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Boxes for photographers, great deals
The Plaza Box Store is our newest sponsor, offering photographers great prices on your packing and shipping needs. A free marker with any order and free delivery with large orders. Tell Ira you are an NPPA member. Ask for detail - 718-951-0909. Price list (.pdf)

May
**Special Event at J&R**
Annual Camera Expo Thursday, May 8th - Sunday, May 11th
Just in time for Summer Fun and Mother's Day gift giving. J&R's Giant Camera Expo.
The entire block is on sale during this Great Event. Leading manufacturers will be presenting
the latest technologies with hands on FREE demonstrations. From the beginner to the professional there's something for everyone...ALL AT THE LOWEST PRICES.

All happening at J&R -- Thurs May 8th through Sunday May 11th - on Park Row across from beautiful City Hall Park Lower Manhattan

MEDIA : Please note the perfect venue to see the latest in photography and technology

Reporters stories on NYPD parking spells trouble for city photographers
I for one have decided to resist doing any more photo shoots of alleged illegal parking by police officers or any city employees that have anything to do with my ability to park in New York City.

I wonder how many parking spaces these stories eliminated – especially our own.

Just recently, a number of NYP vehicles were ticketed where they have been allowed to park for a number of years--in a NO STANDING ANYTIME zone on Park Row near City Hall. After that they were subject to tow Park Row appears to be off limits now. Marcia Kramer of CBS News was told by City Hall that these actions were being taken by NYPD Internal Affairs. I personally saw officers from Manhattan South and Parking Violations issuing the summonses. (If this was a designated NO Standing Zone, All bets are off since they were basically “looking the other way” Designated No Standing is what a judge
will declair the zone since That’s what It IS)  So much for being able to park near your assignment.
  
So what to do? I can’t say that I blame officers for being just a little upset with losing their parking.
I can’t be mad at officers from DCPI being upset that they were ticketed and towed due to stories written by our colleagues or reported on television news.

So I ask these reporters what are we gaining from these stories? Less traffic in Manhattan? I think not. I think that these officers will still find parking – but we won’t.

So you say your office will pay for parking. Think about the shrinking budgets of news organizations and how spending hundreds a week on parking will impact your take-home pay.

Imagine being in a rush to get to a story and you now have to scurry for parking. Some people at Madison Square Garden are now paying for parking. There will be less money in the photo budget and more in the pockets of parking garages. Jerry Engel, the NYPPA police liaison gave a special warning to all press: “ If you get a ticket parked with the card in a zone the card specifically allows we almost always can beat it, but NO STANDING ANYTIME is a tough nut to beat,” he said. 
“Be careful when you use the card, try to park legally, pay in a parking garage and expense it if you can. If you must use the card then stay out of the obvious "red flag" places like No Standing, fire hydrants and cross walks.” He added “that if you park in a "No Standing Except Trucks Loading etc" metered commercial zone, he recommended sticking an hour's worth of quarters in the meter and put the ticket from the machine in the windshield as instructed”. Generally the hearing officer interprets that as a good faith effort to abide by the rules and we can beat the ticket, no matter how long you are parked.

Photographers should be aware that the mayor wants to get rid of ALL parking. Our colleagues only make it worse when they write these stories. It always seems that we lose more privileges(sp) for the sake of some reporter’s self righteous ego. The only thing it seems to solve is making it more difficult for us to do our jobs and in effect, curtails our press freedoms.  

So, I am making a personal decision not to do these stories any more. If I am forced to do it, I do it under protest and advise my bosses of the serious consequences. While I can’t make policy for NPPA or NYPPA, I can make this personal decision and I call on other photographers to both voice their views to their bosses and reject these petty assignments. The few dollars you might make on one of these stories will pale in comparison to what we all will lose. We are now fighting for the last drops of parking perks we have left. We must do what we can to show the powers that be that we want to keep them – and therefore refuse to throw rocks in glass houses. Positive actions will
Help us with NYPD. I’ve decided to increase the number of photos I print or send by email to police officers in the field. Doing so will help us with these officers and make them understand the importance of our jobs and how it impacts them.

We must understand that they do a dangerous job and it is incumbent upon us to show them respect at all times, but also to see what we can do to show our gratitude for their courtesy that they may show us in the field.

Think about what you can do to improve our standing with officers. It will help all of us to do this.

Wanted for possible llegal challenge
The NPPA and the New York Daily News are still seeking photos of tourists or anyone who is allowed to take photos at the International Arrivals Building at Kennedy Airport. But be aware, if you a press photographer, you will be prevented from doing this by security.

Legal actions contemplated in Port Authority photo ban at JFK. If you are able to get these photos, please send them to toddphoto@aol.com. These photos can be tourists taking photos of family members at the arrivals terminal. Do not use pro equipment because you may be stopped and ejected by security.

