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|| SportsShooter.com: News Item: Posted 2007-05-06
Winning Top Prize
SportsShooter.com member Max Bittle took top honors at the Eddie
Adams Workshop. Who will be next?
By SportsShooter.com staff
Photo by Max Bittle / St. Petersburg Times
Matt Sims, 17, settles down next to his father, Bob Sims, after a long day that included school, football practice and weightlifting. At the end of most days, Matt lies next to Bob, and the two share stories and jokes while Bob scratches Matt's back
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SportsShooter.com member Max Bittle won top honors at The Eddie Adams Workshop in October, 2006. The annual Workshop is now accepting applications for its 20th year, and is widely considered the best photojournalism workshop for students and emerging professionals.
Bittle won the $10,000 Nikon Scholarship, which is given to one of the college students at the Workshop, to further their education. The award is chosen based on their work at the Workshop (the images they shoot, but also their overall drive and commitment to photography), as well as their portfolios submitted before the Workshop. Students are nominated by their Team Leaders and Editors, and they all discuss the options and then agree on one of them.
We asked Max about his experiences thus far with his career, with the Workshop, and where he sees his work moving into the future.
Q: How did you get started?
MB: I got started when I was a senior in high school with the yearbook. I had always had a fascination with photography, but I didn't know the first thing about it, so I thought that working for the yearbook would be a good experience to try it out.
I wasn't very serious at first, just kind of taking pictures here and there. Then a photojournalist happened to start up a small newspaper in my hometown. We happened to be shooting side by side at a basketball game when he offered me a chance to shoot the game for the newspaper. I was thrilled to have the opportunity and his Canon 1D was quite a step up from my Rebel film camera.
After that I began to pick up assignments for the newspaper on a regular basis and just fell in love with photojournalism.
Q: Where are you now?
MB: Well, I'm kind of floating somewhere in between my junior and senior year at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. I think I can finish in one more semester, but I'm not quite sure.
I'm currently working as a photojournalist for our newspaper on campus, the Daily Egyptian.
Photo by Max Bittle
Barber Nasee Yehuda looks out the front window of Arnette's Barber Shop while giving a haircut on November 30, 2006 in Carbondale. Temperatures and rain steadily fell throughout the day as a winter storm approached Carbondale.
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Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
MB: I assume I'll be at a newspaper somewhere, but I'm not really sure. I enjoy working with other people and the camaraderie in the newsroom, so newspapers fit me pretty well.
Q: Any useful lessons/information to share from your Workshop experience?
MB: Yes, savor every second of it. I was fortunate to have a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner edit my daily take. That's an experience that would usually come down the line in a season photojournalist's career. But at the workshop everyone there is the best of the best and working with them was very rewarding and educational.
Another thing I learned by day two of the workshop was just to relax. The first day I was tense and trying really hard to shoot well. That night I sat down with my editor to go through the day's take and he told me to relax, have fun, and just go out to take storytelling pictures. The advice made for a better take and an overall more enjoyable experience.
Networking was a major part of the workshop and I would definitely advise upcoming Barnstormers to take an up to date portfolio and either some business or promo cards.
Also, don't sleep at the workshop. It's just a waste of time. I really wish I had slept less and hung out with all the people some more.
Q: How did winning the Nikon Scholarship affect you?
MB: The scholarship was a really pleasant surprise and probably the last thing I thought I would take home from the workshop. After the initial shock I felt a great deal of pressure but that was pretty much relieved after I had a good chat with a fellow Barnstormer and watched the sun come up at the local diner.
I look at the scholarship as a great honor and truly feel blessed to have been awarded with it. The scholarship gave me a great sense drive and motivation. The faculty put their faith and trust in me and I don't want to let them or myself down. I see it as a great opportunity.
Max Bittle and Debra Gulbas at the party celebrating the end of the Eddie Adams Workshop in 2006.
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Q: Have you stayed in touch with any of the contacts you made at the Workshop? If so, in what context? Do you see these people helping your career?
MB: Yes, I've stayed in contact with some people from the workshop. Most by email, but a some by phone. Actually, a friend from the workshop and I attended a photographer's conference in Chicago about two weeks ago. I don't have any hesitation at all in calling or emailing anyone I met at the workshop if I'm ever in a bind or need advice. Down the road I see the workshop and the contacts made there being very beneficial to my career. There was a certain bond created between the folks there.
Q: Do you feel any sense of community from either EAW Alumni or SportsShooter.com? How does this help you?
MB: Yes, I do. It helps in networking and meeting people. I know a lot of names through SportsShooter.com and over the years have been able to put faces with those names. I met a girl the other day at a basketball game when she saw my Eddie Adams camera bag and we just started chatting. So, yea there's a since of community.
Q: Anything else?
MB: It was just a great experience that I opened my eyes. It showed me the intensity that the top professionals work with. My subject, Roger Baker, was awesome and I'd like to thank him for allowing me into his life for a few days. The people at the workshop were great and a big thanks to everyone who helps make it such a memorable experience.
About the Eddie Adams Workshop
Students attending Barnstorm come from all corners of the globe. Last year alone, applicants represented 39 US States and 17 countries- from Chinook, MT to the Czech Republic, students came together to share, learn, and experience picture journalism at its finest. With over 1000 applicants from schools and newspapers worldwide each year, the caliber of student photographers and young professionals accepted to the workshop is exceptional.
The Workshop accepts college students, professionals with 3 years or less experience, and U.S. military photographers. Applicants are required to submit a completed application, an application fee, a personal statement, a recommendation, and a portfolio of no more than 20 images. Prior Workshop students are not eligible to apply again. 50 students and 50 professionals (including military) will be selected for Barnstorm.
Applications are being accepted until May 14, 2007.
To apply, visit: http://www.eddieadamsworkshop.com/apply
Related Links:
Bittle's member page
Eddie Adams Workshop
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