Gallery: Storm Photographers Deftly Set the Stage as Sandy Approaches
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI01154979114
With Wall Street closed this morning and many people apprehensively awaiting Hurricane Sandy's approach on the East Coast, news site webpages were being constantly refreshed with expectant eyes looking for images of devastation. Droves of professional photographers put on their rain boots and set out to the front lines to be the eyes of news outlets, only to find not much going on yet. Aside from significant flooding in smaller towns, it looked like a normal rainy day. As photo editors watching the wires, and knowing how calm events like this can be right up until they're not calm at all, we here at Raw File sometimes marvel at photographers' ability to create something out of nothing. Here are some of our favorite creative techniques the pros use to infuse drama into a frame so that their images get picked for event stories, even when there's no news yet. The Silly Moment ---------------- Stand outside anywhere long enough with your eyes and mind open, and you'll probably stumble across an odd visual moment. The pros are able to actually capture these on camera. All you need is two disparate elements, like bright public works suits and a Christmas tree, or a strange transitional moment, like someone running in the rain, to make an editor's highlight reel. Bravo to Brendan Smialowski and Jim Watson.  *Top photo: A reporter runs from Air Force One after U.S. President Barack Obama returned at Andrews Air Force Base Oct. 29, 2012 in Maryland. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images.* *Bottom photo: Public Works personnel try to secure a tree while high winds begin to blow through Ocean City, Maryland. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images.*
Steve Helber02ap461057902229
The Literal Message ------------------- Some editors don't want to ask too much from their audiences. These guys are best served by the literal photo. Story about Obama addressing the nation about the storm? How about a wet window with Air Force One in the background. Story about how the storm is affecting the presidential campaigns? How about a campaign sign underwater?  *Top photo: An Obama campaign sign rises above the floodwaters in front of a home as rain continues to fall in Norfolk, Virginia. Steve Helber/AP.* *Bottom photo: Air Force One arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in the rain from approaching Hurricane Sandy. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images.*
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Zig While Everyone Else Zags ---------------------------- Kudos goes to Joe Cavaretta in Florida for this shot of sunbathers at the beach in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Its contrast to the rest of the photos makes it stand out, and also gives some temporal context by showing that the storm will eventually pass for those about to feel its full force. The contrast in the photo itself between people relaxing against the sand wall built to fend off Sandy's surge adds another level to our appreciation. *Photo: A group of tourists from Argentina in Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida. Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images.*
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Go Graphic ---------- When in doubt, use an otherwise boring scene to make something graphic. Placing lines in the right place catches the eye and distracts the viewer from noticing you just shot a lock on a gate.  *Photos: The Petworth-Georgia Avenue metro station was closed for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call.*
JIM WATSON05154980226
Vignetting ---------- Perhaps the cheapest but most effective technique is to make your photo look like an instant classic through vignetting. It could be any other cloudy day, but next to a headline about a hurricane, the darkened corners pump up the drama just enough to hit home that ominous feeling. *Photo: Two people stand near the edge of the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images.*
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Composition Wizards ------------------- A well-placed vanishing point and tilted horizon is one of our most appreciated ways to squeeze water from a visual rock. These scenes have nothing going on, but the eye is drawn to them and doesn't want to look away. For photographers, this is like seeing a well-executed double play. It looks effortless and elegant, but it's hard to pull off.  *Top photo: A man watches as the tidal surge begins to cover the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images.* *Bottom photo: Storm surge hits a small tree as winds from Hurricane Sandy reach Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Jessica Hill/AP.*
Bruce Bennett07154982151
The Lone Walker --------------- These photos evoke more of our sympathy than appreciation. These poor photographers just have to sit there, waiting for someone to walk through their shot so that it means something instead of nothing. Instead of a plain scenery shot, now viewers can identify with a person and imagine what it's like to be there. Extra points for a dog. *Photo: A partially submerged Coles Avenue in Amityville, New York. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images.*
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Force It -------- Located in an area that hasn't seen any waves yet? Make them yourself by grabbing a shot of cars driving through water. No need for your colleagues on the beach to get all the shots. *Photo: A New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicle drives through a flooded area of the FDR Drive at 116th Street in New York. Peter Foley/Bloomberg via Getty Images.*
