Imagine this: a teenage boy really enjoys cooking and has found that he is actually quite skilled. He cooks dinner for his family and bakes in his free time, but never takes his hobby outside the comfort zone of home.
However, one day his mom decides to take him to a high-end restaurant to cook alongside professional chefs. She drops him off and expects him to cook the same quality of food as those who have been educated in the subject, and threatens his freedom of cooking at home if he does not do a good job.
The boy is now responsible to live up to his mother’s expectations without much help.
Although this example might seem like a stretch, this is how I felt when journalism adviser Greg Stobbe asked me to take pictures of gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman at their debate held at California State University, Fresno, on Oct. 2.
Stobbe gave me a one-week notice that he wanted me to attend this event and immediately stressed the idea that my position as the photo editor was on the line if I did not provide exactly what he wanted.
My mission was to arrive at the Fresno State student union by 9:30 a.m., with the freshly laminated press pass and student ID I needed to make my way through the crowds of protesters and newscasters. At the big white press tent, fellow classmate Trevor York, ’12, waited for me with Starbucks in his hand, which he so graciously purchased for me.
The tent was packed full with professional photographers, newscasters, cameramen and reporters, all rushing to get their equipment set up in time for “public questioning” after the debate. Although I was definitely excited, I felt a little out of place considering I was one of three total teenagers in a tent full of professionals.
However, the excitement did not end there. With 35 minutes still remaining until the debate would start, a security guard asked that all still-photographers gather outside the doors of the student union to prepare for a photo op.
I, along with 15 professional photographers, waited anxiously outside the doors for 20 minutes until the security guard let us in, just to wait for an additional 15 minutes inside.
I tried to stay calm, cool and collective while standing in the midst of pros, but could not help wondering how they felt about me invading their territory. After all, I was the only female in the group and, although I have been told I look older than my age, it was obvious that I was the youngest and therefore the one with the least experience.
I did not ask any questions for fear of not being taken seriously, and I occasionally messed around with the settings on the camera to give the impression that I completely knew what I was doing.
Time was counting down before the doors opened to let us in; the security guard briefly explained that we had exactly three minutes to get in, take as many pictures as possible and get out. This was it — this was the moment that would make it or break it regarding my position on the paper.
Before I knew it, I was inside the auditorium trying to make my way around the tall bodies and huge cameras that blocked my view. Soon, I made it to the front of the pack and waited with the camera in my hand for Brown and Whitman to appear on stage. As soon as their names were announced, I was the first one in front of the stage snapping pictures.
Although I was nervous before I entered the auditorium, I soon felt completely comfortable once the photo op began. I actually knew what I was doing, and I did not feel intimidated by the herd of professional photographers taking pictures directly behind me.
In a matter of minutes, we were summoned out of the auditorium. My job was over. As I stepped back outside into the press tent, I immediately observed my photos in hopes that Stobbe would be pleased with them.
Fortunately, the first words out of Stobbe’s mouth after seeing the pictures the next day were the words I had hoped to hear: “I’m proud of you.”
This was by far one of the most incredible experiences I could ever ask for as photo editor. Now I feel as though I can take on any job at any place and feel completely comfortable.
For more information, read the Oct. 8 article, Gubernatorial candidates debate in Fresno, or check out Lights, camera, action!
