DAMIEN STORAN
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LENS “ O Press photographer Damien Storan talks to Adam Hyland about capturing the right image, ethics and the importance of context and professionalism.
SUMMER 46 FIRECALL
ne of the misconceptions that the emergency services can have is that when they see a photographer showing up at an incident, they think I am there for the sensational,” photojournalist Damien Storan tells me. “Sometimes they will tell you that you have to leave, you can’t take pictures, but I always explain that I am there to take pictures of them working, because they are the story at that moment.
“I am absolutely not looking for the sensational, certainly not for pictures of a body or a victim. I’m there to find a way to capture an image that tells the story of what has happened, through the people who have to deal with it.” While he constantly has to struggle with this misconception about his work practices, and even his mere presence at an incident, an ethical approach and high degree of professionalism shines through in Damien’s photographs that make him an increasingly recognisable and, importantly, trusted, presence
