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|| SportsShooter.com: News Item: Posted 2004-04-24
Everything was perfect. Then, it rained.
By Paul S. Clapp
Photo by Paul S. Clapp
Bill Frakes teaches a breakout session.
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Paul S. Clapp and 23 other SportsShooter.com members, including many students and instructors like Skip Dickstein, Dave Black, Rick Rickman, Bill Frakes and Joe McNally have decended upon Louisville, Kentucky for the start of the 2004 Collegiate Sports Journalism Seminar at Churchill Downs.
It was a beautiful morning, a slight breeze drifting from the east, the sun was making its way over the horizon, and the students were ready.
The horses were making their way onto the track for their morning workouts, while the seminar students were roaming the backside in search for the "perfect image."
Everything was perfect. Then, it rained.
Not only did the rain fall, it poured. Memories of last year came back all too quickly as people ran for shelter.
"Things don't always go your way in the Real World," a staff member told the students.
"Get back out there and use the bad weather to your advantage."
With a little motivation, the soaking wet students went back to work. Before lunch the students had an hour to pick their best three images. After a tough critique from the staff, the top six pictures were chosen to be featured on the seminar's website: http://pdnevents.com/derby/
After lunch the students broke up into groups for their breakout sessions. Bill Frakes spent time talking about his setup for the Derby on May 1st. He referenced this week's issue of Sports Illustrated where it features his takes from last years Run for the Roses.
On the other side of track Joe McNally demonstrated his skill with lighting by showing a few different methods with his light box.
The night concluded with two final presentations. Louise Gaines, Louisville freelance photographer, shared pictures with the group and explained what motivated her to take each.
Photo by Jeff Snyder
Joe McNally works with the students.
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McNally ended the night with an amazing display of his work. Both students and staff were amazed by his work and the stories behind each one. He shared some of his experiences as a staff photographer for many different magazines as well as the time he has spent as a freelancer.
I sat there in utter amazement as I watched his pictures flash on the screen. Almost every picture would cause some type of comment from the crowd whether it be a simple "wow" to "how is that possible?"
Seminar day two came to an end late Friday night, and what a successful day it was. Everyone around me was able to take away something new, something they had not known before they woke up early in the morning.
And that is the goal. That's why people like Skip Dickstein, Mike Corrado, Dave Black and McNally give of their time. They are giving up their own time to teach those who are willing to learn, and in the end it makes us all better. Not only better photographers, but better people.
And maybe someday, with any luck, we can be where they are today sharing our knowledge with the students of tomorrow.
Related Links:
Paul S. Clapp's member page
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