If you haven’t yet found out, you, the media, those wearing a press card, are banned from taking photos, videotaping or interviewing in the JFK Airport International Arrivals and Departures Terminal. It is ok if you are a civilian to take photos of your family, friends or whatever you like at the same terminal. But if you are the press, you are banned. The leasing company IAT has eliminated constitutional guarantees, despite the fact that they run a publicly owned airport terminal.  SUGGESTION: Always keep a PHD camera handy.

Pooped by the Pope; 3-day trip to New York City
by Todd Maisel
Photographers from around the globe followed the journey of Pope Benedict the XVI to the United States – Washington and then New York City. The universal opinion about covering the historic event was feeling “pooped from the Pope.”
The Pope was afforded all the security and ceremonial trappings of the President of the United States, with the media following his every move. Most security arrangements were led by the US Secret Service who were (doing their job) very conscientious about protecting the Pope through out his movement through the city.  This meant many  long hours and headaches (and long hours) for most shooters.

The coverage in New York City dominated the entire three days for most journalists, gaining some overtime pay – but also exhaustion from lack of sleep. Despite the long hours, an upbeat, positive feeling emanated from the crowds, of which New York is made up of more than 2.5 million Catholics. Even working with officials from the Archdiocese and numerous government agencies was a mostly positive experience.

Day 1 – The arrival in New York City
There was nothing easy about covering the Kennedy Airport touch-down
of the Pope’s plane, Shepard I, at exactly 9:45 a.m. Photographers, videographers and writers had to report to the Papal visit headquarters at the Sheraton in Manhattan at 4 a.m. for a check-in and security sweep. Arriving photographers had to display double identification issued by the Vatican and Archdiocese in New York and then issued a third ticket to get on the special shuttle bus to the airport.

Secret Service agents were well mannered and polite with shooters
and worked closely with them to make the sweep as easy as possible. Photographers left gear for agents to examine – each camera fired, every computer turned on, every bag and battery sniffed by bomb dogs. A few people reported misplaced or missing items. (This photographer is missing a Verizon aircard – anyone find it?). Also, we wish they would put lenses back on cameras when the remove them
for inspection.

Then, with all that gear, we had to walk down three flights of stairs – making it a bit difficult for those with carts carrying long lenses. The bus was then escorted by the NYPD for a 40 minute ride to the airport. Once at the hanger, we sat for more than an hour inside the bus awaiting permission to enter the plane hanger. Lucky the bus had a bathroom on board.

Despite the early hour and tough security, both the archdiocese and Secret Service representatives were treated everyone with great respect. Church officials made themselves available to the media and we had a certain amount of latitude in movement from our positions on the grand stands erected for us.

Problem was, none of us had any food or drink since arriving and towards that 8 a.m. hour, many were hungry. A few of the lucky photographers raided a technical staff breakfast before officials realized that they were being raided. All media were then ejected – some already having had their three course breakfast.

The Pontiff arrived right on time, but instead of pausing at the door of the Alitalia plane, he did a quick two armed wave and then scurried down the stairs. At the base of the stairs, he was mobbed by members of the clergy, led by Edward Cardinal Egan, his host for the three day event.

Photographers and videographers were stymied in their attempts to make photos of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. David Patterson greeting the Pope by the pontiff’s protocol secretary who kept getting in the way of the media view. Port Authority cops also kept walking into the photo and obstructing the view. Getting a picture was a matter of luck at this point.

The Pope was then led to a military helicopter that had landed near the plane and was whisked away no more than 15 minutes after his arrival. But it was not over for the media. Minutes after the Pope left on his helicopter, archdiocese officials announced that the media bus would be leaving in less than 10 minutes, much to the consternation of those who needed to transmit.

Stuart Ramson of AP told them he would instead get himself a cab rather than relent to the quick exit. Others kept downloading images while packing, preparing to send photos from their wireless cards even if they were on the bus. But only minutes after loading onto the bus, all were told that they must exit. Gear was quickly unloaded onto the sidewalk. Minutes later, officials told the media to re-board the bus. After getting on the bus, we were again told that this was not the bus. We sat at the plane hanger for an hour and forty minutes waiting for a new bus back to Manhattan.

The rest of the day found good photo ops at the Wall Street heliport – if for only a minute. Charlie Eckert shooting for Newsday said police at the site were “highly professional and cooperative.”
“There were two cops watching us there and we asked them to give us a little better view, and they were really professional about it and gave us opportunities,” Eckert said. “Afterwards, I complimented them on their attitudes and professionalism and they said they were trying to set a good example for the younger guys coming in.”

There were several good positions at the United Nations where the Pope spoke to the General Assembly. Photographer Tom Monaster of the NY Daily News said photos were easy, but boring, as the pontiff read from a prepared speech in a monotone voice. He showed us his photos, many of which looked identical.

Those going to the Park East Synagogue the same day found their day long and difficult. Access was also difficult, though pool shooters made good close-ups. Later that evening, upon arriving at the archdiocese residence, the Pope was reported to come outside the building briefly, much to the surprise of the media and was caught by ABC television cameras.

