with  an  adequate  supply  of  film,  flash  and  associated equipment. When a spot news event occurs, you will not have much time to get your gear together and check it out.  This  means  you  must  start  your  day  off  with  a complete check of the equipment available to you. When  possible,  keep  two  cameras  ready  —  one loaded  with  black-and-white  film  and  the  other  with color slide film (for release to electronic media). As you read in Chapter 11, you should keep your camera free from dirt, dust and moisture and also handle it with care. Store it in a readily accessible place in its carrying case when not in use. Self-Confidence Gaining an attitude of self-confidence is one of the most difficult and important aspects of becoming a good news photographer. A “personality for the profession” is  a  prerequisite  for  anyone  who  wants  to  become proficient in the field of photojournalism. To succeed, you must look upon occurrences with an objective view. The knowledge of the mechanics of photography is not enough. You must have an inquisitive nature that inherently causes you to want to know more about what is going on around you. Diligence, study and practice  are  necessary  to  use  the  tools  of  the  trade proficiently; aggressiveness and the will to understand the motivations of others will aid you in your quest for competence. Those who have a thorough knowledge of their field and   consistently   display   such   attributes   as   honor, finesse,  diplomacy,  courtesy  and  honesty,  as  well  as straightforwardness,   automatically   develop   self- confidence. All too often a photographer misses pictures of great pictorial  value  because  of  the  lack  of  aggressiveness. Upon receipt of an assignment, your whole attitude must be that of determination. Come what may, you must get photographs.  Navy  photographers  and  journalists  are frequently  in  contact  with  notable  personalities  from military organizations, local and federal governments, foreign  countries,  private  industry,  and  hundreds  of people from all walks of life who at some time or another have had an association with the Navy or other armed forces. Almost without exception, all of these people may be  photographed  without  incident  under  nearly  any circumstance. Fear of what is ahead and fear of standing in the shadow of great people cannot be a part of the personality  of  the  news  photographer.  You  should  be respectful,  as  appropriate,  but  you  should  never  feel subservient   or   inferior.   Finesse,   courtesy   and straightforwardness   in   pursuing   the   job   at   hand immediately result in cooperation as well as quick action in seeing that the mission is accomplished. People   being   photographed   rely   on   the photographer’s ability to get the coverage desired and usually   await   the   photographer’s   instructions. Photographers and reporters are not unfamiliar sights on the  horizon  to  the  VIP.  When  people  have  reached  a point in life when they have become public figures, they are conscious that they no longer enjoy the privacy of the average citizen. Therefore, knowing they are news, they  are  ready  and  willing  to  assist  members  of  the working media. However, they cannot do this until you have presented yourself. When your presence is noted, your  VIP  subject  knows,  through  many  years  of experience, that your job must be done with speed in order  to  meet  deadlines. In   presenting   yourself   to   a   subject,   the   initial introduction normally is made by an aide or assistant; however,   there   are   times   when   you   must   do   this yourself.   An   honest   and   courteous   approach   at   a diplomatic moment can be done easily. Simply remain in close proximity to your subject and await the earliest break in conversation; then step forward and state your name, rate, place of duty and your reason for being there. When you are acknowledged, take the minimum time necessary to get your photographs. Work with sureness, deftness and thoroughness. If you feel you did not get a photograph, bring this to the attention of your subject immediately.   Often   you   will   find   that   straight- forwardness gets you a second chance that so seldom comes to the news photographer. If it is impossible to shoot  another  photograph  at  that  particular  moment, keep your eyes open and remain on the alert. Another opportunity may present itself, so be ready for it. CREATING GOOD PHOTOGRAPHS LEARNING  OBJECTIVE:  Describe  the  basic elements  of  creating  good  photographs  and  the inherent security and safet considerations. Creating   good   photographs   (news,   feature   or otherwise)  depends  heavily  on  the  imagination  and know-how of the person behind the camera. You must have a storehouse of imaginative ideas for presenting simple,  yet  interesting  photographs  that  emphasize  a definite point of view. The shot must have both visual and   emotional   impact   and   offer   the   viewers   a 12-9