In March 1702, London's first daily newspaper, The Daily Courant was published in Fleet Street, and over the years, the other papers.
Although the street is no longer the home of the British press (most moved out in the 80's, and the last, Reuters moved out 5 years ago), its still talked about as being the home for the press. I think it will always been known as it and many of the drunken press gatherings are still held in bars along the road!
I've 5 working days left as a national newspaper photographer, and it has been my career for the last eleven years (and two years on local press beforehand) I've very mixed feelings about this. I've seen some amazing things during my time, travelled all over the UK as well as overseas. I enjoyed covering news as it breaks (London and Madrid bombings to name a couple) and of course exposing some dodgy people who should know better! I've used my camera's as well as secret recording devices hidden in handbags and clothes. I've pretended to be who I am not, and although a very very odd world, Its been a real buzz at times and have had to be very quick to think on my feet! I've also been attacked and verbally threatened with my life. I've spent hours sitting in the back of the van I had, peeing in buckets in order not to miss 'the picture'!!!
However, such is the public demand for celebrity now, for the last 4 or so years, all I have done is slowly become a paparazzi. Much gentler type than the hardcore I add hastily, but nevertheless, its still just famous people I have to work on. Its dull, its unrewarding, sometimes just plain wrong and I know in my heart, its time to go. I shall miss it though, and the characters I work with. They have been good company and my best friends at times because they understand.
For all those who do not like the British press, I would urge you to reconsider. Yes, they can play very unfairly at times, but the guys on the street work very very hard, often a 18 hour day, and are screamed at and bullied by their bosses often. I think, despite some of the silliness that comes out of their bosses, the press are important and I wouldnt want a world without them. For example, it was the press who fought the govenment via court to expose the recent expenses scandal. I do not believe in censorship and unfortunately people are trying and winning to cover up stories that are very much in the public interest more and more saying they have a right for privacy. Its wrong, esp if you are in a position of power or influence.
It is also the big press companies who are fighting for our rights to carry on taking pictures wherever you like in public. That effects us all.
For those who dont know - a Hack is a journo, and a monkey is a photographer in the fleet street world. Photo taken on camera phone yesterday.
Wow..what an exciting job..bet you've seen all the ups and downs of life in all its seediness and glam. Now I'm beginning to think (as I have for while) that Freida is not your real name.......sssshhh!
What a great insight. How do you top that? Maybe its time to sit back and watch the world a bit? I remember going to Fleet Street back in the early 80's, l was invited to a a 'bit of a do' on a barge on the Thames. They were a great lot, if not terribly yuppy and spent money like water. A great experience. Maybe you were one of them! Come to think of it there was a shady character sat at the back with a false moustache and sunglasses on. :) Keep those pics coming.
Sounds like you've had a great time. I really enjoyed reading about it. I live such a safe life, I admire people who've had a little excitement in their lives. Best of luck in your next adventure.
It sounds like you've had a very exciting career, and it's a shame, but it really does sound like time to move on. The nature of news reporting has definitely undergone some drastic changes over the past few years.
Hi Freida .. .. Good luck with your new direction...
.. Before you leave nip up to the picture editor at the Sun & ask him if he has signed my cheque yet for.. "just a crazy sneeze" ... & tell him this monkey wont be happy till he does .... lol.... .
When you have your leaving party !! have a good time & have a shandy on me when you do (o;
Very cool, Freida. I think it's great that you had over a decade of adventure in this career, and now an opportunity to explore a different facet of life.
WOW! what a story behind that photo. And what new adventure you seem to have in front of you. and i think that it takes a damned strong woman to take that leap. You have a solid job but it is not what your soul needs and so good for you for staying true to your self! bravo! =)
It sounds like the job has changed a lot over the years but then it seems so has what people find interesting enough to read. I read both the english papers here and have read the english papers whereever we happen to be living as I think it gives a good indication as to the mindset of the countries people- whats reported and how it is reported. I'm a bit of a news junky and read bits from an awful lot of different newspapers online every week too. I have a great deal of admiration for those who work for our daily rags in fact thats what I wanted to do before I got pregnant at 19 :) Good luck with the next stage.
Wow, that sounds like such a whirlwind lifestyle, 'tis sad that society is so celebrity-obsessed now. I for one couldn't care less who's dating whom or who's pregnant/dieting/whatever.
I also think the press is a great thing. They (and you!) must work incredibly hard to get the stories to us, and I think staying informed about the important things in the world is invaluable.
Thank you for that little bit of insight into your world - you're right - we are all so quick to judge when we think we know best. But I have become much more appreciative of the hard work that goes into producing news content even from the tabloid press. Because of the rise of yer Wikipedias, and user-generated content of all sorts - people are much less willing to see value in the old forms of content/news/photography (or whatever) that you traditionally had to pay for - why pay? It's all free online somewhere - but somewhere down the line we will lose out in terms of quality and trustworthiness. Anyway rant over - best of luck in your new career (no wonder your pics are so good as you've been doing it for a living - well done!)
great insight, i bet most people on here would give anything for your current role but I guess something has to give sooner or later. What are you off to do?
Thank you for this really interesting glimpse into a world I know nothing about - I love this 365 as much for what I am learning as for the photos themselves. I admire your decision to make a break and take a new direction and wish you every success in your next challenge. A few years ago I left my 15 year career as a research scientist - mainly because there was less and less of the hands-on science I loved and more and more management, politics and applying for funding - and embarked on a new career as a children's author - a complete step into the unknown and quite scary at the time, but I'm so glad I did - life's too short to stick with something that doesn't feel right any more. What will you do next???
July 1st, 2010
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.. Before you leave nip up to the picture editor at the Sun & ask him if he has signed my cheque yet for.. "just a crazy sneeze" ... & tell him this monkey wont be happy till he does .... lol.... .
When you have your leaving party !! have a good time & have a shandy on me when you do (o;
I also think the press is a great thing. They (and you!) must work incredibly hard to get the stories to us, and I think staying informed about the important things in the world is invaluable.