Photojournalism

July 21-25, 2024
$525 — for MIPA members; $550 — for non-members
Add $75 for registrations after June 21
This is an-person, residential program. Space is limited.
Last day to register: July 1
Last day to request a roommate: July 1

Beyond the Basics

Beyond the Basics is designed for youth participants who are new to photography or don’t know how to use the manual settings on their camera.

Shoot Like a Pro

Shoot Like a Pro is designed for youth participants who already have some photography training and know how to use the manual settings on their camera.

About These Courses

Our award-winning team of photojournalists and journalism educators will show you how to become a stronger visual storyteller while mastering your camera. You’ll learn about the functions of your DSLR camera, including manual camera controls. Participants will also concentrate on tips and tricks on photo composition and visual storytelling.

You’ll learn about:

Understanding f-stop, shutter speed and ISO, and how to get the most from your expensive equipment
What it takes to be an effective photojournalist
How to write captions that complement and describe your images
How to shoot like a storyteller to create packaging and themes in your publications
How to shoot in challenging situations similar to what you will encounter as a scholastic publications photographer (like classrooms, auditoriums, gyms, football stadiums, dances, etc.) (natural & flash lighting, low light, varied/mixed lighting)
How you can use different camera bodies, lenses, speed, motion, stop action, blur & more
Tips for photo editing in professional software like Photoshop and Lightroom and to work with a variety of file formats (Camera raw, .tif, .jpg, .psd).
Organizing your image files
Skills will be practiced through independent pursuit of guided projects and tasks

This is an in-person, residential program. Participants will stay in an MSU residence hall with at least one roommate. Meals are provided in a residential hall cafeteria. Workshop sessions are held in MSU classrooms, which may be a short walk from the residence hall.

Participants should have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual control of settings. MIPA has a limited number of cameras available for rent if you don’t have access to your own.

These workshop courses are open to youth participants entering grades 7 through 12.

Michael Caterina

Instructor, Photojournalism

Michael Caterina is a multimedia photojournalist for the South Bend Tribune photographing local news, high school and Notre Dame football and basketball. After graduating from Lansing Everett High School, Caterina received a degree in photographic technology from Lansing Community College. Michael attended MIPA conferences in high school and helped instruct in the past. He is very excited to be teaching for his seventh year!

Ike Lea

Instructor, Photojournalism

Ike Lea heads up the Photographic Imaging Program at Lansing Community College, where he teaches digital photography and digital imaging courses. Lea worked for newspapers early in his career and continues to be actively involved in photography, working as a freelancer and shooting running events for RunMichigan.com.

Supplies & Equipment

Participants must have their own camera (camera is not provided): DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual control of settings
This course is scheduled to be held in a computer lab. Access to a laptop to work on assignments outside of class time is optional.
Google/Gmail account to use Google Classroom, Docs and other services
Data storage card (camera specific, but often an SD card)
Extra data storage card (camera specific)
Camera battery AND a spare battery, if possible (one battery for your camera won’t be enough!)
Camera battery charger
USB cable that works with camera
Card reader – if you have one
Lens cleaning tissue or cloth
Interchangeable lenses – if available
External flash – if available
Camera manual – if available
A PC or Mac with Photoshop and/or Lightroom is recommended
USB flash drive or portable hard drive to save images (optional)
Reporter’s notebook
Pens and pencils
Audio recorder or smartphone, if available
Dictionary, thesaurus and stylebook (optional)
Good attitude, desire to learn, ability to have fun

Special Needs & Accommodations

MIPA is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Jeremy Steele, MIPA executive director, at 517-353-6761 or ask@mipamsu.org at least 10 business days prior to the start of our program so that we have time to make necessary arrangements. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Workshop Schedule

All times are in the Eastern time zone. Schedule is subject to change.

Sunday Schedule

2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Check in
5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
6:45 p.m. — Opening session
7:30 p.m. — First class meeting
8:15 p.m. — Keynote
9 p.m. — Recreational activities
10:45 p.m. — Floor meeting
11:15 p.m. — Bed check
1 a.m. — Lights out

Monday-Wednesday Schedule

7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
9-11:30 a.m. — Workshop class session
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch
1:30-4 p.m. — Workshop class session
4-5 p.m. — MIPA Cup Tournament activities
5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
7 p.m. — Evening session (speakers or project work time)
9 p.m. — Recreational activities
11 p.m. — Participants must be on assigned floor
11:15 p.m. — Bed check
1 a.m. — Lights out

Thursday Schedule

7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
9-10:45 a.m. — Workshop class session
11 a.m.-Noon — Closing session/Awards ceremony
Noon-1 p.m. — Check out