jerry Engel, the NYPPA police liaison will be talking with towing officials to ask them to refrain from towing and ticketing NYP vehicles in commercial parking zones where we are permitted to park. In the meantime, if you parking in a commercial zone and it requires payment of a muni meter, pay for the first hour. It shows the judge who will decide the case that you made an honest effort to pay for your privilege. Your receipt would be used as part of your proof if you get a summons. If you get a summon's submit it promptly to avoid being towed as a scofflaw – do not sit on that ticket for even a minute. If you owe money for a previous offense you run the risk of being towed. If you are towed by the Sheriff, you are at their mercy and the NYPPA can do nothing on your behalf. Those who are members of the NYPPA, please fill out the required paperwork and copies of both sides of permit, provide proof that you were on the job (write affadavit on news organization stationary) and send it directly to the NYPPA. If you are not a member of NYPPA, or decide to fight this on your own, bring all proof with you to court including the copy of the permit in your windshield and proof you were on the job. If you receive a summons with a “code 14,” pay it right away as that code cannot be adjudicated. If it's a code 16, 17, 20 or 21 the NYPPA can work with that and get it adjudicated in your favor. NPPA members should keep in mind that we do not have apparatus set up to fight your tickets – this is an NYPPA function only. However, if you need advice, email us immediately and we will do what we can to help. We continue to urge our members to turn down assignments in which you are asked to photograph illegally parked police personnel, court officials or other law enforcement agencies. Those who are forced to do these assignments should register their disapproval with their editors and ask that they not have their photo credit attached to it. It is because some of our media colleagues continue to believe that attacking our friends in the NYPD is fruitful that we have been targeted in some instances. If there is one good thing, is that some of the NYP parking areas have been vacated by police and other city officials after they have had their cars ticketed and towed. Try to park in these areas, as they are reserved for our vehicles. The leadership of NPPA Region 2 believes that these stories are a waste of time and only result in press photographers being unfairly targeted. So sound off to your bosses, because it will come out of their budgets if we are forced to pay for parking. Remember, it is no longer business as usual! New Web Site Features 48 Live NPPA Multimedia Immersion Workshop Stories Those of you who think they can continue to get away with not continuing to educate yourself in your field are fooling themselves. Still photos will give way to video cameras and visa-versa. You will need to know the latest programs, hardware and camera gear to stay ahead in this game. Those who attended the Multimedia Immersion in Louisville, KY, know this first hand. Ask Region 2 members Charlie Eckert of Newsday, or Joel Cairo of the NY Daily News. Or how about asking Will Yurman, Democrat and Chronicle – our Top Gun winner. They didn’t get where they are by sitting on their hands. The 48 stories produced by participants in NPPA's Multimedia Immersion workshop during Convergence '08 in Louisville, KY, in May are now live on a new Web site launched today. "Through a lot of hard work by the organizers, the coaches, sponsors, and the students, 48 stories were produced about the Louisville area," NPPA's Multimedia Committee chairman and Multimedia Immersion workshop co-director Seth Gitner of The Roanoke said. At the NPPA Multimedia Immersion workshop each participating student had the choice of doing an audio slide show or a video, and they were coached by the staff of instructors and professional multimedia producers. Each participant used Canon XHA1 video cameras, Sennheiser Microphones, and Apple MacBook Pro computers and the software Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Soundslides to produced their story. Coach and instructor Bob Sacha, a photographer who shoots for National Geographic and a multimedia producer for MediaStorm.org, said, "One great thing about being a coach was being surrounded with all this amazing talent, from students and from other coaches. I might have learned more at this workshop than at any other workshop I ever attended, either as a student or as a coach. It was awesome!" Read the full article here See the workshop's 48 finished multimedia stories online here. NPPA's Multimedia Immersion workshop was sponsored by Apple's Aperture Software; B&H Photo and Video; Cradlepoint Technology; Canon Professional Video; Libec; MediaStorm; Olympus Audio Recorders; OnOneSoftware; Sennheiser; ThinkTank Photo; Vuvox and Visual Portfolio Pro.We in Region 2 will seek to expand immersion to NSC and other great programs that we are running. We will seeking to bring NSC and eventually the Convergence to New York City. Stay tuned. Mary Beth Murray, wife of NYDN Photographer, dies in her sleep here Family, friends and co-workers of Daily News photographer Kenny Murray after his wife Mary Beth Murray died June 26 in her childhood home in Brooklyn. Mourners joined Kenny and his family at Torregrosa Funeral Home in Gravesend, Brooklyn, after Mary Beth suffered for years after a brain aneurism left her partially paralyzed in 2002. It is believed that she died of the same thing. Kenny and Mary Beth were married for 22 years and had a son, Kenny , 17, who recently graudated high school. We mourn with our friend and colleague Kenny. Well wishers can send their condolences to the Daily News. He will get them. July Calendar Items J&R events for July On July 8, Todd Maisel, NPPA Director and Daily News Staff Photographer, will be conducting a seminar and special presentation at J&R. All are invited to this very special event. And don’t forget, take advantage of the NPPA special discount on gear. You are crazy not to. W. Eugene Smith Fund offers Humanistic Photo Grants - Deadline Tuesday, July 15 The 2008 W. Eugene Smith Fund wishes to remind all that call for submissions to its Grant in Humanistic Photography is still open for entries. Application deadline for the coming W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is July 15, 2008. Photographers interested in applying may download an application at: http://www.smithfund.org We hope you will spread the word by email to photographers in your communities and to emerging photographers who might still not be aware of the Grant. The W. Eugene Smith Grant is presented annually to a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith's compassionate dedication exhibited during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist. For 2008, the Smith Grant will be $30,000, with an additional $5,000 in fellowship money also to be given at the discretion of the jury. The Grant recognizes photographers who have demonstrated a