A pair of University of the Ozarks students spent a week recently getting hands-on guidance, instruction and experience in sports photography from some of the top professionals in the industry.
Sarah Bureau and Denzel Sequeira Chaves attended the Summit Sports Workshop in Denver, Colo., last month. The two were able to hone their photography skills while learning new techniques, settings and practices in shooting a variety of sports.
“It was a very dynamic, and insightful experience,” said Bureau, a senior health science and communication studies major from Haiti. “It introduced me to a more fast-paced environment than I am used to. I got to shoot American football for the first time. On the first day, we shot motorcross using high-speed sync. I knew about that technique before, but I never got the chance to try it. I learned a lot about flash photography and lighting equipment.”
The students first learned about the workshop from one of their professors, Susan Edens, associate professor of communication, who attended the workshop in 2022.
“As I started to get more interested in sports photography last semester, Professor Edens shared her positive experience at the workshop and suggested that I consider attending,” said Chaves, a rising junior from Costa Rica. ”Professor Edens also told me that Sarah was looking for the opportunity to go to the workshop and convinced me to give it a try. Despite having prior commitments, I decided to make room in my schedule and apply for the workshop. It turned out to be an amazing experience for those of us who love photography. There were a lot of professionals there to share their experiences and how they started. Whenever it was time to shoot, they provided invaluable support and guidance.”
Bureau served as a student photographer and videographer at U of O this past year while working in the University’s Sports Information Office. She said the workshop has inspired her to pursue sports photography more diligently.
“It was an eye-opening experience for me as a photographer,” she said. “It answered my questions about whether or not I wanted a career in photography or what type of photography I wanted to do. The conclusion was that I enjoy most being a portrait photographer, using lighting in the most creative way possible to make a picture. I want to specialize in ‘sportraits,’ a new term in photography that refers to taking portraits of athletes.”
Bureau also enjoyed meeting others in the field.
“The network connections I made with was mind-blowing,” she said. “I learned from photographers who have shot for institutions or media companies I have always dreamed of working for, like the NBA, NFL, New York Times, and Getty Images.”
Chaves also said the relationships he made was the most impactful part of the workshop.
“As someone who had just started my photography journey this year, the workshop greatly helped me learn the basics of camera and improved my ability to capture better shots,” he said. “But the most important thing I got from the workshop was the relationships I formed with the other participants. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with incredibly talented people. Building these relationships made my experience better and provided a supportive network of fellow photographers who continue to inspire and motivate me.”
Both Bureau and Chaves were assisted by the University’s student enrichment funds to attend the workshop. They both said they can’t wait for the Fall 2023 Semester to begin so that they can utilize their new-found photography skills and knowledge.
“I’m waiting for the semester to come, that way I can take a camera and go shoot sports on campus,” said Chaves, who is also a member of the men’s soccer team at Ozarks. “I am willing to help students that want to shoot sports. After the workshop I realized that I found a new hobby.”
Said Bureau, “Before I graduate, I would like to create some sportraits for the athletes at the school. After college, I am hoping that I will be able to do photography at a more professional level; shooting for a national basketball team is one of my goals. I know I will have to work harder than I am doing right now and master my craft to reach that goal.”
“This experience has had a significant impact on my career,” she added. “I am more confident about my work and ready to take my photography to another level. I am grateful for my media production professor, who is always looking for opportunities for her students. She saw in me what I couldn’t see myself and pushed me to go beyond what I thought were my limits. I am also grateful for everyone who makes this kind of experience possible for us students at the University of the Ozarks through the student enrichment funds.”
Photo by Sarah Bureau
Photo by Denzel Chaves
Topics: About, Academics, Communication Studies, Photography