Day 2 – the big parade
The true believers began arriving at dawn at both St. Patrick’s Cathedral and along the Fifth Avenue route where the pontiff would travel in the famous Popemobile – bullet  proof, bomb resistant modified Mercedes Benz with a green tinted glass enclosure for the Pope to wave to the crowds.
The streets turned into a mardigras as the faithful played music, danced and sang in the streets.  Hundreds of thousands lined Fifth Avenue waiting for a glimpse of the Pope. When his motorcade finally arrived, police closed off every street, used large dump trucks to block access and closely monitored all crowds. Every window and rooftop was under surveillance and only a few photographers were able to get permission for overhead shots. Residents of those buildings were forced inside by aggressive NYPD patrols.

Once the Pope was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, pool shooters and a few other photographers were able to shoot inside the church, having arrived for security sweep at the Sheraton at 4 a.m. During the mass, a police car erupted in smoke from an engine fire – where we received reports of a photographer having been manhandled by cops. Confirmation was still being sought on who was involved in the incident or whether any actions were taken against him.

Unlike parades on the same route, the media was not allowed to walk outside of the viewing barriers. At some corners, commanding police officers were amenable to allowing shooters to hug the outside of the pedestrian viewing areas. Sometimes, this was not the case.

I was intent upon taking an overhead photo of the crowd and the Popemobile as it passed. I used a three row step ladder. Once inside the crowd, I needed to stand on the top of the three step ladder, a tenuous situation at best. Thankfully, the crowd was not only in a good mood, but two people held me in place – necessary when the Pope passed and I was using a six foot monopod to make the overhead shot. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

The Pope drove all the way to the 72nd Street residence, an photographers had varying results on pictures. Close up shooting was difficult through the tinted windows, but some shooters succeeded with the right angles.

Following the visit to the residence, the Pope went to Yonkers where he attended a youth rally of 20,000 at St. Joseph’s Seminary. Photographers were forced to maintain positions.
American Idol star Kelly Clarkson performed to a packed field of seminarians and invited guests. The Pope himself then addressed the crowd and held mass. The job required long glass, but went well according to shooters who were properly equipped.

Enid Alvarez of the Daily News reported a lot of confusion among archdiocese press handlers, including problems with buses, confirming positions, and then delayed departure times after events ended. “They made us stay an hour and a half after the Pope had already left, and there was no electric power in our positions to run our laptops,” Alvarez sighed.  

Day 3 – Ground Zero, Yankee Stadium and then home
Another 4 a.m. arrival, but this time, a line ran across the third floor reception area of the Sheraton for those going to Yankee Stadium. Liz Cho and her co anchor Bill Ritter of ABC News were an unusual site, him looking chipper and ready to go, and her very little make-up and hair slicked from a recent washing. It took an hour before the Yankee Stadium contingent hit the sweep, another half hour after that before Ground Zero positions were checked out. About 25 photographers were swept and again, we descended a three story staircase with full gear – thankfully one of my fellow journalists assisted this time.

A brief bus ride later, we were at Ground Zero and escorted by our gracious hosts
to specially designated escorts to our assigned positions. There were no free for all positions, all were specially assigned.
A group of us were led to the Path Station emergency exit balcony where we began setting up. No sooner did I have a video camera in position braced on a rail, did we find out that no video would be permitted – only the pool video would be allowed. Anyone with video cameras had to surrender them to our hosts until we were to leave. – so much for multi-media.

After half an hour, we received another surprise – we were all moved from our positions to a viewing stand at the bottom of the pit. Of course, I already had co-worker on that stand. A few others, including Todd Heisler of the NY Times and Shannon Stapleton of Reuters had special pool positions that gave them prime viewing. Most of the rest of us would have to shoot through or over the heads of security and survivors of 9-11 to see the Pope and to see the various parts of the blessing for those killed in the terror attack. And then, we were given another surprise – contingent of about 35 foreign journalists crowded onto the grand stand with us. Some of our contingent had boxes including myself using a box that held my 400mm lens. Others gathered wood from the construction area with the help of our hosts to get high enough to get pictures over the heads of those in front of the Pope.

Needless to say, the best shots were from the pool positions. You had to hear the foreign media complaining about the poor view. But we were told that once we were in position, there was no moving around on the platforms.

The Pope finished after about forty-five minutes, blessed all those present and then walked back to the Popemobile for the journey to Yankee Stadium. We in the pit went back to our assigned buses and as promised, our video cameras were returned. I can’t imagine what will happen when SLR’s are video capable.

Reports from the Yankee Stadium crews reported good views throughout and plenty of good cheer from the crowds. Photographers and television personnel were sequestered from 4 a.m. when they were all swept by Secret Service and then bused to the stadium to wait for the pontiff to arrive.
Jose Feliciano led numerous other acts before the Pope did the Sunday mass. Most photographers didn’t get out of Yankee Stadium until 4 p.m.