commitment to documenting the human condition. The grant program is independently administered by the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund and is funded in part with contributions from Digital Railroad, Getty Images, Inc., The Mona Fund and Open Society Institute. Winners receive their awards in a ceremony held in New York City in October. One of the most prestigious honors in photojournalism, the Smith Grant was established in 1978 following the death of Smith, the legendary photo essayist, by his friends Howard Chapnick, Jim Hughes and John Morris to perpetuate his work and spirit. The grant program provides photographers with the financial freedom to envision and carry out major photographic studies. Applicants must include a written proposal, which should be, concise, journalistically realizable, visually translatable and humanistically driven. Applicants are also asked to provide a resumé of educational and professional qualifications along with evidence of photographic ability in the form of photographic workprints (8"x10" prints preferred, and no more than 40), and/or photocopies, duplicate transparencies, contact sheets and clippings of published stories. Digital images will be considered only if delivered as low-resolution jpegs on a CD or DVD (no RAW files, TIFF files, or on-line applications.) The Smith Fund's executive committee appoints a three-person jury each year to review the applications and proposals. The jury meets twice, first to select finalists. The finalists are then asked to submit a comprehensive photographic portfolio, to write a more details and focused proposal and to answer questions about the project. At their second meeting, the jury reviews the new material and selects the grant recipient and the recipient of the additional fellowship. The recipient must warrant that the project in progress is ongoing, and agree to provide the Fund with a set of photographs when the project is completed. The photographs will be housed as part of the permanent W. Eugene Smith Legacy collection at the ICP. There is no entry fee. The application advises that preliminary material will be returned only when accompanied by appropriate packaging and sufficient U.S. postage or its equivalent in U.S. dollars or prepaid return Delivery Form by courier. The Smith Fund is not responsible for loss or damage. Please send all submissions to: W. Eugene Smith Fund c/o ICP 1133 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 USA For any and all questions please email: EugeneSmithFund@mac.com http://www.smithfund.org Past grant recipients are: Marc Asnin, Jane Evelyn Atwood, Letizia Battaglia, Ernesto Bazan, Ellen Binder, Pep Bonet, Chien-Chi Chang, Stephen Dupont, Carl DeKeyzer, Donna Ferrato, Maya Goded, Paul Graham, Stanley Greene, Graciela Iturbide, Alain Keler, Brenda Ann Kenneally, Gideon Mendel, Dario Mitidieri, James Nachtwey, Trent Parke, Paolo Pellegrin, Gilles Peress, Eli Reed, Eugene Richards, Cristina Garcia Rodero, Milton Rogovin, Sebastião Salgado, Vladimir Syomin, John Vink and Kai Wiedenhöfer. Exhibit in Bronx features local photojouralists until Saturday, July 12 An exhibit entitled “The Press On the Wall,” features the works of numerous New York City photojournalists, especially members of our organization. The opening reception was held on June 6 photojournalist friends had the opportunity to get together and see great work at Haven Arts Gallery, 50 Bruckner Blvd., Bldg. A, Bronx, NY. Some of those in the exhibit include Mary Altaffer, Susanna Bates, Tanya Briganti, Angel Chrevesti, Jason DeCrow, Angel Franco, Frank Fournier, Alfred Giancarlo, Robert Kalfus, Richard Levine, Mariela Lombard, James Messerschmidt, Matt McDermott, Linda Obuchoska, Katie Orlinsky, Frances Roberts, Librado Romero, Ardina Seward, Jeremy Sparig, and Robert Stolarik. The exhibit will be open until July 12. For information on the exhibit, see www.havenarts.org see photos from opening night NYPPA exhibit at Forbes on Fifth Avenue If you are coming to the Forbes Gallery Exhibit for the New York Press Photographers Association on Thursday, July 17, please RSVP by July 10 at rsvp@nyppa.org or call 212-889-6633. We really need to know who is coming so we are prepared. This year, the NYPPA is also honored students from public school who entered the special student contest sponsored by the United Federation of Teachers. Hope to see you there at the Gallery at Fifth Avenue and East 12th Street in Manhattan  Daily News photographer, R2 director mugged in Brooklyn By Todd Maisel, R2 Director  Members are urged to use extreme care in taking photos in areas with a lot of criminal activity. I spent half of May 19 at Brooklyn State Supreme Court where I testified at the Grand Jury against Darius Brown, 32, of Elton Street in Brooklyn. He is accused of attacking and robbing me while I was shooting a job on May 14 on Hendrix Street and Linden Blvd. I am determined to put this guy away. The incident began when I responded to a cop in trouble chasing a man with a gun. Upon arrival, a suspect was sitting on the ground with about 30 75th Precinct officers  surrounding him. After being asked to move back from the scene I began shooting photos from across the street. As I continued shooting, a man later identified as Brown, suddenly grabbed my camera, a D2xs with 70-200mm lens from my hands. We fought for the camera with me holding grasping the strap. Officers guarding the prisoner or sitting in their patrol cars, heard my screams for help. But Brown pulled the camera away anyway and began to run with myself and an army of cops behind. After throwing the camera away after about a block (thankfully onto a grassy strip), cops tackled and arrested him. I suffered strained muscles in my arm, shoulder and back and was examined by EMS and treated by my friends at Lutheran Medical Center the next day. In 25 years, I’ve never heard anything like this. Incidentally, Brown was released on own recognizance only two days before by the courts after his arrest for possession of a stolen vehicle, stolen plate and burglar tools. He was arrested in January for beating a man for his cell phone. He has a past string of misdemeanor crimes, mostly vehicular related. This past week, I went before a grand jury and gave my account – no details allowed from inside that room – it’s secret. Stay tuned for more about what happens to Mr. Brown. Cameras allowed in Manhattan Courtroom for "Madam" hearing by Marc Hermann NEW YORK (May 22, 2008) In a surprise decision, Justice A. Kirke Bartley granted an application for video and still coverage of a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court. Alleged madam, Kristin Davis, was to be brought before the court on May 16 for a hearing in which her attorney, Mark Jay Heller, would argue for his client's $2 million bail to be lowered or eliminated. Davis, who allegedly ran the Wicked Models NYC escort agency, had been arrested in March, and was implicated as having an exclusive "black book" of clients. Images of Davis in the media were limited to suggestive