A bit of a late entry here, but still worth a mention. I spent some time last Sunday reviewing the portfolios of the senior Photojournalism students at the University of Montana. The opportunity came my way thanks to Kerri at Gallery Saintonge and I am darn thankful it fell into my lap.
This was my first time being on “that side of the table,” and the experience was really eye-opening and totally enjoyable for me. It felt good to be back in the J-school, as it has been (gulp) about 10 years since I spent every waking hour in the old darkroom scrambling to finish an assignment. Looking back, I have nothing but fond memories of that time. Of all the questionable decisions I have ever made (and will make!), the decision to change horses and enroll in Journalism school remains one of the best. I really like that I am able to keep a connection to the school and some of the people running the show over there.
The reviews were rapid-fire quick and I really hope that in all of my hurried chatter, at least one student was able to take something away from the time. I know the experience was totally eye-opening and helpful for me. I asked every student a few basic questions, including “why photojournalism?” and “what next.” Of course, there were a couple of “i don’t knows” and “ummmm’s,” but the vast majority of answers were specific, thought-out and took no time to say. I was really impressed by how many people seemed to know where they wanted to steer their photo efforts. My answer to every one of them was if they already have a good idea of what they want to do, then they are more than halfway there.
Anyhow, I look forward to being part of the next portfolio review…if I am lucky enough to be asked back.
It’s about 1 a.m. and i am a little bit wound up. Had a shoot tonight at a new indoor skatepark being built in Missoula by friends Dylan and Jamie. Until tonight, I had only heard murmurings and rumors about the facility. Tonight, I actually got to see it with my own 2 eyes. I believe the first words out of my mouth when I walked in were F**K ME! Of course, I was looking at the gargantuan wall that greets visitors as they walk in the door. It’s got something like 8 feet of vert. Yes, 8 FEET! I will be happy if I get to ride on 2 of them. I am working with 52 (name of skatepark – as in 52 weeks in the year – cause it’s an indoor park – so you can skate all year round – get it?) to get some images for their new Web site and promo materials. Here are a few from tonight’s shoot. can’t wait till the grand opening on Saturday…but it was nice to have it to myself for a while.
I just can't stop lookin' at the photos of what happened inour country over the past week or so. Here are some more...
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/
So far today, I have been blowin’ off work to check every single Web site that exists in order to see how people around the country and the world celebrated Obama’s win. I just can’t get enough of looking at all the photos. And despite all the bells and whistles digital cameras have these days, I love looking at all the images created with cell phones and point and shoots. So real.
i found this image from a link on draplindustries.com. Loved the shot. Loved it even more when i read the caption saying it was taken right here in Missoula, MT (photo: Callie Shell). I was lucky enough to see Obama’s speech in Missoula that day. Woke up early, waited in line, and enjoyed every single second of the experience.
It was taken in a gym in the Adams Center – the same place I got to photograph Bill Clinton when he was making the rounds for Hillary.
here are a few shots that caught my eye this morning:
photo: www.scouttufankjian.com
