Wandering Reporter Syndrome

This is a cautionary tale written to help out both the new reporter and the grizzled veteran. As journalists, we try to tell stories that capture the moment. Writers have the ability to use words that they can gather as they interview a subject, either in person or on the phone. They also can observe or listen to an event after the fact on some sort of recorded medium, like video or audio tape. But don’t say you were there if you were not.

The photographer, on the other hand, has to be there as the event happens to capture those moments that tell a story. We cannot recreate them after the fact if we miss the shot.

This brings me to the dreaded “Wandering Reporter Syndrome.” If you are on an assignment with a photographer and the event is happening live, not a pre-staged interview, please don’t walk up to the subject while they are doing what we are there to photograph them doing. Are we not both on the same team? How about you keep an eye on the photographer and see if he has what he needs to tell the story before you walk up to the subject and ruin the shot? That is unless you want to be in the only shot that shows the “moment” you are describing in your story.

WRS can happen to the best reporters. Keep an eye out for the signs. Do you see flashes of light? You may hear a clicking sound in your ears. Do you have an uncontrollable urge to walk up to someone and ruin the “moment?” If you feel these signs occurring don’t worry. Just stop what you are doing (i.e. walking towards the subject), take a deep breath and look for your photographer. He or she is there to help you. Most of the time WRS will pass in a matter of minutes and your photographer will give you the all clear. We can beat this together, or I can beat you alone. The choice is yours - just kidding.