Producing a compelling story in text, photo, or video is never easy. It requires thorough planning, research, and of course, proper execution. Despite preparations, there are always unprecedented events that affect the production of our stories.
Throughout my career as a freelance photojournalist, I have only written only a few stories partly because I’ve spent most of my time covering spot news, but mainly because I’m not really confident with my writing. Some of the few features and photo essays that I have done in the past focused on jeepney drivers affected by the modernization program, the conditions of our transport system, and a homeless family forced to take shelter in a jeepney.
Despite my limited experience in extending beyond single images, I have experienced difficulties in telling compelling stories. These challenges are still present as I attempt to transition to doing long-form stories.
Story angle. Back in college, we were taught the basics of reporting. Just when I thought I was equipped with enough knowledge to pursue a career in journalism, a professor suddenly started asking: “what about it?” It remains my biggest obstacle when pursuing a story — especially when I started pitching and applying for grants. Without a new, unique, and interesting story angle, there wouldn’t be any new narrative to add to the story. Writing and video production requires more pre-planning than news photography alone.
External factors. In some (or most) instances, external factors affect the angle and/or the timeframe of the story. When something comes up while the production of the story is ongoing, there may be a minor or a major shift in the angle which may lead to the delay of publication or killing of the story.
One time, I attempted to do a story on trolley boys trapped in the city because of the lockdown. Most of them have homes in the provinces, but movement restrictions prevented them from going home. They had no option but to sleep every night on their makeshift trolleys out in the open. I had visited and photographed them several times. I was halfway with the story when suddenly, the lockdown restrictions were eased. I still have the story on hold as I change my story angle.
Many challenges arise when working on a story. There is a constant need to check and adjust to keep the story timely, interesting, and relevant. In the end, plans are just blueprints that are always subject to changes. Technical skills are important in journalism and storytelling, so as thorough research and flexibility.