The Pope was then driven by motorcade to Kennedy Airport, where he was met by a large crowd led by Vice President Dick Cheney. Alvarez from the News was part of the group of photographers covering the departure. She said most of the positions were very far from the stage and photographers from AP and Reuters convinced officials to bring them closer for better views. Alvarez said she was miffed that while the other two photographers got 15 minutes up close, she was given only a few minutes – and only after pleading with archdiocese press handlers.

All in all, the Special occasion of having the Pope in NYC was less torturous than expected. 
A special thanks to all of my fellow photographers for the team work displayed as we worked in unison.  The event went off without too many problems for the press photographers.
Anyone who has stories to tell may contact Todd Maisel at toddphoto@aol.com. Your comments may be published on the Region 2 website.

April
You missed NSC ?!?!?!?$#$@? There’s always next year in VA
Ok, so you were busy, a little short of cash, had to watch the kids. Well, fear not, there is always next year, most probably in Reston, Virginia for the incredible Northern Short Course one of the many great educational conferences sponsored by the National Press Photographers Association.

Let me tell you what you missed at this year’s NSC in Rochester, NY.

Every photographer should in his or her lifetime make the pilgrimage to the Meca of photography – the George Eastman House. We were feted by our hosts from the Rochester Institute of Technology with free food and booze. But even more important, we heard a lecture and multimedia show by the famous 60’s demonstration photographer Ben Fernandez. And we were lucky enough to see the incredible photos by acclaimed photographer Larry Towell. Do a net search on either of them if you don’t them.

So you say you don’t really know multi media – that’s too bad. You could’ve attended anyone of our classes devoted to Soundslides. Boss telling you to get ready for video? We had numerous classes on Final Cut Pro. Adobe Photoshop CS3 got you stumped? Our photoshop classes could’ve helped you resolve your questions to make you both more productive and visually improved.

You say you’re starving for work? Clients paying you pennies? Can’t seem to run that business?
John Harrington, the acclaimed author and photographer could’ve showed you the way.

Students found much benefit from portfolio reviews of major newspaper, magazine and agency editors. No doubt, some of the better photographers benefited from showing work to these people.

For you single guys, or may be just Gov. Spitzer, there were women a plenty at the Harrington Parties in the Penthouse of Hyatt Regency overlooking the Kodak World Headquarters. No charge! You say what? NO CHARGE! We had plenty of beer and booze, food and great company. For you
gals who missed the party, there were plenty of camera strapping guys. Partied till dawn.
Sorry you missed it.

And if you survived the parties, you attended more classes. And in between, we had a three car collision in front of the hotel for spot news junkies. And for the Irish, or Irish of heart, we had a huge St. Paddy’s Day parade through the center town, leading right to the front of our hotel.

So your camera is a mess? Nikon and Canon fixed them for free. Cleaned them up and returned them in short order. I’ve never had repairs done in an hour, have you?

We had vendors from Penn Camera, Thinktank, Roberts, Olympus, Apple, Adobe, Panasonic, JVC. There were bargains galore on gear. I  bought a Thinktank bag for 20 % off list. And there were plenty of free gifts, prizes and literature.

Not enough? A full Saturday of guest lecturers of some of the most acclaimed photographers in the world. All lubricated with free Starbucks Coffee and sodas.

If this was not enough, all were treated to a free buffet dinner courtesy of our sponsors and the
NSC. FREE BOOZE AND FOOD AGAIN!

Click on the link for photos of the NSC. Watch for our videos. See the website www.northernshortcourse.com for more on this event. Here are a few other very funny links for
NSC hijinx. Remember, photographers know how to have a good time and get the most for their educational well being. 

The photographer who continues to be a student will always at the top of his game. And that is the aim of NSC and the NPPA.

NEWS BULLETINS: Damon Keislow stepped down after several successful years as chairman of the event. Keislow, a managing editor of the Telegraph of New Hampshire, helped make this one of the most successful NSC events thus far. Stepping into his very big shoes is Michelle McLaughlin, a freelancer out of Massachusetts and current Director of Region 3. She is a senior board member of NPPA and has contributed to the success as a member of the board of NSC for many years.

Michelle will be the first woman chair person of this event in the 27 year history of the event. She was unanimously approved by the NSC board after regions 1,2, and 3 recommended her approval.

A grant is being sought for the possibility of bringing the Northern Short Course to New York City.
A grant is considered necessary to bring the event to the city, at a time to coincide with the opening of the Freedom Tower on the site of the World Trade Center, destroyed on 9-11. Should efforts succeed, news will be released. Ideas and connections are welcome.

There were a few winners in the NSC photo contest in which there were 1100 entries. Click here for the listing of winners.

http://www.northernshortcourse.com/index.php/nsc08/news/
northern_short_course_photo_contest_winners_announced

Want to see more pictures, click here.

Pictures of International arrivals wanted for possible legal challenge
The NPPA and the New York Daily News are seeking photos of tourists or anyone who is allowed to take photos at the International Arrivals Building at Kennedy Airport. But be aware, if you a press photographer, you will be prevented from doing this by security.

