A Needle In A Stack of Needles

When learning of their mission to find Pvt. Ryan after D-Day, Capt. Miller (Tom Hank) and Sgt. Horvath (Tom Sizemore) discussed the futility of such an order by stating it would be like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles. Often, searching for stories seems a little like their mission. How do you find appropriate individuals to talk to and where do you begin when there are so many potential worthy subjects and topics.


There are two approaches: random, spontaneous meetings and word-of-mouth referrals. 

In college, I completed a semester-long documentary project on Illinois farmers using the large format camera. I would drive along country roads searching for possible subjects: farmers working on their tractors or out in the fields and livestock pens. If no farmers were in sight, I would take a chance and drive up and knock on the door and ask about their willingness to participate. Many times, I wouldn't get a chance to get out of the truck due to a watchful dog. I was chased away on numerous occasions by glaring teeth and my physical well being outweighed the possibility of finding one more participant.


I cannot recall one instance when a farmer refused to allow me onto their property to make a photograph. Was this because I looked like a student and the farmers wanted to help me out or they wanted to educate the public on the life of the Illinois farmer? Probably, it was both. It was obvious that many farmers were camera-shy and modest: I think this says something about their character.


It was an adventure and experience. I remember my introduction to these strangers: "I'm very sorry to bother you –– I know you're busy. I've got a rather unusual question...."


Other projects have called for a more structured approach and I have relied on the help of people to find subjects and participants. After finding a few initial people to include in a project, momentum would build and finding additional subjects was no problem. Word-of-mouth can be wonderful tool, but you have to ask for help. 


With numerous projects now completed, I think an ideal method is a combination of the two approaches. I love the spontaneity and the adventure of random opportunities –– this may lead to wonderful undiscovered possibilities. 

But, referrals from people are needed, too. It's a tremendous help to become accepted and welcomed in the community in which you intend to document and gather stories. Gradual acceptance is vital.