It’s called the Photo Bureau

When I first met our student photographers at the university, I withdrew from the conversation.

I knew they took beautiful photographs, but at the time, these students were simply people that needed to share my office space in order to hold their weekly meetings and use the Mac computers in my department. I kept to myself mostly, being polite and trying to remember to ask them how their day was going, before getting lost in my own work writing articles and leaving them to their supervisor.

Then the tables turned. Suddenly, after school let out for summer break in 2011, these students were in need of a supervisor — someone to organize their work, dispatch them to photo shoots and teach them along the way. Being the new gal in the office, everyone turned to me. And I’m glad they did.

A Rewarding Experience

Though I withdrew from speaking much to last year’s students in order to focus on my own work, this year, I jumped right in. With Rebecca Zenefski, a freelance photographer, by my side, I introduced the students to each other and to their Photo Bureau staff, and I showed them the ropes of shooting on campus.

I could not have done it without Rebecca, as she was our expert trainer along the way, imparting upon our students the skills and technical aptitude that they would need should they brave the world of professional photography.

Together, we made a great team, giving these students a place to grow and test the limits of their creativity. And with an enthusiastic introduction, our students brought their energy to the table from the very first day.

Since taking on the task of supervising four students on top of my regular position, I have experienced camaraderie, creativity and infectious inspiration like I never thought I could in a supervisory role. And I have my student photographers to thank for everything I have gained myself, both personally and professionally, this semester.

Our Final Meeting

Granted the students will all come back to fill their busy positions in February, but tomorrow is the final meeting of the Photo Bureau for our fall semester. I am looking forward to it, much more than I thought I would be, and that’s because in a kinder gentler wrap-up session, I will take the opportunity to hear what these college students have to say about their experience with Rebecca and myself.

I just hope that we can send them off on their winter break with the same spirit and excitement that they have brought to our Photo Bureau team.

I had no idea taking on this kind of responsibility — the responsibility to ensure four students stay on top of their school and work, show up on time for training and photo shoots and then get paid after all is said and done — could be such rewarding work!