The Los Angeles Police Academy held a graduation for new police officers on November 5, 2010.
Brian van der Brug (left) has worked at the L.A. Times for about twenty years.
What an amazing day. On Friday, November 5, 2010 I hung out with Brian van der Brug, LA Times photojournalist. He was photographing the LAPD 510 graduation at the Los Angeles Police Academy, and invited me to join him in his adventure.
Photojournalist, Brian van der Brug (right) and reporter, Joel Rubin (left) worked as a team to cover the LAPD graduation event on Friday, November 5, 2010
It is very clear to me why van der Brug is a successful photojournalist based just on what I saw Friday morning.
#1- He worked closely with his reporter (Joel Rubin).
While van der Brug was documenting the visual component of the story, Rubin was writing the story.
I could see that Vander Brug and Rubin “did their own thing”, but also made sure to compare notes and kept on the same page during the event. Teamwork is important.
#1- He worked closely with his reporter (Joel Rubin).
While van der Brug was documenting the visual component of the story, Rubin was writing the story.
I could see that Vander Brug and Rubin “did their own thing”, but also made sure to compare notes and kept on the same page during the event. Teamwork is important.
#2- Van der Brug earned the trust of his subjects.
Van der Brug had spent the last six months with these LAPD graduates during their training. However, it seemed as though they had been friends forever. I saw them talking, laughing, and they even had time to develop some inside jokes with each other.
Hands down, a great journalist has to be personable and trustworthy.
Van der Brug had spent the last six months with these LAPD graduates during their training. However, it seemed as though they had been friends forever. I saw them talking, laughing, and they even had time to develop some inside jokes with each other.
Hands down, a great journalist has to be personable and trustworthy.
Los Angeles Police Department graduation on November 5, 2010
#3- He had fun at work.
Now, this doesn’t mean he didn't take it seriously, it just means he had fun with his assignment. Find a way to and laugh about any mess-ups, or troubles you encounter. Van der Brug shared with me that a police officer told him he couldn’t be photographing this event. Instead of van der Brug getting upset, he made a joke, smiled, and stood his ground confidently.
Now, this doesn’t mean he didn't take it seriously, it just means he had fun with his assignment. Find a way to and laugh about any mess-ups, or troubles you encounter. Van der Brug shared with me that a police officer told him he couldn’t be photographing this event. Instead of van der Brug getting upset, he made a joke, smiled, and stood his ground confidently.
Los Angeles Police Academy Graduates wait to walk on the graduation stage on November 5, 2010
#4 – Van der Brug was Confident.
Van der Brug was not shy to get up close to the subjects. I was amazed at the level of ease it took to get such close shots. He was so courageous that I was inspired to stand anywhere to capture some great moments as well.
Van der Brug was not shy to get up close to the subjects. I was amazed at the level of ease it took to get such close shots. He was so courageous that I was inspired to stand anywhere to capture some great moments as well.
Los Angeles Police Academy graduate holds his daughter after the ceremony.
Overall, I had a great experience with Brian van der Brug and Joel Rubin. I cannot wait to request another ride-along in the near future. :-)
Los Angeles Police Academy graduate holds his son after the ceremony.