Hamilton, Ala. – The Northwest Alabama Arts Council and the Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce teamed together to bring their members an opportunity to bolster their skills on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19, in a Photography Improvement Seminar.
Under the direction of John Dersham, a thirty-year employee of Kodak, and current director of the DeKalb County (Alabama) Tourist Association, twenty members of the two organizations met for a 1-1/2 hour classroom session on June 18 at the EconoLodge Inn & Suites in Hamilton. In the classroom-type setting, Dersham gave a presentation which covered many technical aspects of becoming a better photographer, followed by a question-and-answer session from the attendees.
On June 19, the group was seen, cameras in hand, shooting thousands of photographs throughout the downtown Hamilton area and at the old county courthouse at Pikeville. Due to the excessive heat, there were fewer attendees for the Saturday morning portion of the seminar, but the twelve who braved the heat were given the opportunity to improve their skills, shooting under the direct tutelage of Dersham.
Dersham commented that once the group got out on the streets that the focus of the class shifted from basic usage to composition. He further stated that he was very pleased with the caliber of students in the group and enjoyed watching the group’s progression throughout the day. Many group members commented on the feelings of positive energy and creativeness shared with their fellow photographers.
A viewing party has been scheduled as part of the upcoming arts council meeting on Monday, July 12, which will be held at the EconoLodge Inn & Suites conference room in Hamilton. Seminar participants are being asked to select their top photos taken during the class. Based upon the success and response to this seminar, the possibility of hosting a second seminar, possibly in the fall, is under discussion.
Photography seminar participants (left to right): Rachel Craig, Slade Gilmer, Zach Wiginton,
Kyle Compton, Heath Jackson, Tony Williams, Ed Minter, Scott Slatton, instructor John
Dersham, Marla Minter, and John Boyett. Not shown is Kathryn Hirschfeld,
who took this photograph.