RIT photojournalism sets attendance record at legendary, invitation-based workshop

A handful of current and former students in RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences’ photojournalism option are in an exclusive group selected for the legendary Eddie Adams Workshop, an annual event in its 30th year of existence. 

Fourth-year students Brittainy Newman, Joey Ressler and Daniel Vasta, Michael Owens and alumna Meg Oliphant (2017) will partake in the tuition-free, intensive photography workshop named after the late Eddie Adams, a celebrated, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist. They are among just 100 students and recent graduates from around the world chosen for the four-day opportunity based on the merit of their portfolios. RIT's crew of five is the most the workshop has ever had from one university in a single year, an Eddie Adams organizer said.

The gathering that serves students and young professionals a chance to absorb knowledge and expertise from leading photographers in the industry is set for Oct. 6-9 in Jeffersonville, N.Y., approximately 120 miles northwest of New York City. 

“I am extremely excited to learn amongst the best of the best in the industry,” Newman said. “I specifically would like to become better at editing my own work as well as conversing more openly about what images are missing from my take in order to tell a story with dignity and honesty.

“I believe with the immense talent that attends the EAW and the vast knowledge from the faculty, I will truly have an unforgettable experience.”

RIT photojournalism has a history of a strong presence at the premier workshop, set for its 30th installment. 

William Snyder, RIT photojournalism chair and professor, has watched many students and alumni enjoy the honor of being picked for the EAW throughout his nine years in the College of Art and Design. Snyder said the program has averaged around two to three selections per year for most of that time, but five will be the most RIT has sent during his tenure.

“For 30 years, the Eddie Adams Workshop has been recognized around the world as one of the most influential workshops and the launching pad for so many great careers in visual journalism,” Snyder said. “Many of the EAW editors and instructors attended as college students or as young graduates. I’m so proud that five of our students were chosen for the EAW. It is recognition of the great job that our faculty and program are doing in producing superior visual storytellers.”