
St. Louis (June 1, 2011) – Three years ago I started as the Photojournalism chair at the St Louis Camera Club. I set out to change the way we look at photojournalism in the club and I think we have done so. We have gone from 3 events per year to 4 and entries have gone from a dozen to almost 80 per event. We have seen some amazing things from our judges and we have been taught how to tell a story better.
One of my favorite visitors has been David Carson, a talented PJ from the Post Dispatch came to present and judge at the St. Louis Camera Club. The first time he came in 2009, he came with JB Forbes and Emily Rasinski. Both of them gave me bios to use before hand, but not David. He handed one to me and got me to say something pro-Boston Red Sox. So naturally I felt compelled to put a little something together when he came back himself a year later. That is the video. I consider David a professional friend and an incredibly talented photographer. This video was created cause we love.

- Florene Renfro is seen through a window as she searches through her tornado-damaged house Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Joplin , Mo. Renfro, 85, has decided she will abandon the home she’s lived in since 1967 and move in with her daughter in Arkansas after a massive tornado hit Joplin on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Also visiting us was Jeff Roberson from the Associated Press and based here in St. Louis who showed us what a properly out fitted photographer looks like. He was kind enough to answer questions and let people handle his gear ever so lovingly. Jeff is also very, very talented and I am thrilled we had him.
Another popular visitor has been Louise Ann Noethe, who basically found us. Louis is also know as “Land Speed Louise” and has been with the Americans as the made their attempt to break the land speed record. She has been a delight, funny, witty and honest with her critique. It has been a great pleasure getting to know her and I hope she continues with her visits and participation in the club.
Finally, I got to present and judge on a variety of different topics but all focused on teaching and doing our best to make photojournalism better at STLCC. To all the members and presenters – Thanks for making my three years as the STLCC PJ Chair easy. I look forward to actually entering some PJ contests now.
Drew


