Photographic Success

Reporters are modern-day one-person bands: cymbals, harmonicas, and accordions have been replaced by digital cameras, camcorders, and microphones. As media outlets cut back, reporters are expected to do more, and our teen science journalists are no different. Mike Butler, who works in IT at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, gave an introduction to photography on Saturday. He warned against photographing a white shirt against a white background; discussed when NOT to take photographs; and pointed out important camera features, such as white balance, aperture, and shutter speed. Teens were eager to show Butler their photos and asked great questions about photography. As long as no one has used Vaseline on his or her SciJourn camera lens (to give photos a “soft” effect), the workshop can be considered a success.