photos of her in various modeling poses, as well as a brief glimpse after her arrest, in which she wore a hood and ducked away from cameras. Although the hearing did not promise to reveal any bombshell information, it provided an opportunity for Ms. Davis to be seen not as a pin-up or a handcuffed perp, but rather as a defendant entitled to a presumption of innocence. Jonathan Dienst, reporter for WNBC-TV, submitted a written application to Judge Bartley on the morning of the hearing, requesting space for one TV and one still pool shooter. When the case was called, Bartley addressed the application on the record, allowing the defense and prosecution opportunities to be heard on the issue. Heller was in favor of allowing cameras in, saying that it is the public's right to witness the proceedings of the court. Assistant District Attorney Artie McConnell countered that the courtrooms are open to members of the public, and that nothing is gained by allowing the visual broadcast of what occurs within. Heller replied that, using McConnell's own logic, the very fact that the courts are open to all is reason enough to allow cameras to record the hearing. Bartley said he saw no reason to deny the application, and the case was postponed until the photographers could retrieve their equipment and set up. WNBC cameraman Louis Valle and NY Daily News photographer Marc Hermann were told by court officers that they could bring their equipment directly upstairs. The court officers in the lobby, who normally allow cameras to be carried but not used, were then informed that permission had been granted for the equipment to be brought past the vestibule and to the elevators. After a brief delay, Valle and Hermann were permitted to set up their cameras on tripods in the empty jury box, perpendicular to and a short distance ahead of the defense table. A microphone, with its logo flag removed, was permitted to be placed on the judge's bench, facing outward toward the well. No flash nor on-camera lights were used, which presented a slight challenge in the moderately lit courtroom with the subject between the cameras and large windows, however digital technology allowed the photographers to produce images that were more than adequate. Footage from the WNBC camera was fed electronically to other networks, while the still images were distributed on-site to the New York Post via photographer William Farrington, and to other media outlets via e-mail from the Daily News photo desk. The judge and the court officers were later personally thanked for the courtesy shown to members of the media. Apart from an experimental period between 1987 and 1997, cameras are summarily banned from New York courtrooms under a statute dating back to the 1950's. Often, applications are made to judges, who have authority to allow cameras in at their discretion. In the outer boroughs, this is a more common occurrence, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens where several high-profile cases have been visually documented. Manhattan, however, despite efforts to create a statewide standard under the Unified Court System, remains very stubborn when attempts are made to get cameras into court. This instance marked the first time since the Paul Cortez trial early last year that photographers were permitted in a Manhattan courtroom. Photographers working at 100 Centre St. (the Daily News and New York Post routinely have a photographer on call there every day) are frequently thwarted in their attempts at photographing subjects by the Rube Goldberg nature of the building. Two entrances on Centre St. and one on Baxter St., in addition to alternate egresses through the District Attorney's office on Hogan Pl. and the Department of Corrections on White St. make it easy to leave the building without being seen -- particularly for the well-connected. As photographers are barred from photographing in the hallways and lobby, they must wait in plain sight of their subjects, and practically walk with them out the exit they have chosen. A strict "no running" policy makes this difficult if a defendant with nothing to lose makes a feint towards one door, and then doubles back and speeds out another. We can only hope that future allowances for cameras in the courtroom make all parties concerned realize that photographers can do their jobs professionally and unobtrusively, and that a photograph of a defendant, with head held high before the court, makes for a less judgmental picture than one made by photographers literally chasing after someone on the street. The controlled atmosphere of the courtroom ensures the safety of both the defendant and the photographer, which is not guaranteed when on a crowded sidewalk. It is to be noted that three times since April, vehicular accidents have occurred in front of the Supreme Court building at 60 Centre Street. One incident involved a car running up the sidewalk and onto the steps of the building, and two involved pedestrians struck in the street. On each occasion, court officers were the first to respond, initiating patient care and implementing scene control. All three incidents were covered by photographers, who were graciously permitted to do their jobs without the usual well-intentioned but terribly restrictive actions with which we have unfortunately been forced to deal lately. In fact, members of the public were asked to step back and out of the area, while the photographers were permitted to remain unfettered. Likewise, a point was made of thanking these officers at the conclusion of the incident for their courtesy. Editors note: Last year, efforts by NPPA to push legislation to change the law regarding cameras in the courts failed when the state legislature failed to act on the measure. The NPPA intends to continue efforts to obligate the courts to allow cameras into the courts. Photo job opens at NYPD The NYPD Photo Unit expects to have an opening for a photographer soon. Anyone with 3 years experience (proof needed) as a photographer (lab work is okay - not retail), living in NYC, w/ a driver's license, who might like to work crazy hours (including Saturdays and Sundays and major holidays) in exchange for steady employment with very nice benefits, they are welcome to call me for more details. The starting salary is close to $34,000. One word of warning – if you have any criminal record, don’t expect to get this job. I had a criminal trespass conviction and could not get this job so don’t waste your time if you have anything similar. Anyone interested may call 646-610-6588 or call the unit at: 646-610-6082. Resumes may be mailed to my attention at: NYPD Photo Unit, 1 Police Plaza, Rm. A-79, NY, NY 10038. My e-mail is: valerie.hodgson@nypd.org Your comments count on NPPA name change. Read what your fellow members are saying: I, for one, approve of the NPPA name change. It seems an appropriate acknowledgement of the changes it our profession. Jim Peppler Against!!!!! Ray Stubblebine, NYPPA President Who's idea was this anyway? The NPPA is well known, both in video and print