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Toting cameras, portfolios and luggage, professional and amateur photographers from across the country gathered to participate in the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference held at Southwestern Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 26-March 1.
A group of eight students from Union attended to improve their photography skills. They attended various photography workshops, interacted with fellow photographers and won awards for photos they took around campus during the student practicum. Meg Rushing, junior public relations major, received honorable mention for her photo story while Amanda Rohde, junior art major, received the award for best photo story.
Carrie Lee Cole, freshman public relations major, attended the conference for the first time.
“Professor Murray convinced me that it would be a good experience, a chance to show my work and be more involved in the photojournalism world,” she said.
“I was expecting to learn more techniques for taking good pictures, but they really taught us that it’s more about attitude,” Cole said. “When you take a photo, you’re telling a story. You have to think about what story you want to convey.”
Britney Julian, who graduated from Union last May with a degree in psychology and minor in photojournalism, attended the conference with Union twice. She enjoyed the experience so much she returned again this year, traveling all the way from New York City, where she interns with Gallery Church.
This year, she said she particularly enjoyed a workshop on eyetracking, based on studies by the National Press Photographers Association. The study delved into the theory that they most memorable photographs have emotion, story and a moment, which incorporates her two interests: psychology and photography.
“I loved the conference and got a lot of out of it,” she said, urging anyone with an interest in media or photography to attend. “It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Cole also said she encourages students to attend, no matter what their skill level is.
“I was anxious; I’m not very experienced, so it was really nerve-racking. But it’s a once-in-lifetime experience. We were encouraged not just in photography, but in our faith by big names in photography who really cared about us. I was uplifted in ways I didn’t think I would be,” she said.
