Photo for KIPP Schools Annual Report.
Shot with an Olympus E-520 camera and
one of the telephoto zooms at 150mm, f4.5.
I've been reading a lot about the Canon R5 lately and looking at files from that camera, the Sony A7RIV and the Panasonic S1R. But I am reminded by this photo (and by my current inability to go and shoot things like this!!!) that the camera pales in importance to being in the right place to even get a photograph and at the right time in order to get the right expression.
While a higher res camera with a state-of-the-art sensor might get me a bit more detail I don't think it would have made any real difference for the project that was the target for this image. It would have printed pretty much the same.
When I photographed for the KIPP schools I was left to my own devices to decide on which children to select and when to shoot. We didn't set up "scenarios" or direct the kids in any way. My only secret to getting as many good shots as I could was to arrive early in the morning, be there when the kids got there, and immerse myself in their classrooms for the entire day. I sat down and ate lunch with them and they thought that was okay.
By the end of the day I had become more or less invisible. I don't think that's possible without investing the time to become invisible. If you show people your sincere process they will reflect back what your camera needs.
I hope smart educators figure out ways to keep our children and teachers safe and learning. I don't care about the politics of this but it should be a top priority. Healthy children and healthy teachers are better for society, the long term economy and my peace of mind....
