Earlier this week I managed a proactive media event with ACT Corrective Services that showed how offenders are polishing up their act – and the ACT – through community service. A proactive media event, or media opp. (opportunity), is one that is pitched to journalists either collectively or exclusively to garner coverage about a government program, policy or initiative. These often require significant lead time to identify suitable talent (interviewees), develop key messages and manage logistics.

In this case, we wanted to highlight the important work of the Community Corrections division that is responsible for supporting people fulfilling non-custodial sentences. These might include intensive corrections orders, good behaviour orders or even parole conditions, and often entail community service work in the form of gardening, cleaning, sorting donated goods for charities and graffiti removal.

The latter was the focus for this media event, which was attended by local masthead The Canberra Times and WIN News. It took place conveniently enough a five-minute drive from my home along public fencing straddling the Federal Highway in Canberra’s inner north.

Our talent for the day included a community service work unit supervisor, the assistant commissioner and, of most interest to the media, a man named Garry serving the final day of his intensive corrections order. After managing interviews and ensuring questions observed communicated guidelines to protect Garry’s privacy, I took some photos of the clean-up crew in action.

In the above photo, I took advantage of the buckets in the foreground to give the image perspective and depth. I’m still on a kick with my wide 9mm prime lens, which is a versatile storytelling lens. The size of the graffiti in relation to the people is effectively portrayed with a wider perspective. I also desaturated some of the yellows and greens to give it a more earthy aesthetic, while a radial mask in the top left, with marginally increased exposure and decreased dehazing, helped mimic the sun’s natural light.

Keen observers will note I removed the distracting telegraph pole in the top image

The trailer loaded with paints proved to be a useful prop, not just in showing tools of the trade but in creating a natural frame through which to shoot supervisor Dennis in situ. I was also encouraged to see The Canberra Times opt for the same perspective in their coverage; maybe it’s a coincidence, but maybe it’s a nod that my creative eye is getting more attuned to the professionals!

Diff’rent strokes

Tom Fearon: Photographer & Videographer

Diff’rent strokes

Documenting a fairytale formal

Tom Fearon: Photographer & Videographer