A Journey of Change
The world I once knew was filled with the steady hum of police scanners, the frantic tapping of keyboards, and the constant chatter of reporters on the phone. These sounds were the heartbeat of my life for years. But if you had told me back then that I would one day trade my news desk for the dashboard of a Jeep, I would have laughed at the thought.
Welcome to the first chapter of my « Personal Transformation » series. I’m Jeep Momma, and today, you’re more likely to find me conquering off-road trails than chasing breaking news. But before we hit the dirt, let’s rewind to where it all began – in the heart of a 1986 newly formed television station trying to make it’s way in the ratings.
Picture this: It’s 1985, and I’m fresh out of Radio & Television Broadcasting School, looking to break into the competitive market of news. My dream? To one day become a top journalist in a big city market.
My first job as a Master Control Operator at KBMY-TV in Bismarck quickly evolved into a role as a reporter/videographer – what we used to call a « one-man band. » I still remember the nervous excitement of editing my first news story for broadcast. The moment that video aired, I was hooked.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: Small Market to Medium Market
After three years in this small market, I craved more. I landed a job as a news videographer in Charleston, South Carolina – a medium market that promised new challenges and opportunities. It was time to leave my hometown comfort zone and venture into the unknown.
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| Jeep Momma Behind the Lens: Covering the President in South Carolina, 1989 |
Life in a Bustling Newsroom: The Thrill of Breaking News
Charleston was a whole new world. The South, with its rich culture and unique rhythm of life, felt like a dramatic shift. The newsroom was a far cry from the small team I had worked with before. It buzzed with energy: reporters clustered around desks, police scanners constantly crackling, and a fleet of news vehicles – live trucks ready to roll at a moment’s notice. And there I was, wide-eyed, eager, and ready to dive into the chaos.
My first task? load up the 100 pounds of gear into my news vehicle and head out to cover breaking news. At the time I was the only female news videographer in the city.
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| Tammy behind the camera in the early 90s. Check out that awesome video gear! |
Breaking News: Facing Nature’s Fury
During my time in TV news, I covered numerous challenging stories, but none quite like Hurricane Hugo and Hurricane Andrew. In my early 20’s, I witnessed death and destruction firsthand, experiences that would shape my perspective and resilience for years to come.
Hurricane Hugo was particularly challenging as I found myself living the nightmare of the storm while simultaneously covering it. The dual role of survivor and journalist tested my ability to remain objective while processing personal trauma – a skill that would prove invaluable in my future endeavors.
When I traveled to Southern Florida to cover Hurricane Andrew, the devastation was overwhelming. With no habitable structures available, we slept and edited our stories in our news vehicle. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness – traits that would serve me well in my future off-road adventures.
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| In August 1993, Homestead, Florida was hit hard by Hurricane Andrew. Here I am, working tirelessly to get the story out, even from the back of a news vehicle. » |
Technological Evolution: From Analog to Digital
The technological landscape of news gathering has undergone a dramatic transformation since my early days in the field. In 1985, we were firmly in the analog era, working with bulky 3/4″ video tape and hefty cameras that required significant physical strength to operate effectively.
Fast forward to my life as a vlogger, and the change is staggering. I had to relearn editing and camera work using digital technology – a challenge that echoed my earlier career transition. This adaptability highlights a crucial lesson: in both journalism and life, the ability to evolve with technology is key to staying relevant and effective.
Looking back, those early days of shooting video, rushing back to the station to edit, and learning the fast-paced rhythm of the newsroom would lay the groundwork for something far greater than I could ever have imagined.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of my unexpected transformation as my story morphs into the next stage.
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| Tammy running the afternoon news meeting discussing the days news with colleagues. |
Storytelling Through Video: Tips from a Former News Videographer
- Embrace Natural Sound: Let the environment tell part of the story. Capture the sounds of the scene – be it the howling wind of a hurricane or the crunch of tires on a rocky trail. These audio elements add depth and authenticity to your narrative.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Visual storytelling is powerful. Instead of relying solely on narration, use compelling visuals to convey your message. A well-framed shot can often speak louder than words.
- Vary Your Shots: Mix wide, medium, and close-up shots to provide context and detail. This variety keeps viewers engaged and helps paint a complete picture of the story.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, the best moments come when you least expect them. Wait for those genuine reactions or unexpected events that can elevate your story.
- Edit with Purpose: Every cut should serve the story. Be ruthless in your editing, keeping only the footage that moves your narrative forward or adds significant value.
- Maintain Stability: Whether you’re covering a breaking news story or capturing an off-road adventure, stable footage is crucial. Invest in good stabilization equipment or practice steady handheld techniques.
- Capture B-roll: Always gather more footage than you think you’ll need. B-roll can be invaluable for covering edits and adding visual interest to your story.
The skills I honed in the newsroom – from staying calm under pressure to telling compelling visual stories – have been instrumental in my transition to off-road adventurer and content creator. They’ve allowed me to share my Jeep journey in a way that resonates with viewers and readers alike.
FAQs: Transitioning from Journalism to Jeep Adventures
Q: How did you transition from a news videographer to a Jeep adventurer?
A: My transition was unexpected. After years of covering breaking news and natural disasters, I found myself drawn to a different kind of storytelling—documenting off-road adventures and sharing Jeep-related content. The skills I developed in journalism, like video editing, storytelling, and adaptability, helped me make the shift.
Q: What skills from journalism helped in off-road content creation?
A: Many skills translated seamlessly—storytelling through video, capturing compelling footage, working under pressure, and staying adaptable. The ability to frame a shot, edit efficiently, and maintain a narrative flow has been invaluable in creating engaging off-road content.
Q: How did covering natural disasters shape your perspective?
A: Covering events like Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew taught me resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving under extreme conditions. These experiences helped me develop the mental toughness needed for off-road challenges and overcoming obstacles on the trail.
Q: What advice do you have for those transitioning careers?
A: Embrace change, focus on transferable skills, and be open to learning new things. Career transitions can be intimidating, but adaptability and persistence can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
