Blog

Mumford & Sons - On assignment for AJC

I've been a fan of Mumford & Sons since they first began rising in the charts.  I went to a show at the Infinite Energy Center this week to see and photograph Mumford & Sons for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Concert photography can be a challange because of the strict restrictions they put on photographers.  However, it is always fun to capture the fans enjoying the show.  I think it's always a good lesson to sit back and watch the joy fans have of seeing their favorite band.  I believe us photographers can become jaded and we tend to loose the awe of seeing a great band.

Spring is in the air

Kennesaw State University students are taking advantage of the incredible weather these days.  If you walk on campus, you will find students laying in hammocks all over campus.  The trees surrounding the campus green are prime real estate.  Here are a few images I took after my evening class. 

A student relaxes in a hammock on campus at Kennesaw State University, Tuesday, March, 15, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga.  Photo by Branden Camp

College students on campus at Kennesaw State University, Tuesday, March, 15, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga.  Photo by Branden Camp

Daily Life Georgia - On Assignment For Associated Press

Kennesaw State University students play a game of bubble soccer on campus at sunset, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

I'm four weeks into my last semester in college at Kennesaw State University north of Atlanta.  Throughout my entire college career, I've always had a camera hanging on my shoulder.  I have been hired on the spot by photo editors simply because I had my camera at the right moment.

I also believe that if you are aspiring to be a photojournalist, you really should have a camera at all times.  You never know what will unfold right in front of you.  New York Times staffer Tyler Hicks won a Pulitzer while covering a mall shooting with a small camera while he was in Kenya.  His wife eventually brought him his professional gear.

I took these images for the Associated Press after one of my evening classes. Class let out a little early and I was making my way back to my car. As I was walking across campus, I spotted a bunch of college students running around in big bubble suits.  The sun was falling behind the trees and the sky turned to that nice blue color, lined with purple colored clouds. 

As a last note, I highly encourage you to visit AP's image blog and study away.  This is how I learn and grow as a photojournalist.

Kennesaw State University students play a game of bubble soccer on campus at sunset, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

A look into the future...

Today I began a long-form story on farming.  I started the day networking with farmers and agriculture professionals at AG Forecast 2016 in Macon, Georgia and ended my day at Blessed Acres Farm, a small farm in Milner, Georgia. I plan to spend the next 6-9 months documenting the lives of farmers and better understanding agriculture in Georgia.

Jennifer Head and her farm dog walk through Blessed Acres Farm, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Milner, Ga.  Photo:  Branden Camp

"Happy Hunting"

If you ever hang out with Associated Press photo editor Mike Stewart, he always ends the conversation with "happy hunting" or "go make an image."  Every time I'm on assignment, both these sayings echo through my head.  I have this good anxiety that runs through me every time I head out to find an image.  I'm afraid of not making a good image.  AP staff photographer David Goldman says he always works until he is mentally exhausted in order to make a great image.  I've made this my goal as well.

My favorite assignments have been the ones where I have to go out and find an image when the photo editors says something like, "It's January and people are out enjoying spring like weather.  Take a photo that tells that story."  

Here are some of my favorite images that I've had to go hunt down this month.

web_features1.jpg