circles, as well as outside. I think losing the heritage built by some pretty clever people back in the 40's would be a big loss and I don't know how that will affect my efforts to continue to support the organization, both as a 30+ year member, but also in encouraging Apple to continue supporting the organization. My two cents. Joe Torelli I would just like to put my two cents into the debate. Resolution IV to re-name the NPPA might result in a decrease in membership. I have been a member for many years, in part, because I believe that there is a brotherhood among press photographers. The NPPA has always symbolized that bond for me. Please vote against this resolution. Mike Lander North Babylon, N. Y. I'm 100% against it! I say leave the name as it is. Hugh I am against changing the name of our organization. I agree with colleague Nancy Ford which she expressed in a letter sent to you. Marilu Lopez Fretts Keep NPPA! Jay Capers Staff Photographer Democrat and Chronicle Against changing the name big time! RMoscatiSR@aol.com I would lean more to National Society of Visual Journalists. Your second suggestion seems too wordy and doesn't seem to flow well. Good luck. I have no problem with any of the resolutions. I think that the Society of Visual Journalists (SVJ) is quite catchy and more inclusive. Claude D. Grant I am against it. I like NPPA. We ( you anyway ) are PRESS Photographers. I don't know what a " visual journalist " is. If one picture is worth 1,000 words, we must be very verbose. The NYPD suggests Society for Creating Urban Memories. ( S.C.U.M.) Hal Weiner Digital Photography Member, National Press Photographers Association Member, Episcopal Church & Visual Arts/NY Change is good! I'm for it. Let's move with the times! Four more suggestions: Society of Digital Press Journalists, National Association of Digital Journalists, Visual Press Journalists of Association, Visual Media Press Association. Christopher R. Gallant, MFA Director of Photography , Special Projects Unit WGRZ-TV/WGRZ.COM 259 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14202 As far as the name change for the NPPA is concerned - I am against it. The Society of Visual Journalists sounds like a high school club and not an organization of press professionals. Kevin Heckman Yes, think we have to with so much of our production going to mediums other than print. Mike Waters Don't change the name!!!!! Brand recognition. If the name is changed, it needs to be done carefully so that when you contact people and say, "I'm from the XYZPA," they don't say, "Who?" Harry D’Orio, past R2 Director Without more info I can only say that " a rose by any other name--------". I'm not sure what kind of an impact a name change would make. I guess I'm not informed enough. Hope this helps and apologies if it doesn't. Joe Senzatimore I believe very few people outside the industry are familiar with the NPPA, but if you asked the man-on-the-street what the National Press Photographers Association is he could probably give an acceptable general description. He would probably use the term "working press" or something similar in his description. Ask that same person what The Society of Visual Journalists, Inc. is and I suspect he would describe several different things. "Society" does not readily imply an association of working people, but a social relationship of people with mutual interests. "Visual journalists" could include those who create the printed word in newspapers and magazines. "National Press Photographers Association" is very descriptive. "The Society of Visual Journalists, Inc." has a nice ring to it, but what it is, to the layman, lacks specificity. For what my opinion is worth, I say, when choosing between those two names, keep it as it is. Ward Miller Retired Formally associated with Poughkeepsie Journal I'm for the change to Society of Visual Journalists. I've been using the phrase for several years when talking about the need for visual journalists to be part of the decision-making process at newspapers and on the web. I find myself using the term around "non-visual journalists". They get the point. Jberryjberry@Syracuse.com Personally I'm against the name change. Storytelling in a picture is the basis of all we do. Some of us shoot one frame, others shoot 30 frames a second. I realize a bunch of people on b-roll think the NPPA is mostly stills, but I'm a video guy trying to shoot more stills! If more video guys understand that still guys shoot a story in a single frame.. While we can spray... Their video will improve that much more. In fact, it would eliminate the "making creative shots just because I can." I've seen tons of stories with great shots and editing but it didn't add anything to the story, it probably detracted! Change is the only constant and I'm resisting. :) Thanks for your time. Phil Pang, Photojournalist, Citytv / CP24 So who can join the "old" NPPA in the future? any visual journalist? Chipjump@aol.com I have a problem with the rebranding resolutions. The NPPA is deep in history and tradition and the name should not be changed. And I wish I could of seen who submitted the resolutions. BUT pleas don't vote yes for the rebranding resolution. Ken Bizzigoti, chair clip chairman, past director R2 The NPPA has been at the forefront of all these battles to show that photographers are equal in the journalism profession and I joined with them in the beginning of the NPPA and am a lifetime member. I understand that times have changed and perhaps NPPA doesn't tell the whole story of who we are now, but I think the new title sounds like we are a bunch of wimps with a pretty name that none of those outside of the organization will recognize as to who we are and what we did. You would have to come up with a much clearer stronger name before I would give up the NPPA name. I did know many of the original photographers and I think they were proud of the name NPPA. My only suggestion for a new name to encompass who we are today would be to change the name photographers to cameramen. And though I mean that word to include all the women who are in the field and doing great, I am sure the liberal women will not take to it. Best of luck to you and your generation, Todd. Ron Moscati June Calendar Items J&R events for June Kenny Werner and Roseanna Vitro Will perform and sign autographs on 6-21 as part of our next WBGO remote. The remote starts at 2 and the performance begins at 4. Still Trying to Achieve my Personal Goal To raise money and make the big ride Mickey Osterriecher, attorney NPPA I apologize in advance to those of you who have already contributed and for those of you who are receiving this email more than once. I am writing again because of a glitch in the system that has not allowed pledges to be calculated properly. If you have already donated BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED an acknowledgment or thank you please contact me at 716.983.7800. If you have not yet pledged it’s never too early to do! This year's Ride will be in 40 days and once again I am riding to raise money in the fight against cancer. I will be riding 62.5 miles in two separate rides. Because of your generosity, last year I ranked 20th in fundraising out of more than 4,000 participants, bringing in a little over $5,000.00. This year for whatever reason pledges have been far behind. While I know that the cost of everything is going up I hope that you will open your hearts and wallets for this cause. This year I am riding in honor of Linda Gordon, who herself has raised thousands of dollars while battling cancer for the past few years. My father survived the forced labor camps of the Holocaust, only to succumb to malignant melanoma in 1980 at the age of 65. It is in honor of them and all of the people who will be diagnosed with cancer that I hope to raise money for this worthy cause. