David Kump
Joliet
As seen in:
MDPI,
Joliet Herald-News
Covers:
Nature, Native Americans, Motocross, Guitar players and everything in between.
Doesn't Cover:
The current ongoing political divide in America.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I create content for any and all to recognize the value of and use it. I don't work for anyone.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, as anyone my age (67) has in the past.
How is social media changing news?
The attention span for those getting their news off of social media makes it a very poor source of news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I have 600 books in my house and if you can find 10 fiction books among them, I'll bake you a cake !
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Make people stop and take notice, and think about something in a way they've never thought about before.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I'm sure it was far too irreverent to mention here.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I like to be contacted on email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Real simple; I use a Canon G16 & Canon M3 cameras and I use my head, heart and an iMac.
What's your favorite social network?
I like to post on facebook, content to make the viewer think about things they would not normally give thought to.
Who do you wish followed you?
Those brainwashed by religion and nationalism so perhaps I could show them a different path to follow.
Why did you become a journalist?
Photo journalism became me.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, was not involved with school paper or yearbook but I started serious photography when I was 16.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Denise Baron Unland has done stories about my interest in Native American history and culture. I love working on Native American themes.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Make people think about what you write and photograph. Just influence one person and they will tell others.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early morning until noon. I get up at 4am. You can have the nighttime, I belong to the daylight.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I will know it when I see it or perhaps there's no such thing as the 'best pitch'.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I wouldn't know what a worst pitch is but you may have meant who was the worst 'pitcher' you ever heard from.
What's your favorite drink?
Water, when I'm thirsty. If I'm not thirsty I like Negra Modelo, dark beer from Mexico. You should try it.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside on a nature trail walk, bike path, in my yard, garden or reading on my patio.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Chicago Sun Times, Sunday Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal Weekend edition, Sunday New York Times, New York Post, USA Today.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
My 'beat' is wherever I point my feet. Whatever I happen upon in my travels of the day could become a great photo journal story.
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