University-level training offered to PHs/JOs in still or motion media - photographer's mates and journalists

0 Comments | Naval Aviation News, March-April, 2002 | by April Ball

Are you pretty hot with a still camera? Thirsting for something beyond that grip-and-grin shot? Or perhaps you're the video type, and you can't wait to lug your Betacam into battle. Before you ship off to war, how about going back to school to master some new skills? The Navy is currently seeking applications for 2002 from photographer's mates and journalists for university-level training in photojournalism and motion media.

For years, the program has been held, at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the Armed Forces Information Service is currently accepting bids for the next five-year training cycle from Syracuse and other top journalism schools. The military photojournalism program is not a technical training school. It is an academic program with the goal of turning military photographers into great photojournalists. "Our job at the Newhouse School is to help you take the skills you've developed in the military and become an accomplished storyteller," said Dow Smith, director of military photojournalism. "What we provide are the tools to go beyond just taking photographs or editing a story."

The year starts in August with an English/grammar refresher course. Classes will be a mix of writing, photography and critical thinking. The schedule is intense. Students work weekends and spend nights in the photography or computer labs. There is little free time during the 10-month program. "Your assignment will be a difficult one" said Nancy Austin, assistant director of the current photojournalism program at Syracuse University. "You will be taking five classes per semester, all very demanding. All the professors believe their class is the most important, so you will be totally immersed in schoolwork. When you're not in the classroom you will be shooting, editing or writing a paper."

"Syracuse teaches you to look beyond your horizons and be more creative, unlike most Navy schools that teach you the technical side," said PH1 Steve Vanderwerff, a Syracuse graduate from the Motion Media Specialist Program in 1996. Vanderwerff is now attached to the Joint Combat Camera Center at the Pentagon. "The program has taught me how to critique myself better and create a more professional product. Syracuse raises the bar when it comes to the individual pursuing their own professional and personal mission."

For more information log on to www.mediacen.navy.mil/vi/advtrng.htm.>

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