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help -- it all adds up! Thank you in advance for your support! I will keep you posted on my progress! Thanks from Mickey H. Osterreicher Make all checks payable to: (Please note Mickey Osterreicher in your check memo field) Ride for Roswell, P.O. Box 644, Buffalo, NY 14240Exhibit in Bronx features Many local photojouralistsAn exhibit entitled “The Press On the Wall,” will feature the works of numerous New York City photojournalists, especially members of our organization. The opening reception will be on Friday, June 6, 5-9 p.m. The exhibit will be held at the Haven Arts Gallery, 50 Bruckner Blvd., Bldg. A, Bronx, NY. For more information, go to www.havenarts.org Some of those in the exhibit include Mary Altaffer, Susanna Bates, Tanya Briganti, Angel Chrevesti, Jason DeCrow, Angel Franco, Frank Fournier, Alfred Giancarlo, Robert Kalfus, Richard Levine, Mariela Lombard, James Messerschmidt, Matt McDermott, Linda Obuchoska, Katie Orlinsky, Frances Roberts, Librado Romero, Ardina Seward, Jeremy Sparig, and Robert Stolarik. The exhibit is being curated by JC Rice. The exhibit will be open from June 2 to July 12  Reporters stories on NYPD parking spells trouble for city photographers  I for one have decided to resist doing any more photo shoots of alleged illegal parking by police officers or any city employees that have anything to do with my ability to park in New York City. I wonder how many parking spaces these stories eliminated – especially our own. Just recently, a number of NYP vehicles were ticketed where they have been allowed to park for a number of years--in a  NO STANDING ANYTIME zone on Park Row near City Hall. After that they were subject to tow Park Row appears to be off limits now. Marcia Kramer of CBS News was told by City Hall that these actions were being taken by NYPD Internal Affairs. I personally saw officers from Manhattan South and Parking Violations issuing the summonses. (If this was a designated NO Standing Zone, All bets are off since they were basically “looking the other way” Designated No Standing is what a judge will declair the zone since That’s what It IS) So much for being able to park near your assignment. So what to do? I can’t say that I blame officers for being just a little upset with losing their parking. I can’t be mad at officers from DCPI being upset that they were ticketed and towed due to stories written by our colleagues or reported on television news. So I ask these reporters what are we gaining from these stories? Less traffic in Manhattan? I think not. I think that these officers will still find parking – but we won’t. So you say your office will pay for parking. Think about the shrinking budgets of news organizations and how spending hundreds a week on parking will impact your take-home pay. Imagine being in a rush to get to a story and you now have to scurry for parking. Some people at Madison Square Garden are now paying for parking. There will be less money in the photo budget and more in the pockets of parking garages. Jerry Engel, the NYPPA police liaison gave a special warning to all press: “ If you get a ticket parked with the card in a zone the card specifically allows we almost always can beat it, but NO STANDING ANYTIME is a tough nut to beat,” he said. “Be careful when you use the card, try to park legally, pay in a parking garage and expense it if you can. If you must use the card then stay out of the obvious "red flag" places like No Standing, fire hydrants and cross walks.” He added “that if you park in a "No Standing Except Trucks Loading etc" metered commercial zone, he recommended sticking an hour's worth of quarters in the meter and put the ticket from the machine in the windshield as instructed”. Generally the hearing officer interprets that as a good faith effort to abide by the rules and we can beat the ticket, no matter how long you are parked. Photographers should be aware that the mayor wants to get rid of ALL parking. Our colleagues only make it worse when they write these stories. It always seems that we lose more privileges(sp) for the sake of some reporter’s self righteous ego. The only thing it seems to solve is making it more difficult for us to do our jobs and in effect, curtails our press freedoms. So, I am making a personal decision not to do these stories any more. If I am forced to do it, I do it under protest and advise my bosses of the serious consequences. While I can’t make policy for NPPA or NYPPA, I can make this personal decision and I call on other photographers to both voice their views to their bosses and reject these petty assignments. The few dollars you might make on one of these stories will pale in comparison to what we all will lose. We are now fighting for the last drops of parking perks we have left. We must do what we can to show the powers that be that we want to keep them – and therefore refuse to throw rocks in glass houses. Positive actions will Help us with NYPD. I’ve decided to increase the number of photos I print or send by email to police officers in the field. Doing so will help us with these officers and make them understand the importance of our jobs and how it impacts them. We must understand that they do a dangerous job and it is incumbent upon us to show them respect at all times, but also to see what we can do to show our gratitude for their courtesy that they may show us in the field. Think about what you can do to improve our standing with officers. It will help all of us to do this. Wanted for possible llegal challenge The NPPA and the New York Daily News are still seeking photos of tourists or anyone who is allowed to take photos at the International Arrivals Building at Kennedy Airport. But be aware, if you a press photographer, you will be prevented from doing this by security. Legal actions contemplated in Port Authority photo ban at JFK. If you are able to get these photos, please send them to toddphoto@aol.com. These photos can be tourists taking photos of family members at the arrivals terminal. Do not use pro equipment because you may be stopped and ejected by security. If you haven’t yet found out, you, the media, those wearing a press card, are banned from taking photos, videotaping or interviewing in the JFK