Legal actions contemplated in Port Authority photo ban at JFK.

If you are able to get these photos, please send them to toddphoto@aol.com.
These photos can be tourists taking photos of family members at the arrivals terminal.
Do not use pro equipment because you may be stopped and ejected by security.

If you haven’t yet found out, you, the media, those wearing a press card, are banned from taking photos, videotaping or interviewing in the JFK Airport International Arrivals and Departures Terminal. It is ok if you are a civilian to take photos of your family, friends or whatever you like at the same terminal. But if you are the press, you are banned. The leasing company IAT has eliminated constitutional guarantees, despite the fact that they run a publicly owned airport terminal.

The NPPA is awaiting word from one of those newspapers that is contemplating legal actions as to whether they would like the NPPA to take the lead in court.

Whether that newspaper takes its own action or not, we will get involved in support of stopping the illegal actions by IAT, which is being permitted by the property owner, the NY/NJ Port Authority. Watch for updates on this story in future web entries.

News from NYC crane accident
For photographers working this past month at the deadly crane accident in Manhattan, it was a mixed bag of complaints and compliments about police and emergency responder relations.

Photographers found that they received few problems from police after the initial collapse of the crane, including Debbie Egan Chin and Mike Oats of the News who said they received little interference. However, Bill Miller of the NY Post said he had his press card taken by an inspector at the scene – despite him claiming he offered no resistance and showed utmost respect. This is why photographers are urged to tape all conversations with police.

Further into the incident, police tightened up the perimeter and photographers found access a mixed bag. Egan-Chin reported that her expired press card became a problem as police (including DCPI) barred her from returning to the scene the next day, despite having been there for numerous hours that same morning.  Her photo of the accident was cover of the paper that day.

Other photographers reported problems with both police and construction workers who attempted to block photos of removal of bodies from the rubble. Photographers were sometimes cursed at and blocked by both police and workers, despite the bodies being wrapped in body bags.

Some photographers were said to have come close to blows with workers, some of whom were very emotional about the loss of buddies. Photographers are urged to back off when confronted in this way and show understanding.

Also, thefts from apartments in buildings were reported. Be careful not to be implicated in any incidents and report any suspicious behavior by those around you. It is not unusual for people
to take advantage of disasters – thefts even occurred at the World Trade Center with some
arrests made.

Photographer Bruce Cotler had a good report at the site. He arrived there on the second day of the incident, and a Police Officer Brown walked him up to a spot of his request and allowed him to shoot for 10 minutes until he had what he needed. Kudos also go to Lt. Martin for his cooperation in
the field.

CDC to fund treatment and yearly checkups for 9/11 responders
The federal government is planning a new health program for 9/11 responders who live outside the New York area. If you were working down there, photographers too, get checked out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to fund treatment and yearly checkups for people who got sick after working at Ground Zero, according to a government Web site.

The American Red Cross has been paying for treatment, but that money will run out in June. Health insurers and administrators can apply for federal funds to provide care and monitoring.

"There is an urgent need for these services," according to the CDC's call for proposals.

About 6,000 people traveled to New York to assist in the 9/11 recovery. Just 1,700 have been examined and 700 treated under a fragmented program funded by the government and the Red Cross, said Dr. Jim Melius, administrator of the New York State Laborers' Health and Safety Fund.

Responders and congressional reps have been fighting with the White House for years over how to pay for monitoring and treatment. President Bush has proposed $25 million for the next round of funding, down from a total of $158 million allotted by Congress last year.

"It's good news that the administration is finally taking action to help thousands of ailing 9/11 responders who live outside the tri-state area," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.).
Copy by the NY Daily News

Contest results are in for NYPPA, NPPA
Results are in for the New York Press Photographers Association contest.
See nyppa.org for details. A dinner will be held at the Madison in Manhattan on Saturday, April 5.
For more details, go to the www.nyppa.org

The judges on this contest were Dina Rudick of the Boston Globe, Jessica Griffin of the Philadelphia Daily News and John Long currently of Syracuse University but also retired from the Hartford Courant. See photo.

NPPA, NYPPA education leaders nominate students for $20k grants
Nominations were made by three top photographers who are also professors, including Region 2 Director Todd Maisel, for a foundation grant of up to $20,000 from the Maybach Family Foundation.

The nominators are all members of the NY Press Photographers Association and National Press Photographers Association. The nominations are led by myself, vice president of NYPPA and Director of Region 2 of the National Press Photographers Association. All of us were involved in some way in the events  of the World Trade Center.

Among those nominated include:

The nominating professors are Richard Liebowitz is a sophomore at Penn State and an award winning photographer at the New York Press Photographers Association; Nicole Tung, 21, is originally from Hong Kong and is now based in New York where she is in her third year at New York University, double majoring in Journalism and History; Teodora Erbes, doctorate student at Virginia Tech University, who photographed the aftermath of the shooting on campus that killed 30 people; Nicole LoVerde is a resident of Staten Island, shoots for the college newspapers at Staten Island College she is also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanities and documented in photos the suffering
of the people of New Orleans in the 19^th Ward; Alex Basin is a junior at College of Technology with a major in advertising design. His experience includes Interior Design and architecture studies at Holom Institute of Technology in Israel one year and three years in the tank corps of the
Israeli army.

