Susan -- March 22, 1998

March 22, 1998

In Search of Art

One of the most challenging assignments in newspaper photography is the continual search for visually interesting features. Styles and subject matter vary greatly from newspaper to newspaper. A feature of a kid in a playground doesn't always have the same appeal to a daily newspaper. I find myself shooting differently sometimes for The Riverdale Press than I do for other newspapers. Enterprise pictures play a big part in community journalism. One learns quickly the appeal of a young face on the front page of a community newspaper. In advertising terms, kids sell newspapers.

10 year old Kaitlyn Meehan "wiped out" on a mogul at Henry Hudson Park on Sunday, March 22, 1998.

When I'm hot on the trail of a feature, they generally become elusive. But I know that I can go into default mode (like "program" or automatic mode on a camera), show up in one of our many parks, fire off a few frames and end up with a photograph on the front page. It almost seems like cheating.

"Stream of Consciousness" Alderbrook: Palisade Avenue across from The Riverdale Country Day Lower School. March 22, 1998

An unexpected snowstorm today provided ample opportunities for pictures. On the second day of spring, and the first snowfall in nearly two years, 5 inches of snow was a treat for local kids, who got out their sleds for a few hours before warmer temperatures set in and melted away dreams of a "Monday snow day."

Helen Frankel and Ruth Bookbinder took a walk along recently plowed Independence Avenue on Sunday, March 22, 1998.

Kevin O'Keefe seeks out a customer to shovel their front walk on W. 231 Street as Alexander Riva waits hopefully out front.

The Hudson River and Palisades provided a beautiful backdrop for Ilya Toshkova, age 7, who gathered up snow for his giant snowman while his dad, Andrew adds an ear to their creation.

Susan B. Markisz

March 22, 1998