Airport International Arrivals and Departures Terminal. It is ok if you are a civilian to take photos of your family, friends or whatever you like at the same terminal. But if you are the press, you are banned. The leasing company IAT has eliminated constitutional guarantees, despite the fact that they run a publicly owned airport terminal. SUGGESTION: Always keep a PHD camera handy. Pooped by the Pope; 3-day trip to New York City by Todd Maisel Photographers from around the globe followed the journey of Pope Benedict the XVI to the United States – Washington and then New York City. The universal opinion about covering the historic event was feeling “pooped from the Pope.” The Pope was afforded all the security and ceremonial trappings of the President of the United States, with the media following his every move. Most security arrangements were led by the US Secret Service who were (doing their job) very conscientious about protecting the Pope through out his movement through the city. This meant many long hours and headaches (and long hours) for most shooters. The coverage in New York City dominated the entire three days for most journalists, gaining some overtime pay – but also exhaustion from lack of sleep. Despite the long hours, an upbeat, positive feeling emanated from the crowds, of which New York is made up of more than 2.5 million Catholics. Even working with officials from the Archdiocese and numerous government agencies was a mostly positive experience. Day 1 – The arrival in New York City  There was nothing easy about covering the Kennedy Airport touch-down of the Pope’s plane, Shepard I, at exactly 9:45 a.m. Photographers, videographers and writers had to report to the Papal visit headquarters at the Sheraton in Manhattan at 4 a.m. for a check-in and security sweep. Arriving photographers had to display double identification issued by the Vatican and Archdiocese in New York and then issued a third ticket to get on the special shuttle bus to the airport. Secret Service agents were well mannered and polite with shooters and worked closely with them to make the sweep as easy as possible. Photographers left gear for agents to examine – each camera fired, every computer turned on, every bag and battery sniffed by bomb dogs. A few people reported misplaced or missing items. (This photographer is missing a Verizon aircard – anyone find it?). Also, we wish they would put lenses back on cameras when the remove them for inspection. Then, with all that gear, we had to walk down three flights of stairs – making it a bit difficult for those with carts carrying long lenses. The bus was then escorted by the NYPD for a 40 minute ride to the airport. Once at the hanger, we sat for more than an hour inside the bus awaiting permission to enter the plane hanger. Lucky the bus had a bathroom on board. Despite the early hour and tough security, both the archdiocese and Secret Service representatives were treated everyone with great respect. Church officials made themselves available to the media and we had a certain amount of latitude in movement from our positions on the grand stands erected for us. Problem was, none of us had any food or drink since arriving and towards that 8 a.m. hour, many were hungry. A few of the lucky photographers raided a technical staff breakfast before officials realized that they were being raided. All media were then ejected – some already having had their three course breakfast. The Pontiff arrived right on time, but instead of pausing at the door of the Alitalia plane, he did a quick two armed wave and then scurried down the stairs. At the base of the stairs, he was mobbed by members of the clergy, led by Edward Cardinal Egan, his host for the three day event. Photographers and videographers were stymied in their attempts to make photos of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. David Patterson greeting the Pope by the pontiff’s protocol secretary who kept getting in the way of the media view. Port Authority cops also kept walking into the photo and obstructing the view. Getting a picture was a matter of luck at this point. The Pope was then led to a military helicopter that had landed near the plane and was whisked away no more than 15 minutes after his arrival. But it was not over for the media. Minutes after the Pope left on his helicopter, archdiocese officials announced that the media bus would be leaving in less than 10 minutes, much to the consternation of those who needed to transmit. Stuart Ramson of AP told them he would instead get himself a cab rather than relent to the quick exit. Others kept downloading images while packing, preparing to send photos from their wireless cards even if they were on the bus. But only minutes after loading onto the bus, all were told that they must exit. Gear was quickly unloaded onto the sidewalk. Minutes later, officials told the media to re-board the bus. After getting on the bus, we were again told that this was not the bus. We sat at the plane hanger for an hour and forty minutes waiting for a new bus back to Manhattan. The rest of the day found good photo ops at the Wall Street heliport – if for only a minute. Charlie Eckert shooting for Newsday said police at the site were “highly professional and cooperative.” “There were two cops watching us there and we asked them to give us a little better view, and they were really professional about it and gave us opportunities,” Eckert said. “Afterwards, I complimented them on their attitudes and professionalism and they said they were trying to set a good example for the younger guys coming in.” There were several good positions at the United Nations where the Pope spoke to the General Assembly. Photographer Tom Monaster of the NY Daily News said photos were easy, but boring, as the pontiff read from a prepared speech in a monotone voice. He showed us his photos, many of which looked identical. Those going to the Park East Synagogue the same day found their day long and difficult. Access was also difficult, though pool shooters made good close-ups. Later that evening, upon arriving at the archdiocese residence, the Pope was reported to come outside the building briefly, much to the surprise of the media and was caught by ABC television cameras. Day 2 – the big parade The true believers began arriving at dawn at both St. Patrick’s Cathedral and along the Fifth Avenue route where the pontiff would travel in the famous Popemobile – bullet proof, bomb resistant modified Mercedes Benz with a green tinted glass enclosure for the Pope to wave to the crowds. The streets turned into a mardigras as the faithful played music, danced and sang in the streets. Hundreds of thousands lined Fifth Avenue waiting for a glimpse of the Pope. When his motorcade finally arrived, police closed off every street, used large dump trucks to block access and closely monitored all crowds. Every window and rooftop was under surveillance and only a few photographers were able to get permission for overhead shots. Residents of those buildings were forced inside by aggressive