Among those making the selections were Adj. Professor Todd Maisel, College of Technology, Adj. Professor David Handschuh, New York University, Adj. Professor Bruce Cotler, College of Technology.

As part of this project, the MFF will provide mentorships for three to six truly outstanding

photography protégés between ages 18 and 30 from disadvantaged backgrounds. Individual protégé projects will be shaped by protégés themselves in consultation with their mentors within the framework of the overall documentary project. Project durations – and the corresponding mentorship durations – will vary from six months to one year depending upon project focus and protégé needs. Nonetheless, we expect that the mentorship relationships forged may last
much longer.

Support for protégés will include the following: One-on-one mentorship with a head photographer at Silverstein Properties. (Other mentors who are renowned leaders in the field will come on board as the project grows);

A stipend of $10,000 for 6-month and $20,000 for one-year term to undertake and complete a

collaborative documentary arts project focused on the rebuilding of the WTC;  Opportunity to build your portfolio, hone your skills, and refine your artistic vision; End-of-project high-profile exhibition of your project portfolio at a major NYC event, with possible continued exhibition on the road internationally; Tailored leadership training opportunities, depending on protégé needs; and Exclusive introductions, events, and networking opportunities through the MFF network.

Our friends at NY Press Club Invite all to Scarborough talk
The New York Press Club invites all journalists and photojournalists to an evening with WNBC shooter Jeff Scarborough. The event will occur on Tuesday, April 1^st, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the New York Press Club Penthouse at 330 W 42 Street (33 floor) Between 8th & 9th Avenues
A news 'shooter' for WNBC-TV for nearly 30-years, Jeff Scarborough was on-scene at the World Trade Center minutes after the second jetliner hit the south tower. Jeff's account of that harrowing day from a very precarious perch is among the topics covered in "September's Camera", a book about a career lived "on the edge of danger". Scarborough's lens has captured conflict, urban riots, blackouts, serial killers, plane crashes and human frailty in all its forms.

This event should be of particular interest to news shooters, reporters and anyone with a compulsion to risk life and limb in pursuit of a 'beat'.

It is possible this event will feature other news shooters whose stories, along with those of Jeff, are sure to make for a high-adrenaline evening.

Books will not be available at the event. Jeff's book can be purchased from online booksellers or as a downloadable 'e-book'.
Member contribution: $5
Non-member: $10
RSVP option 1 to let us know you will attend.
RSVP option 2 pay via credit card.

Jennifer Altman Gives Birth To A Baby Girl
NYPPA member Jennifer Altman and her husband Jonathan are happy to announce the arrival of Olivia Cate Lasner! Born on March 10, 2008 at 9:25pm in New York City, Olivia weighs 6 lbs. 15 oz. and is 20 inches long. "She is a very healthy and sweet baby," says Jennifer.

Please visit http://www.jenniferaltman.com/clients/oliviacatelasner/ to see some photos of her.

Update - Obit, Photojournalist, Dith Pran of The New York Times, Dies at 65
Funeral Services Sunday For Photojournalist Dith Pran

http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2008/04/dith01.html

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ (April 1, 2008) - Funeral services will be Sunday, April 6, for Dith Pran,
the photojournalist who survived torture and starvation at the hands of the brutal Khmer Rouge and whose story was the basis of the 1984 movie "The Killing Fields."

A New York Times staff photographer for almost three decades after he came to America, Dith died last Sunday in New Brunswick, NJ, after a brief battle against pancreatic cancer. He was 65.

Viewing hours will begin on Saturday, April 5, at the South Plainfield Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m., and the family will welcome visitors and friends.

The service will be Sunday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dith's family says he will be cremated in a private service the following day and his ashes will rest at a Buddhist temple in Philadelphia until his final resting place at a temple in Washington, DC, can be arranged.

The family asks that in lieu of sending flowers, contributions are invited in the name of Dith Pran. The family intends to put donations toward a foundation that will be established in the coming weeks according to the photojournalist's last wishes.

Cards, letters, and contributions can be sent to The New York Times, 4th Floor Picture Desk, 620 Eighth Ave., New York, NY, 10018, marked to the attention of Melissa Bellinelli. All items will be delivered to Dith's family.

PDN: Environmental Illnesses Haunt Some Who Covered 9/11
Efforts to publicize the plight of those who would like to extend their Workers Compensation coverage for their exposure to World Trade Center carcinogens, should read this article published by Photo District News. Photographers and NPPA thanks PDN for writing about this problem and showing concern for the photographic community.

The NPPA and NYPPA are backing changes to the Workers Compensation law that would extend photographers coverage just as those emergency workers received from the state legislature.
Click here to view the story.

