Bob Crum

In a few days, jolly St. Nick will be flying all around Fillmore skies with a sleigh chock full of goodies. You know, those reindeer haul around Santa's sleigh so fast I'm thinking that they're equipped with JATO... Jet Assisted Take Off. If Rudolf goes slow enough, I'll attempt to snag a photo with my super-telephoto lens.

Speaking of challenges, there are two assignments every year that are monsters to photograph. One is the Junior Livestock Auction at the County Fair. Trying to photograph a kid leading a pig strutting around the auction ring is extremely challenging. Furthermore, phonetographers have proliferated to the degree they are a hazard to a working photojournalist. In spite of that nemesis, capturing the so-called money shot is just reward.

The other monstrous assignment is the annual Fillmore Fire Department toy giveaway that was held last Saturday at the fire station. Make no mistake, it's an awesome event and equally satisfying. Kudos to all who execute this awesome event. Photo ops aplenty... actually too many occurring simultaneously. If I sneeze I might miss a money shot. I get paid only for money shots, you know, so I don't sneeze on assignments.

Anyway, the dilemma arises because once Santa arrives, and walks up the street meeting and greeting the throng of kids and kid-like adults, and settles down in his chair, pandemonium begins. The throng of people out on the street start to converge in the confines of the fire station. Oh what fun!

Imagine a crowd mingling around the toy tables. How do I get a shot in edgewise when I can't move? The perils of photojournalism. With action everywhere, pre-planning is useless. Besides the crowd, the lighting is atrocious. A big open roll-up door dumping in tons of bright sunlight. Further in, fluorescent lighting that is woefully inadequate. And further along another big roll-up exit door with more bright light. It's a nightmare to shoot.

With the camera in manual mode, I constantly had to adjust aperture and shutter speed for proper exposure all the while attempting to compose a photo with a youngster in motion and getting bumped (black & blue bruises are proof) by others also in motion. Somehow I managed a few photos that I hope you enjoy. BTW, anyone interested in this assignment next year???

Cameras UP! Ready for Christmas morning? Be sure the camera battery (or your cellphone) is fully charged. When framing the image, always think “subject”. If it's Johnny or Susie opening a gift... Johnny or Susie should be filling the frame of your composition. But also be quick. Stay ready for a quick photo of the family's giggles as Johnny or Susie display uncontrolled excitement. The time to practice zooming in and out is NOW... not Christmas morning. Another tip I learned long ago: Difficult as it may be, disassociate yourself from the unfolding drama and stay in the photographic moment. There are no do-overs. Miss a great photo op and it's gone forever. Stay in the mental photographic mode. It's not easy because you too will want to participate in the happenings. But capture the photo of a lifetime and you'll relive the memory for a lifetime. Just sayin'.

BTW, forget cookies. I know that Santa loves Tillamook caramel butter pecan ice cream.

Hoping that you and yours have a most enjoyable holiday season with family and friends. God Bless you and here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Ho... ho... ho.

And happy photoing!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com