Many things were learnt over the last week, among which was one of my new tasks at work to engage the audience. My formula goes as such: to involve those who are there and to entice those who aren't. So how do I go about to do that?
One thing was a must, my phone. Sitting in the stands, I started to look for these unusual off-beat scenes. It's actually difficult to explain what I'm looking for, hence I can completely understand why our photographers are quite blurblur themselves. See, I want flash moments of happenings that are off-court, non-action, and not the norm. Walking on to the court, walking off the court, stretching, chatting- these are all off-beat, but considered normal by now. I want something different. I want something people can talk about. Like that photo of a player's bag dangles, or two players from different countries chatting, or kicking a racquet into the stands. It's really hard to say because it's one of those "when you see it, you'll know" sort of thing.
Anyway, no need to guess, I got nothing. I was blank. Maybe that's it. When we look to find something, we don't find it, and when we aren't looking, it hits us in the face. How nice. Never mind hitting a wall on the first day, the next few weren't easy either. Until I stopped thinking so much, it started to come back to me- that inspiration. I felt in sync again...even if I can't really explain in sync to what. As my Barbadosian co-worker likes to say, "clued in". Something like that.
So, I did eventually make it through the week and another full day of meetings on Monday. Survival! Not to mention a boost of encouragement when my friend had shared with me positive feedback on my "public work" so far. It's a good feeling when people appreciate. Thanks, just when I need it.
(Back in the old days...yet, I still like this authentic feeling)
Now, back to work for another two days, and I'm off to Langkawi! Beach, sunshine and carrot juice...that's the life :)