March
J&R chops prices on equipment - get that NPPA discount
Here are a few of the big savings J&R is offering.  
Log on to J&R.com to print $15 savings coupon on $150 purchase.

Olympus Stylus 1200 ALL WEATHER DIGITAL CAMERA 12MP, 3x Optical Zoom,
Originally $349.99 NOW EXCLUSIVELY at J&R, $229.99 SAVE $120.00

SONY KDL-40V2500 40" BRAVIA LCD HDTV,
REG. $1499.99 NOW AT J&R  $1099.99  SAVE $400- 

HP Pavillion Slimline s3120n Desktop PC w/AMD Athhion, 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+ fact. refurbished with, mfr. 90 day ltd. Warranty, Reg. value $599.99 NOW$389.99!! 

Coby DP 102 10" widescreen Dig. Photo Frame, w/MP3 Player ONLY $139.99 

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition Portable in-Vehicle, GPS System  Reg. 199.99 NOW $169.99.

Monthly clip contest goes FTP
The NPPA is now offering its members an FTP to download monthly clip contest entries for their regional contests. Here is the directions and where to go to get in on the monthly contest.
Go the nppa.org website and enter today. It seems to work according to our members who
have tried it.

Legal actions contemplated in Port Authority photo ban at JFK
If you haven’t yet found out, you, the media, those wearing a press card, are banned from taking photos, videotaping or interviewing in the JFK Airport International Arrivals and Departures Terminal. It is ok if you are a civilian to take photos of your family, friends or whatever you like at the same terminal. But if you are the press, you are banned. The leasing company IAT has eliminated constitutional guarantees, despite the fact that they run a publicly owned airport terminal.

The NPPA is awaiting word from one of those newspapers that is contemplating legal actions as to whether they would like the NPPA to take the lead in court. We should know who will take the lead on this by the end of  February.

Whether that newspaper takes its own action or not, we will get involved in support of stopping
the illegal actions by IAT, which is being permitted by the property owner, the NY/NJ Port Authority.
Watch for updates on this story in future web entries.

January - February
Ebbets Field fire - disrespect, pushing, arrest
Photographers at the recent Ebbets Field Houses fire found many police officers and even firefighters less than agreeable during encounters. At least one was briefly arrested, but was assisted by friendly officers and commanders.

In that incident, a firefighter knocked the videographer to the ground and then he was approached by a police officer who screamed at him in a disrespectful way to move, prompting the photographer to ask "why."

He ended up in custody until his friends from the NYPD, including ESU and an inspector helped clear up the incident without seizure of press credentials or summons.

Several other photographers were cursed at, pushed or threatened with arrest in the process of just doing their job.

One photographer was intentionally elbowed by a police officer at Kings County Hospital, after which the photographer confronted the police officer who apologized for the indiscretion.

If you have any problems with authorities, please let us know at toddphoto@aol.com and certainly file a complaint form at http://www.nyppa.org. We need to put together a paper trail on these incidents to prove that they continue to occur at an alarming rate. File the reports - we will withhold your name in the filing.

Port Authority Terminal No. 4 won't let you in!
The International Terminal at Kennedy Airport, Terminal 4, is officially off limits, if a private lessee has its unconstitutional way.

Government is privatizing public lands at an alarming rate, and in so doing, granting what amounts to a suspension of basic constitutional rights as those private concerns see fit.

The New York Daily News requested a meeting with Port Authority officials and management from IAT, the lease-holder of the terminal. The meeting request, back in August, came as a result of photographers and reporters from the News being denied access to the terminal on three occasions.

Region 2 Director Todd Maisel was also respectfully denied permission to take photos in the terminal, with the manager saying, "We have zero tolerance for the press."

No meeting has occurred that we know and the NPPA and NY Press Photographers Association is exploring its own legal action to force the issue.

We are asking all of our members to report all incidents at Kennedy Airport in which media has
been denied access or permission to take photos in publicly owned terminals.

Let us know about any Port Authority related incident so that we can put together a paper trail
of incidents.

Press vehicles towed - be ready for it
RE: TOWED VEHICLES
You are being warned now that there has been a new change made at the City Tow Pounds, should your vehicle be towed for any reason.

1. If you are using a company leased car, make sure that you have in your possession
(not in the car) a copy of the Insurance as well a document that shows that you are the
designated driver for that vehicle.

2. If you fall into that category, and don't have them, get a copy of these documents and keep them with you.

3. If you are towed on a Sunday, you will not be able to get your car released until Monday as they are closed for business on Sundays.

4. Unless a supervisor authorizes the release without payment, you will have to pay for towing in advance. Upon adjudication and if found "NOT GUILTY" you will get a refund. Therefore, make sure you attachÊall paperwork from the pound to your affidavit and summons when you submit them
for adjudication.

The procedure related to summons dismissal is found elsewhere on the site. A reminder that the vehicle card is a privilege, not a right, and that if it abused it is getting harder and harder to get
a dismissal.

