Photojournalist's Problems

Almost everything I make a photo of is seen through the eyes of a photojournalist. Earlier this week, I searched my archive for a holiday-themed photo accompanying a story about Uptown’s Small Business Saturday plans.

With only a few exceptions, all my photos failed the postcard quality test, highlighting Uptown's festive nature at the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. All the photos concentrated on events such as snow storms and strolling Santas instead of highlighting the singular festive atmosphere of the Uptown district.

The only photo I could find that came close to fulfilling the postcard test is of Winter Street after a light April snowfall. It’s not a bad photo. Technically, it works.

It captures the tranquil charm of a residential street blanketed in light snow. The sidewalk creates a leading line, guiding the eye through a rhythmic arrangement of houses and trees. The American flags add a touch of community pride, while the warm morning light contrasts with the cool shadows, enriching the texture and depth of the scene. Emotionally, it evokes peace, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of seasons, balancing winter’s final hold with the promise of spring in a moment of serene stillness.

However, it does not match the required theme of shopping in Uptown during the Christmas season.

My challenge is to consider more than the news value of photos I make in Uptown and probably everywhere else in Westerville. Perhaps a New Year’s Resolution?

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