NYPD patrols. Once the Pope was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, pool shooters and a few other photographers were able to shoot inside the church, having arrived for security sweep at the Sheraton at 4 a.m. During the mass, a police car erupted in smoke from an engine fire – where we received reports of a photographer having been manhandled by cops. Confirmation was still being sought on who was involved in the incident or whether any actions were taken against him. Unlike parades on the same route, the media was not allowed to walk outside of the viewing barriers. At some corners, commanding police officers were amenable to allowing shooters to hug the outside of the pedestrian viewing areas. Sometimes, this was not the case. I was intent upon taking an overhead photo of the crowd and the Popemobile as it passed. I used a three row step ladder. Once inside the crowd, I needed to stand on the top of the three step ladder, a tenuous situation at best. Thankfully, the crowd was not only in a good mood, but two people held me in place – necessary when the Pope passed and I was using a six foot monopod to make the overhead shot. I couldn’t have done it without their help. The Pope drove all the way to the 72nd Street residence, an photographers had varying results on pictures. Close up shooting was difficult through the tinted windows, but some shooters succeeded with the right angles. Following the visit to the residence, the Pope went to Yonkers where he attended a youth rally of 20,000 at St. Joseph’s Seminary. Photographers were forced to maintain positions. American Idol star Kelly Clarkson performed to a packed field of seminarians and invited guests. The Pope himself then addressed the crowd and held mass. The job required long glass, but went well according to shooters who were properly equipped. Enid Alvarez of the Daily News reported a lot of confusion among archdiocese press handlers, including problems with buses, confirming positions, and then delayed departure times after events ended. “They made us stay an hour and a half after the Pope had already left, and there was no electric power in our positions to run our laptops,” Alvarez sighed. Day 3 – Ground Zero, Yankee Stadium and then home Another 4 a.m. arrival, but this time, a line ran across the third floor reception area of the Sheraton for those going to Yankee Stadium. Liz Cho and her co anchor Bill Ritter of ABC News were an unusual site, him looking chipper and ready to go, and her very little make-up and hair slicked from a recent washing. It took an hour before the Yankee Stadium contingent hit the sweep, another half hour after that before Ground Zero positions were checked out. About 25 photographers were swept and again, we descended a three story staircase with full gear – thankfully one of my fellow journalists assisted this time.  A brief bus ride later, we were at Ground Zero and escorted by our gracious hosts to specially designated escorts to our assigned positions. There were no free for all positions, all were specially assigned. A group of us were led to the Path Station emergency exit balcony where we began setting up. No sooner did I have a video camera in position braced on a rail, did we find out that no video would be permitted – only the pool video would be allowed. Anyone with video cameras had to surrender them to our hosts until we were to leave. – so much for multi-media. After half an hour, we received another surprise – we were all moved from our positions to a viewing stand at the bottom of the pit. Of course, I already had co-worker on that stand. A few others, including Todd Heisler of the NY Times and Shannon Stapleton of Reuters had special pool positions that gave them prime viewing. Most of the rest of us would have to shoot through or over the heads  of security and survivors of 9-11 to see the Pope and to see the various parts of the blessing for those killed in the terror attack. And then, we were given another surprise – contingent of about 35 foreign journalists crowded onto the grand stand with us. Some of our contingent had boxes including myself using a box that held my 400mm lens. Others gathered wood from the construction area with the help of our hosts to get high enough to get pictures over the heads of those in front of the Pope. Needless to say, the best shots were from the pool positions. You had to hear the foreign media complaining about the poor view. But we were told that once we were in position, there was no moving around on the platforms.  The Pope finished after about forty-five minutes, blessed all those present and then walked back to the Popemobile for the journey to Yankee Stadium. We in the pit went back to our assigned buses and as promised, our video cameras were returned. I can’t imagine what will happen when SLR’s are video capable. Reports from the Yankee Stadium crews reported good views throughout and plenty of good cheer from the crowds.  Photographers and television personnel were sequestered from 4 a.m. when they were all swept by Secret Service and then bused to the stadium to wait for the pontiff to arrive. Jose Feliciano led numerous other acts before the Pope did the Sunday mass. Most photographers didn’t get out of Yankee Stadium until 4 p.m. The Pope was then driven by motorcade to Kennedy Airport, where he was met by a large crowd led by Vice President Dick Cheney. Alvarez from the News was part of the group of photographers covering the departure. She said most of the positions were very far from the stage and photographers from AP and Reuters convinced officials to bring them closer for better views. Alvarez said she was miffed that while the other two photographers got 15 minutes up close, she was given only a few minutes – and only after pleading with archdiocese press handlers. All in all, the Special occasion of having the Pope in NYC was less torturous than expected. A special thanks to all of my fellow photographers for the team work displayed as we worked in unison. The event went off without too many problems for the press photographers. Anyone who has stories to tell may contact Todd Maisel at toddphoto@aol.com. Your comments may be published on the Region 2 website.May Calendar ItemsJ&R events for MayBebe Winans will be performing and signing autographs on Thursday 5-29 at 12:30 at J&R. Keith Sweat will be signing autographs on Saturday May 17th at 12:30. He will be in support of his new CD "Just me".Deadline for Entries in the 2008 IAFF Media Awards Contest  The International Association of Firefighters is now accepting entries in the 2008 Media Awards Contest, conducted annually to honor communications, reporting and photography that best portray the professional and dangerous work of fire fighters and emergency medical personnel in the United States and Canada. If you have some great fire pix, enter now. Deadline for entries is May 1, 2008. Entries must have been published or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2007. Click here for complete rules and entry form. For additional