Fran Ruchalski
Verified
As seen in:
Chron,
Lexington Herald-Leader,
Arizona Daily Star,
The News & Observer,
Omaha World-Herald,
San Luis Obispo Tribune,
The State,
El Financiero,
Tulsa World,
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
and
Covers:
Pretty much anything.
Jacksonville FL
Photoguy/Videographer/Storyteller/News/Sports/Concerts/Events/
Available for assignments!
Every Picture Tells A Story, Don't It!
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Photographer for EU Jacksonville Magazine, a monthly entertainment magazine in Jacksonville
Have you ever used a typewriter?
For many years.
How is social media changing news?
It's having positive and negative effects. News gets out faster, but it's not always all the truth that should be getting out there.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Animal from the Lou Grant Show
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means you have a license to be curious about all things and most people will tell you anything you want to know if you respect them.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Just call me or email me....I'm always interested in a good assignment.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras, Lightroom, Photo Mechanic, laptop
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram. I use it as inspiration for my work.
Who do you wish followed you?
Other photojournalists and people that I've covered.
Why did you become a journalist?
Connecting with people, telling their stories and what's important to them, and seeing it resonate with people....there's nothing better.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Getting in to photograph President Obama when everyone told me I couldn't, including my publisher.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Make sure you have some skills that will set you apart from the crowd. Be you. Be so good they can't ignore you.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime. I'm always interested in a new assignment or staff job.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Would I be interested in photographing the Jacksonville Jaguars on the sidelines?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I don't think I've gotten it yet.
What's your favorite drink?
These days, lemonade or water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out making some kind of photographs, building my skills or just recording something I find interesting.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I read whatever I come across, so saying one in particular, I can't really say. Maybe News Photographer Magazine.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we can change photos to make people look better.....or sometimes worse.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.