Adviser Update Spring 2016 | Page 35

35 Blevens wrote in his recommendation, “An excellent shoot in dark and dusty conditions, expertly capturing the difficulties involved in recycling. The composition elegantly, but strongly, draws the eye to material in the bin, softly portraying a lone worker sorting through the mess.” Carias wrote in her essay, “With every article I write and every photograph I capture, I experience a catharsis of sorts; immediately I feel the rush that comes with doing what could not be done in my homeland. I was raised in fear, in a country that does not offer the press protection from gangs seeking retribution after an unfavorable story. Freedom of expression is my ultimate tool, fueling my passion for journalism. College will be my new frontier in the journey from repression to expression.” According to David Guirgis, he had never taken a real picture until he attended New York University’s DAVID GUIRGIS Urban Journalism Workshop when he worked with a professional camera. Guirgis, a senior at Ronald McNair Academic High in Jersey City (N.J.), is excited and ready to work in the new media landscape. He wrote in his essay, “Our stories aren’t simply words anymore; we supplement the stories we want to tell with raw footage, multimedia visuals, and photographs.” “I’d already fallen in love with the idea that writing could spark change, but over the course of this summer I’ve fallen in love with its other mediums.” For the competition Guirgis shared a series of photos he took to accompany a profile of a Washington Square Park street musician. Guirgis wrote, “Writing about Dusty Rhodes, the charismatic saxophone player I profiled, was one thing. Capturing him in his essence was another thing entirely.” In his nomination of Guirgis, UJW Program Director Adrian Mihai wrote: “He stepped forward with determination, pointing with courage his lens at unknown street performers to capture well-chosen aspects of their art and demeanor. His photo reportage brings to light intimate details and has a powerful impact on the viewer.” Click here for Guirgis’ article and accompanying photo package.