By Miranda Urbanczyk and Kyrah Bey
Every year, the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) welcomes hundreds of students from all over the United States to participate in its annual summer workshop, held on The campus of Michigan State University. The workshop offers a variety of classes and skill levels to help students improve their journalism skills and further their careers within the field. In the spirit of this year’s camp theme, “Passing The Torch,” both returning and new students are excited to continue their learning at the workshop, to learn valuable skills to take back to their publications.
But for incoming senior Malik Haliam, it’s a little more personal.
After inheriting his late grandfather’s cameras, Malik Haliam decided he wanted to take photography classes to keep his memory alive. Haliam was used to shooting on film, but he wanted to know more. He wanted to ‘expand his digital arsenal’. Already knowing the basics, Haliam decided to take “Shoot Like a Pro” here at MIPA camp this year. For Haliam, the class has gone in depth about things he only knew broadly before.
“I never knew what certain settings meant before,” said Haliam. “I feel like learning them has refined my skills.”
Aside from better understanding cameras, Haliam also enjoys the more stylistic side of taking photos. To create the best work possible, he feels that it’s best not to overthink anything.
“Do what looks cool to you. Photography gives you so much control, so start on manual,” said Haliam. “It’s harder at first but you’ll thank yourself later.”
The endless creativity of photography is what drew in first-time camper Alex Schwartz. He loves photographing just about anything. After spending time taking random photos on his iPhone, Schwartz made his way to using a professional camera. Now, wanting to take photos for Community High School’s yearbook, Schwartz is taking the “Beyond the Basics” course. He feels that he’s learned a lot about cameras so far, as he’s practiced changing settings and exploring different exposures.
“I know not to try and rush things. If you’re trying a new skill, it’s going to take time to master it,” Schwartz said. “I hope to use what I’m learning professionally one day.”
Schwartz knows that everything he’s been learning is setting him up for success, and he can’t wait to put it all to use this fall.
Olivia Ferguson, a student in the “Design Like a Pro” class, is a returning student to MIPA camp. She’s attending to build her skills as an editor-in-chief on her yearbook this fall. So far, her class has been learning essential vocabulary and practicing designs on programs like Monarch and Yearbook avenue. One key takeaway point from her class, “Design like a Pro” is that line spacing for spreads is essential. Ferguson can’t wait to take her new skills home, and she hopes that other design students feel the same. For anyone who is just starting out, Ferguson has one piece of advice.
“I’d say that the best way to improve is to practice,” Ferguson said. “And don’t let trends keep you from being creative, or doing what you want to do.”
Another design student Donell James, is attending advisor Cammie Hall’s “Indesign for Publications”. Like Ferguson, he’s attending to expand his skills to prepare for his role as an editor in his publication this fall. Currently, James is learning how to use Indesign and exploring all of its tools. He’s learned how to import different types of photos, and work with creating borders. He feels that the class has been beneficial to his goals already.
“I feel like I’m not only going to be able to grow as a writer and a creator,” James said. “But also learn how to better collaborate with others and learn to be a better person.”
Though he’s just starting out, James knows that it’s important to come into everything with an open mind.
“There’s always something new that you can learn,” James said. “It’s important to work towards learning something.”