It all started with a poster. Now, I’m one of the top five!
This week, the National Press Photographers Association announced winners of its Best of Photojournalism contest.
I was named a finalist for editing my story “The Hunt for Charlie Sheen.” Fox 8 News photographer Roc Woodrum photographed the piece. I reported and edited it. I must say it’s among my favorite pieces in Cleveland – and will be for many years to come.
In April 2011, Charlie Sheen was in Cleveland for his “Violent Torpedo of Truth” tour, shortly after being fired from the primetime comedy hit “Two and a Half Men.”
I was to report Sheen visiting Cleveland and get those ever-so-fabulous “man on the street” interviews.
I had compiled an idea of what to do for the story earlier that day. I wanted to show the adventure of looking for Sheen – and have the city help us.
But of course, our biggest hope was to get Sheen. After staking out his hotel and tour bus, we not only interviewed him once…but twice.
With an awkward poster in hand, I admit I was a bit star-struck, holding that microphone to his face. It was worth it, however, after all Cleveland is “a bitchin’ city.” By sheer luck, Roc and I got a whole lot more than we expected. It was beyond exciting.
When we got back to the news studio, we were in a mad dash. Writing and editing a news story in less than an hour is nerve wrecking, but I took the reins. I really wanted this story to shine.
I think it did, and luckily enough, the NPPA saw some potential in it.
I was hesitant to enter the story in this year’s news contests. I feared it was a bit too silly to compete with inspirational or hard news stories.
I’m glad I was wrong.
Major kudos to Roc for working with me and drumming up some hilarious ideas. And thanks to Alisha, one of the editors who was training with us that day. She helped us park and prep. Without her help, who knows what would have happened.
Also, big kudos to Fox 8 News photogs Ali Ghanbari and David Bradford. These two won first-place awards with NPPA. It’s an honor to be among such talent. Way to bring home the hardware, guys!