What makes a Documentary Photographer?

“So, what dose a documentary tog carry in their bag” is a question I am asked most often by amateur photographers, they are surprised by the response, A-Z street map, pain killers, Pro Plus (caffeine Tablets) Imodium (anti shit’s tablets) spare batteries for camera and flash and two or three lenses.

But its not really what’s in the bag that makes you a good documentary photographer, it’s your knowledge of the area, the understanding of the issues, the research you need to do. It’s also about stamina can you sit around on a cold or really hot day waiting for the picture? How about if it turns out to be a no show can you come back and do it all again, that’s what being a documentary photographer is about, not what is in the bag.

This blog site is going to be a bit of a instructional guide on how to be covert and do research, how to do the grab shot, how to shoot through a window of a car or van, how to communicate with people and above all else, be ethical what you do. We will also look at the gear you need and all that tech stuff that amateurs are fascinated about a camera to me is like a hammer to a builder it’s a tool, nothing magical – in fact it’s a pain try carrying a 2lb lump around with you all day my camera weighs about 5lb without lens or flash and you will soon see what I mean.