Monday, October 17, 2022

Gallery PI-Chinatown Station

Congress Heights Subway, D.C.

Restaurant outdoor seating

Today was officially the first day absorbing what Washington is like. To take the subway from Hillcrest Heights and to then walk up the stairs to the Washington streets was an unexplainable feeling. It almost felt surreal that this trip was finally here and I was about to walk into a major publication and many more throughout the week. I cannot elaborate enough how thankful and excited I am to get the opportunity to meet staff photographers, photo editors and photography freelancers from all kinds of well known publications.

14th Street, Washington D.C.

National Press Building, D.C.

National Press Building, D.C.

When we arrived we had a little while to spare so we went to Starbucks to begin our day then walked to this sitting area where you can see the Capitol from afar. It was definitely a great way to begin the week.

First stop was Getty Images which is a wire service. We were greeted by Chip Somodevilla. We then gathered into a small room which is the photographer's and photo editors area. We were shown a great presentation by Chip Somodevilla and Anna Moneymaker which gave good insight into what kind of work they enjoy themselves and what they provide for the company. It is amazing how small their photography department is how important their roles are. Chip had suggested being a smart business person is a plus and you simply got to hustle. Getty Images

Elevator Selfie

Lobby of USA Today

Under the stairs of USA Today

Then we went to USA Today which was near the Washington Monument. The building was extremely fancy. It even had a cafe and water lying under this staircase when you walked in. We were greeted by Andy Scott downstairs then taken to the newsroom which looked almost as I had always imagined it. Unfortunately there was nobody in the office. It was incredible to see what it once consisted of and now due to Covid-19 what it has come down too. After walking through the newsroom offices we went into a conference room to be greeted by Josh Morgan and Megan Smith. We were shown a presentation of what their work consists of and what they look for in a photographer/videographer. It was very helpful to hear from two individuals that also balance video and stills which really excites me right now. I see myself being a possible photographer/videographer at USA Today. The team does three-four major projects a year on big issues. Freelancers get assignments a couple times a week. Freelancers also get more negotiation than staff photographers who loose their copy right to USA Today. Therefore, I would more like to freelance possibly.

Following USA Today, we all met at Daniel Sarches house to be greeted by his amazing mother . She had cooked us all a homemade meal, shared some great wine, desert and living room performance. (Apparently what parties used to consist of from back in the day).

Red wine, green grapes

Salad, salmon, rice, bread

Cookies, blueberry cheesecake

After Dan's mother performed she hand shared a piece of Professor Snyder's work that she had on her wall which I had never seen before that I think is really impactful.

The day went by fast but was a first good day learning new things, meeting new people and seeing along with eating things I haven't before.