a photoblog by ben fredman

Sunday, June 10, 2007

.hearst.
What a week. The Hearst National Championship was an incredible experience. I placed second out of the photo finalists and will get a $4000 award sometime in the future. Also, I won an additional award for Best Single Photograph for a picture (the football players walking down the hall shot) from my portfolio I submitted to make it to the finals for an additional $1000.

Below is the photo essay I submitted as part of the shoot-off. We had about two days to shoot a variety of assignments, one essay and some singles. The essay topic was San Francisco and its relationship with the water. I found this beach where members of nearby swim clubs swim every morning. I tried to show the quiet and graceful relationship these swimmers have with the water and the roaring laughter they share together. I really worked the ender shot because I knew the essay wouldn't be as interesting without some great moment. A judge told me he loved this picture because it was "so full of life" and it was my favorite from the week.

I had a really awesome time at Hearst. The photo finalists were an amazing group teeming with talent and enthusiasm. The photo judges were an absolute pleasure to be around and learn from. We were wined and dined every night with extravagance. It all went by too fast. Also, San Francisco may pass NYC as my favorite American city.

I'll write and add more pics from all this later...





11 comments:

andrei said...

Congratulations, Ben! You ruuuuuuuuuuuule!

Unknown said...

You were right dude, that last one is pretty killer. It's pretty simple and clean up to that point, but that totally ends it. Way to go homeboy. Throw your singles up if you have a chance, I'd like to see what else you took. Anyways, again, way to go man, its all starting to fall into place. Cheers.

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sorry my last post was a little inappropriate, i had to delete it. congrats dude. time to buy me a new fishing pole.

Nope said...

Put the ender in your portfolio as a single. Clean, good moment, shows access...and who else has wieners in their portfolio?

Tully said...

haha. Reed, you're too much. haha. Anyways Ben, congratulations again! You're really kicking butt. I really like the first one because of the light, and the mood. And how close it is with the water on the dude's arm. I also like the last one because it is just so simple and the moment says it all. I can't wait to chill next semester and maybe learn a thing or two from the big shot. John

Sky Gilbar said...

I know we already spoke, but again, congradulations on the win. This is big for ya, and you deserve it!

ben fredman said...

Peoples, thanks so much for all your comments and congrats. It really means a lot coming from this group.
Y'all are a vital source of the inspiration that makes me strive to take better pictures everyday. Whenever the hell I run into any of you, first round of drinks is on me...

Leah said...

Ben, Rock on. Like the first, love the last. Ditto with portland monk's comment on wieners.

Jeronimo Nisa said...

congrats, dude!

h0ld3n said...

Your stuff looks great.

Do you have any of the pictures from the jumpers off of Muni pier. It was my birthday and would love to check out some copies.

Please email me.

illtown

I am a freelance photographer and educator specializing in documentary, editorial and travel photography based in St. Petersburg FL.
All Images © Ben Fredman, The Free Lance-Star, The Dallas Morning News, The Star-Ledger, The Muskegon Chronicle and The Post Register.