Cody's Rescue

Photo: Poynter Online

Yesterday I stumbled into Poynter Online: The Best of Television Photojournalism 2007. I know it's been 2 years but even the works are still amazing. The 1st winner for the Spot News category is Cody's Rescue by Everett McEwan/KGWN Denver.

I recognize that in this piece the photographer was able to use his photography and journalistic skill even though it's an unfolding news event without any chances to pre-plan things.

What I really admire from Cody's Rescue is that its richness of natural sound, strong photography, and interesting visual storytelling angle. It almost gives me the same feeling after watching an epic movie in the theatre. The story looks deep and further into an event that could easily pass someone's life by and makes it big. It is action-packed and very fast-paced that it sorts of build up my emotion and that I can too, feel worried that Cody is needing a rescue. The photographer captures emotions really well. It's really easy to not realize that the story is comprised of a sound bite after sound bite as the main storytelling tool used here. The flow is just flawless and the use of sound bites just personalizes the story and gives it a life.

I am amazed by the strong photography that exists frame by frame in this story. The photographer never fails to provide such captivating angle for each frame. Each detail within a frame seems to add a whole lot of information and succeeds in making things more dramatic than the way they really are.

At the end, yes I feel relieved that Cody is safe. I feel the same reaction with those kids who are cheering for Cody.
I feel like I'm even ready to lend a hand if he's up for adoption. That's how strong this story is for me.