The little boy holds onto the sheep during a Mutton Busting event at a rodeo, similar to bull or bronc riding, in which children ride or race sheep—the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at the Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii.
There’s an old saying in photojournalism:
“ƒ/8 and be there.”
It sounds almost too simple—especially in a world filled with cutting-edge cameras, endless YouTube tutorials, and debates about dynamic range and autofocus systems.
But this phrase has survived for a reason.
Because at its core, it’s not about camera settings.
It’s about priorities.
What “ƒ/8” Really Means
Back in the days of film, ƒ/8 was a safe, reliable aperture. It gave you enough depth of field to keep your subject sharp without overthinking every frame.
It meant you weren’t chasing perfection.
You were choosing consistency.
Today, we have incredible tools—eye tracking, ISO performance that would’ve seemed impossible decades ago, and lenses sharper than ever.
And yet…
How many moments are missed because someone was:
- adjusting settings
- second-guessing exposure
- or scrolling through menus
The point of “ƒ/8” isn’t the number.
It’s the mindset:
Know your gear well enough that it disappears.
“Be There” Is the Real Assignment
The second half of that phrase is where the power really lives.
Be there.
Not just physically present—but emotionally, mentally, and relationally engaged.
The best storytelling doesn’t happen because of perfect lighting or flawless composition.
It happens because:
- You stayed a little longer
- You built trust
- You paid attention when others didn’t
In my work with nonprofits and missionaries, I’ve seen this over and over again.
The most meaningful images rarely come from the planned moments.
They come from:
- The quiet pause after the interview
- The interaction no one thought to photograph
- The in-between moments that reveal truth
And those moments only show up if you’re there for them.
Why This Matters More Today
We’re living in a time where it’s easy to confuse technical excellence with storytelling effectiveness.
You can have:
- The best camera
- The sharpest lens
- Perfect exposure
…and still miss the story.
Because storytelling isn’t about perfection.
It’s about connection.
And connection requires presence.
What This Looks Like in Practice
For me, “ƒ/8 and be there” shows up in a few simple ways:
- I simplify my gear so I’m not distracted
- I arrive early and stay late
- I focus on people more than equipment
- I watch for moments instead of forcing them
And most importantly…
I remind myself that my job isn’t to impress people with my camera.
It’s to help others feel something real.
The Takeaway
If you’re trying to grow as a storyteller, here’s the truth:
You don’t need more gear.
You don’t need a better camera.
You don’t need another tutorial.
You need to:
- Show up
- Pay attention
- And stay present long enough for the story to unfold
Because in the end, the images that matter most…
aren’t the ones that were technically perfect.
They’re the ones that only happened because you were there.