This course was rooted in journalism, emphasizing interpretive and creative photography as a storytelling tool. It covered essential topics such as camera operation, framing, and photography techniques, while also exploring the history of photography as a form of communication. Special focus was placed on using wide, medium, and tight shots to enhance storytelling, building a strong foundation in photography that we actively applied to journalistic practices. It stands out as one of the best classes I’ve taken at Virginia Tech.
Portrait/Feature Assignment
This project required capturing photojournalistic portraits of either a newsworthy person or a person in a newsworthy situation. The goal was to tell a visual story through a combination of posed and spontaneous photography.
I captured the role and impact of Jamal D. Jefferson-Ross, the coordinator of Virginia Tech’s Generation One program, which supports first-generation college students in their transition to campus life. The project aimed to showcase Jamal's passion for student success and mentorship.
GenerationOne program mentor Jamal Jefferson-Ross welcomes his first booth visitor of the day on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
GenerationOne program mentor Jamal Jefferson-Ross explains the different levels of funding each living-learning program receives on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
GenerationOne program mentor Jamal Jefferson-Ross attaches an “I am 1rst” button to his shirt on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
GenerationOne program mentor Jamal Jefferson-Ross shows another member how to present the table to students on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Sports Assignment
This project focused on capturing the intensity and emotion of an organized sporting event through photojournalism. I chose to shoot Virginia Tech's club lacrosse team during a night scrimmage, highlighting one of the top club teams in the country. The project challenged me to document fast-paced action and raw reactions in a low-light setting, a unique environment I had never photographed before.
Zach Morgan (46) face guards Trevor Stocks (6) on Oct. 29, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Christopher Valente (49) advances the ball on Oct. 29, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Trevor Stocks (6) signals to his offense on Oct. 29, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Andrew Wickman (15) secures a save after a defensive error by Patrick Joney (24) on Oct. 29, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Corey Gaffney (43) hides his face after Christopher Valente fails to score on Oct. 29, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
News I Assignment
This project focused on visually documenting a newsworthy event or situation through a series of 10 photos. The goal was to create a clear narrative that captured the essence of the story while adhering to journalistic standards.
I aimed to tell the story of Josie's birthday party, a special event celebrating the therapy dog who plays a vital role in cheering up others. I wish I could've gotten a shot of Josie eating the bite-sized piece of cake, as it would have added a heartwarming touch to the story.
Students gather in Newman Library as Josie arrives to celebrate her birthday on Nov. 15, 2024
Epcot joins the celebration for Josie’s birthday party on Nov. 15, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Rami Steinruck gathers everyone to sing "Happy Birthday" to Josie on Nov. 15, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
Josie’s handler, Rami Steinruck, along with others, signals Josie and the other dogs to wait until the singing concludes before eating their cake on Nov. 15, 2024. (Thomas Bray/JMC 4114)
