Episode 55: Tim Walton Documents Disasters While Looking Through a Viewfinder, a Unique Perspective

All Hazards

In this episode (55) we talk with veteran news photojournalist Tim Walton. He gives us a unique perspective on working with first responders during disasters, especially wildfires. Tim has also works with Cal OES, donating much of his dramatic fire footage to help supplement their own images and tell important stories that benefit the public and California communities. Some of the topics of conversation include journalist access to disaster areas, California access laws, the benefits of allowing journalists, including photojournalists, into disaster areas, safety, equipment and much more.

According to his bio, Tim Walton has 35-plus years as a broadcast photojournalist and field producer. He has worked for all of the major networks, domestic and foreign. The majority of his assignments has been for NBC NEWS (as a freelancer,) based in San Francisco over the last 25 years. I shot and field produced ABC's American Detective (reality) and worked as a cameraman on "Cops" in the early 1990's. Other clients include CNN, ABC, CBS, CBC, APTV. His primary focus is in TV News and Documentary camera/producer assignments. He says he will travel anywhere and work any ethical assignment. He has been trained in hostile environments and advanced first aid. Tim has endured three tours in Iraq for NBC.

Tim is am also a Fire Department Volunteer Videographer (40 years) and a Cal Fire VIP Photographer and has extensive wildland fire experience . He travels with a Macbook Pro and edits with FCPX, has the latest LiveU L600 (domestic) for Live and feed services and has an HD/4K wildland stock footage library suitable for climate change documentaries and film production.

And in case you're wondering, he travels with specialty equipment that includes a camera package with a Sony PDW-700 XDCAM HD, Sony FS7 4K Super 35mm, Panasonic AG-UX1804k, Sony PXW-Z90 4K camera, GoPro, Domestic LiveU L600, HD monitors, LED light kits, full audio package, wireless, live kits, grip gear and two way radio's.

Links

Cal OES Podcasts

CA Penal Code 409.5

CA Penal Code 409.6