Eddie Adams Workshop
I went to the Eddie Adams Workshop in Jeffersonville, NY. It ended last week, and since then, I have been slowly trying to process the information overload that has plagued me since the workshop ended. I think I have come out of the shock.
When I think back on the experience, I am struck by a recurring theme from all the talks, conversations, demonstrations, and presentations. Every photographer and editor had a fire. A fire for the work they do, and the industry they are a part of. Simple enough concept, yet it was undeniably the most consistent undertone of the workshop. It didn’t matter what part of the spectrum the work came from, whether it was a by the minute wire photographer, a long-term documentary photographer, a commercial and fashion photographer, a military photographer or a multimedia producer.
This is not to be taken as inspiration, it is to be taken as the standard. There are few shortcuts, and any taken will be glaringly obvious. The work ethic, the passion, and the dedication that the leaders, editors, and guests of the workshop demonstrated showed the separation between good and great. No one depended on their talent alone.
Members of the black team blast lighting across the lake and trees at the 23rd EAW.
Stacy Pearsall, an ex-military photographer, was our group leader. Mike Stewart, regional editor (south) for the AP, was our producer. Santiago Lyon director of photography for the AP, was our editor. This brain trust helped our group push through the arduous schedule set up by the workshop, and their feedback was invaluable. Kata hooked us up with a great bag, one I’d actually use. A big thanks also goes to Will and Chris at Manfrotto for the lighting tips and for being my models. You guys were clutch.
My assigned story was about an Islamic Cultural Center and mosque. The center had just opened four years ago on one of the rougher streets in town. Slowly, the street has become safer because of the community that has developed around the mosque. The two imams, Imam Fuad and Imam Mohammad, were fantastic. A big thanks to them for letting me follow them around for a day and a half, and for giving me some great insight into Islam. It was a good learning experience.
Mohammad (middle), a member of the surrounding community, helps his children perform their ablutions.
I cannot say enough about how this workshop puts everything in perspective. Any students or young pros, it is to your advantage to apply. Best of luck to all the students in the future.
- Alex