Friday I spent my day at the court house for a jury case while Brett Coomer shot photos. I learned about the device photographers use to put their cameras in during court cases to muffle the sound...what a great invention.
The key to shooting in a courthouse, I learned, is complete silence. Try to be as invisible as possible. Obviously turn off your cell phone and try not to make any noises otherwise. You pretty much put yourself in one position and don't move, except to photograph the prosecutors, defendants, judge and the audience. The jury cannot be photographed.
Always arrive early and ask permission to be in the courtroom with your camera - and ask about any specific guidelines that that judge may or may not have.
When you need names, try to find them in an indirect manner. Hopefully the courts reporter is as good as Brian Rodgers who is definitely informative and helpful. If he doesn't know the answer, he helps you find it.
Aim for the reaction...especially during a verdict. There was none at this one - except in the audience. But usually when the verdict is read - the defendant has some sort of emotional reaction.
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