Award-winning St. Louis photographers discuss their craft

Posted on May 8, 2012 by dsheets

Ever wondered what it takes to shoot a quality news photograph?

At noon on May 24, the St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will try to answer that question for you.

Robert Cohen

Our monthly presentation that day will feature two of the award-winning photographers from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Robert Cohen and David Carson. Robert just won first place in the portfolio category in the Headliners national competition and David just was named the National Press Photographers Association regional photographer of the year.

The pair will display and discuss some of their work as well as the ethical issues involved in news photography.

Our meeting spot this month will be in Classroom 10 at mid-level of Webster University’s campus inside the Old Post Office, 815 Olive Street, in downtown St. Louis.

The gathering begins at noon, but the discussion will start at 12:20.

David Carson

Here’s why: Unlike past luncheons, this will be a brown-bag affair. Food will not be available at the Webster University site. Everyone is welcome to bring lunch from home or stop by one of the many nearby dining spots — among them, Culinaria, San-Sai, Bailey’s Range, Planets Subs and the Pita Pit — and pick up something to eat before the discussion. Parking is on the street. Culinaria, across the street from the Old Post Office, offers one hour of free parking to anyone who eats or shops there. The cost after an hour is $1 per 30 minutes.

There is no charge to attend; everyone is welcome.

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Deadline for SPJ scholarship applications is June 11

Posted on May 5, 2012 by dsheets

Applications are being accepted now for the Society of Professional Journalists’ student scholarship, available to any current or prospective college student in the St. Louis metropolitan area (including Metro East Illinois) who is intent on pursuing ethical, responsible journalism.

The scholarship, administered and awarded by the St. Louis Pro Chapter, is worth $500 and will go to a student who:

* Is a permanent resident of the St. Louis metropolitan area and can demonstrate proof of permanent residency.

* Is a full-time undergraduate seeking a degree at an accredited college or university and studying journalism, mass media or mass communications. High school seniors who have been accepted to a college or university and can supply proof of acceptance also are eligible.

* Can demonstrate their intent to work in a media-related field upon graduation.

* Possess a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

High school and/or college media organization experience is considered a plus.  Three writing samples, though not necessarily published, are required, as well as two letters of recommendation. Community or extracurricular involvement, previous awards and honors, and financial need are not mandatory but will factor into the selection.

All applications and accompanying materials must be postmarked by June 11.

More details and copies of the application forms are available on the scholarship page at the St. Louis Pro Chapter’s website (http://www.stlspj.org/student-scholarship), or by contacting Tammy Merrett-Murry, chapter president-elect, at tmerrettmurry@gmail.com, or 618-650-3597.

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‘Speed networking’ with the media pros

Posted on April 18, 2012 by dsheets

Looking for a job but don’t know if your résumé or portfolio will pass muster? Would you like some advice before suiting up for that big interview? Then drop by Webster University on April 30 to take part in a “speed networking” event for prospective employees seeking media careers.

Webster University’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is hosting the event, with assistance from the St. Louis Pro Chapter of SPJ.

Participants will be able to spend about 5 minutes with each guest professional, all of whom will represent several media organizations in the St. Louis area. Among the professionals volunteering their time to answer your questions will be David Nicklaus, business reporter, editor and columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Jill Moon, lifestyle editor for The Telegraph in Alton, Ill.; and David Sheets, sports content editor for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Those interested in participating should bring their résumés and their portfolios, no matter the medium.

The event will be 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 30, in the Sunnen Lounge inside Webster’s University Center, 175 Edgar Road, Webster Groves. Cost for entry is $5 for students with ID, $10 for everyone else.

 

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Chapter president is SPJ’s national volunteer of the month

Posted on April 12, 2012 by dsheets

David Sheets, president of the SPJ St. Louis Pro chapter, is SPJ’s national volunteer of the month for April. He is a writer and editor for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and its electronic alter ego STLtoday.com. David is a regular contributor to SPJ’s Net Worked and Independent Journalist blogs. He also is editing SPJ’s forthcoming Freelance Guide.

“David was such a clear choice for this honor,” said SPJ President John Ensslin. “He is an outstanding volunteer and a key contributor to the Freelance and Digital Media committees.”

Region 7 Director Kelsey Volkmann nominated David for the award.

“Dave’s passion and commitment to SPJ are inspiring,” Kelsey wrote. “He has taken the role of chapter president to a whole new level: Not satisfied with simply attending this year’s Region 7 conference, he volunteered as a presenter for not just one, but two amazing workshops.”

“Everyone raved about his morning session, ‘Using Social Media to Find Sources, Break News and Attract Attention,’ and then everyone furiously took notes during his afternoon session, ‘Taking the Plunge into Freelancing.’ On top of all that, David has helped grow the St. Louis chapter’s membership by a third and single-handedly redesigned the chapter’s website.”

The SPJ volunteer of the month award honors the Society’s unsung heroes, the folks who move our organization forward every day.

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