As per Jerry Engel, Chmn. Credential's Committee of NYPPA. See nyppa.org for information on adjudicating summones.

Working Press Identifications suspended in New York City
According to the NYPPA police liaison Jerry Engel, this rumor is untrue. Let us know if you were denied a press card so we can document this. We want to know about any problems with the cards.

Monthly clip contest goes FTP
The NPPA is now offering its members an FTP to upload monthly clip contest entries for their regional contests. Here is the directions and where to go to get in on the monthly contest.
Step-by-Step instructions for uploading contest entry via the NPPA website-
1. Go to www.nppa.org and log in.

2. Follow the link to the Monthly Digital Contest on the Welcome page.
NOTE: You will need to affirm your agreement to all the rules of the contest before you can enter.
To do so, read the rules (and check the box beside each one if you accept it), and click on Submit. You will need to confirm your acceptance of the rules each time you log in.

On the entry page, you will see an entry form.
Fill in all the information as accurately as possible. ftp sample page.
Upload the image by clicking on the Choose File button, then click Submit.

Digital File Specifications:
Scale each image to 2000 pixels on the longest side.
Save the image as JPEG High Quality.
All images must be saved in RGB mode.

If you are entering a picture story in Feature/Multiple, please enter your pictures in order.

If you have any questions please contact
Ron Soliman at ron@ronsolimanphoto.com or Stephen Sample at netgeek@nppa.org.

One of Canada's best takes a buy-out
Rod MacIvor/ NPPA region 2 member took a buy-out package, early retirement from the Ottawa Citizen, (Canada)...at the age of 61. Rod has been a full time photojournalist for 42 years, former UPI Ottawa and Montreal Newspictures Manager and has been with the Ottawa Citizen for 27 years (as Ass't Director of Photography, then full time Photog.)

He received Photographic Arts diploma from Ryerson University/Toronto. He.is best know for his images of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau taken between 1970-1980. An exhibit formed after Mr. Trudeau death, attracted 20,000 visitors on a cross Canada tour, and raised $20,000 for Prostrate Cancer Research thru sales of prints.

He gave some photo lessons to Trudeau's wife, Margaret Trudeau which did not hurt in terms to access to the Trudeaus. Pierre, a rich intelligent eligible bachelor, married flower child Margaret, had two of three kids born on Christmas Day, separated and became single father and was of interest to Newspapers and Magazines around the world. MacIvor won a National Newspaper Award in 1973 for best Feature photo of the year showing Trudeau carrying his baby son Justin under his arm
(like a football) as a Mountie saluted their entry to a Garden Party at a Commonweath Conference event in Ottawa.

Attached is pix from last Saturday's house party for Rod and photo editor John Major , who also took a buy-out package.

photo shows: John Major (photo ed, took buy out and will freelance), Lynn Ball, (former Chief Photog) retired earlier) Rod MacIvor (former UPI/Citizen photog), Al Cave (retired earlier) plus 20 other photogs, 20 other reporter/editors NOT in photo. John and Rod are holding mock-up front pages made in their honour.

Charlie Tasnadi, AP photographer dies
It is with deep sadness that I let you know that our dear friend and long-time colleague Charlie Tasnadi passed away this evening, January 10, 2008, while in hospice care in Washington.
As details are still be finalized, please monitor the WHNPA web site at www.whnpa.org for
additional information and funeral arrangements.

In 1951, Charlie Tasnadi and his sweetheart Maria fled Communist Hungary through treacherous minefields, barbed wire, and heavy snow. "That memory," Charlie said, "really helped me put a better perspective on deadline pressures."

Chivalry, professionalism, and selfless dedication were Tasnadi's hallmarks. He carried these values from his first newspaper assignments in Caracas, Venezuela, to his work as a stringer for Time-Life, and through his notable, 32-year career with the Associated Press.

The epitome of a photojournalist and a gentleman, he documented seven White House administrations, (ending with Clinton) and traveled to Cuba more than 40 times, gaining extraordinary access to Fidel Castro and other Cuban officials.

As for recognition he received, Tasnadi had said, "Coming from Hungary I have often wondered
what all these honors are about. People honor me just by allowing me to do my work." ÊThis couldn't have been truer than it was in 1989 when Tasnadi returned to Hungary for the first time after 38 years with President Bush in Air Force One. ÊOnce they landed, he hid his tears behind his camera, determined to get good pictures of the President.

In January of 1996, while working his last press conference before his retirement, he was truly honored again when President Clinton started a round of applause, thanking him for his great pictures and years of exemplary service.

In 1996 The White House News Photographers Association honored Charles Tasnadi with its award for Lifetime Achievement in photojournalism.

World Trade Center survey and petition
Don't forget, if you were exposed to toxic chemicals at World Trade Center on or after 9-11,
fill out the survey and sign the petition for legislation that will help journalists everywhere.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Cmwse_2bA9MO5Ix4FOqYsCXg_3d_3d

©2008 National Press Photographers Association - Region 2