information, contact the IAFF Communications and Media Department at (202) 824-1588 or email mediaawards@iaff.org. Adorama and Nikon sponsor: The Light and Location with photographer Joe McNally  Adorama and Nikon are sponsoring an evening with photographer Joe McNally on Thursday, May 8, 2008 6:30PM - 9:00PM at Adorama’s retail store at 42 West 18th Street. Price is only $25.00.Registration deadline for this Workshop is May 1, 2008. Each attendee will receive a $25.00 coupon at the event in exchange for a copy of their registration receipt. The coupon will be valid for 30 days towards the purchase of any merchandise when presented at either Adorama’s retail store at 42 West 18th Street, New York, or for an online purchase at www.adorama.com From his days in New York as a B&W news photographer to the present as a globetrotting magazine photographer, the one consistent element of Joe McNally’s career has been the creative use of light to tell stories about people and places. Always the generalist, Joe has tackled subjects as diverse as John Glenn’s return to space and the 100th Anniversary of Flight for the National Geographic, Michelle Pfeiffer and Steve Martin for LIFE, as well as Papal visits, elections, and Olympics for Sports Illustrated, Time and Newsweek. His 1996 project for LIFE, “Naked Power, Amazing Grace”, a series of nudes of members of the United States Olympic team, prompted the magazine to produce 4 separate covers in one month, a first in the magazine’s storied history. In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, McNally applied his storytelling abilities and technical expertise to the world’s only giant Polaroid camera, producing a remarkable document portraying the heroes of that day in life size, 4’x9’ Polaroid prints. The resulting exhibit opened in NY’s Grand Central Station and made a tour of 6 cities, returning to NY and staging at Rockefeller Center for the first anniversary of 9/11. The diversity and arc of McNally’s career is currently represented in the best selling book, The Moment It Clicks, a book described as having one foot in the classroom and one foot on the coffee table. In his talk Joe will discuss his career and the book, lessons learned, personalities encountered, problems solved, good days and bad days in the field, and the well traveled life of a photojournalist. He will talk about light as the language of photography, and how to speak with it, recognize it, and manage it effectively, as well as show pictures from stories shot with a variety of Nikon cameras and lenses over his shoulder to images resulting from larger productions involving large crews and several days of lighting and staging. Joe is very honored to have been chosen to be one of the lead photographers to work and create images with Nikon’s new D3 camera system. Widely renowned for his insights and sense of humor, Joe will offer tips, advice and anecdotes gained from riding backseat with the Blue Angels to lighting Ellis Island for the National Geographic to dangling a movie star on a wire from a helicopter hovering 500’ above the Hollywood sign.Don’t miss this exciting event with Joe McNally, please register early, seating is limited.  Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed American photographer and long-time photojournalist. From 1994 until 1998, he was LIFE magazine's staff photographer, the first one in 23 years. His most well known series is the "Faces of Ground Zero — Portraits of the Heroes of September 11th", a collection of 246 giant Polaroid portraits shot in the Moby c Studio near Ground Zero in a three-week period shortly after 9/11. A large group of these historic, compelling life-size (9' x 4') photos were exhibited in seven cities in 2002, seen by almost a million people. The sale of 55,000 copies of the exhibit book, printed by LIFE, raised over $2 million for the 9/11-relief effort. This collection is considered by many museum and art professionals to be the most significant artistic endeavor to evolve to date from the 9/11 tragedy.To see more of Joe’s work, please go to: www.joemcnally.com For more information, http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=WS_JoeMcNally_050808 Registration for the Convergence 08 and Multimedia Immersion will open after 11am on Monday March 31. Please visit, http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/workshops_ and_seminars/convergence/2008/ at that time to register and for more event information.The National Press Photographers Association’s Annual Meeting & Multimedia Immersion at the Downtown Marriott | Louisville, KY | May 27–31, 2008 Registration Opens Monday, March 31st With a major airport just 10 minutes from the hotel and accessible in less than a half day’s drive for one half of the US population, Louisville is the perfect location for NPPA’s biggest educational event in years. MULTIMEDIA IMMERSION May 27–30Train with the best in audio, video, editing and web presentation by taking part in this intense, four-day workshop that puts the equipment in your hands. The NPPA, with generous support from Apple/Aperture and Canon Video, will provide the cameras, computers and editing software. Space will be limited to the first 50 applicants (the NPPA is trying to make more space available so if it is full please indicate that you would like to be put on our waiting list and we will contact you as soon as space becomes available). NPPA Multimedia Immersion Costs (Includes 4 days of training, use of camera, computer and software and attendance to the Convergence seminars on Saturday, May 31st) NPPA Member - $895 Non-member - $1150(NPPA Professional Membership is $110 for one year and student membership is $65 for one year. Please visit http://www.nppa.org/about_us/why_join/ for benefits and application)CONVERGENCE 08 SEMINARS May 30–31NPPA will put you in front of the leaders in visual journalism. New this year: we have scheduled topics so attendees can learn from the best in still, video and multimedia; no more separate tracks. CONVERGENCE 08 will also feature shootouts, portfolio reviews, networking, and an exhibit hall and product demonstrations.CONVERGENCE 08 Costs (includes two days of seminars and access to exhibit hall, product demos, portfolio reviews and shootout)NPPA Member - $195NPPA Student Member - $115Non-member - $350Non-member student - $200NPPA Professional Membership is $110 for one year and student membership is $65 for one year. Please visit: http://www.nppa.org/about_us/why_join/ for benefits and application. The 2008 NPPA Annual Awards Banquet - May 31 (evening affair, seated dinner and drinks, business casual) Come join the NPPA as we celebrate the very best in visual journalism. We will be honoring our winners in the 2008 Best of Photojournalism Contest as well as announcing the 2008 Sprague Award winner, Joseph Costa Award winner, and several other awards of distinction that the NPPA presents annually. Banquet Cost - $65©2008 National Press Photographers Association - Region 2 |
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