EJC - Electronic Journalism Course

I have to say what I realized on the first day of class, back in September. The instructors here are top notch. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Media & Film. I've logged a lot of class time. The men and women of the Defense and Information School are the best I've ever seen. Why are they great? They care about what they do, and they know what they're talking about. Sometimes I can't believe I get paid to learn under them. Currently my class is in EJC, or Electronic Journalism Course. We're using Sony Mini-DV video cameras to learn to shoot news stories. Here's some shots from the last few days. Some are from today, Saturday, which is why the instructors are in civvies. (civilian clothes) Disclaimer: We're out of the photo section, so I have to use a crappy point & shoot camera.

The class is split into small groups overseen by an instructor. Here MC2 Vernon watches as students practice taping a chess game sequence.

Chief Shavers reviews footage with students. This is when tips for improvement are given.

It's all about mobility in this business. Johndro gets low for the perfect angle.

Snow checks her LCD screen for proper white balance, exposure, and focus.

MC1 Simoes reviews footage with his team. Small groups mean closer instructor/student interaction. This is imperative in a course that does in two weeks what would take a college months.

Melchor sits in the hot seat while her group sets up a 3-point lighting scheme. A key light (on the left) acts as the main light source while lamps on the right and behind fill in shadows and make the subject stand out from the background.

Bell starts to melt under the lights in our studio. He's wearing safety gloves issued to students who must handle lights that reach several thousand degrees.

Chief Shavers gives a student interviewing tips. As an MC it's not all about proper camera technique. Frequently operating alone, Mass Communication specialists must act as interviewer as well as camera operator and lighting technician. The ability to put a subject at ease is key to getting the story we need.