by Christian Albertson

Sioux Falls Roosevelt

Sioux Falls, S.D.

A picture is worth a thousand words, or so the old saying goes. But Justin Hayworth says it’s worth much more than that. According to the Des Moines Register news photographer, “A picture is more powerful.”

“All you need to be able to understand and have an emotional reaction to the photograph is the ability to see,” says Hayworth. The photographer shared his expertise at the 12th annual Crazy Horse Journalism Workshop in Custer, S.D.

Hayworth thinks there are three elements to photography: good composition, good light and a great moment. But he said it’s also important to have luck, and to “be in the right place at the right time.” At Crazy Horse, that means being ready for the impact of a mountain blast.

Getting a compelling picture also means staying safe and being aware of your surroundings. Hayworth constantly seeks out great vantage points, while trying not to put himself in danger. His dream shot would be to photograph Casimir Ziolkowski in the protective cage at the end of Crazy Horse’s pointing finger right before a blast.

Mountain foreman, Ziolkowski sees the view before a blast as just a part of his everyday job. Also part of his job is to tell photographers to stay off the edge or get out of the way. Ziolkowski says his favorite view of the mountain is in the back, way up in the trees to see the backside.

No matter what the vantage point, Hayworth says it’s important to just get out and take pictures. “The only way to get better is to make mistakes,” he said. “It’s OK to make mistakes. Just don’t make them twice.” Hayworth thinks the most common error made in photojournalism is rushing the shot. He says if you don’t get the right shot, you won’t get the story.

Hayworth admits he is his own worst critic. “Very rarely do I like my own photos.” But, he is not overly anxious for that one perfect shot. If he got it, he feels his career would be over.

There’s another old saying: Seeing is believing. Hayworth believes that it is important to honestly and accurately reflect what is happening at a location. “I strive to make all my pictures an honest recount of what’s in front of me.”