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The photojournalists at the end of the seminar
(Photo: Koffi Guy Honoré/ US Embassy) |
Photo-Journalists and Professional Photographers Receive Training at the US Embassy
The American Embassy organized on September 11-12, 2007 a two-day workshop for about 35 local photojournalists -- both from government and private newspapers --, and professional photographers. The workshop was conducted in partnership with REPMASCI – a Network of Ivoirian Artists and Journalists Against AIDS.
Dr. James Chip Thomas, a medical doctor and a photographer led the discussions. He was assisted by an Ivoirian speaker. Discussions focused, among other topics, on "How Photojournalists cover HIV/AIDS". Chip encouraged journalists to publish photos that lessen fear and create hope amongst people living with HIVAIDS.
Using his personal works and pictures, he gave participants tips and techniques on how to tell an HIV/AIDS-related story through pictures and the art of making ordinary photos become extraordinary. He also highlighted pictures journalists should and should not use when covering HIV/AIDS. Our journalists were also given information about PEPFAR’s major contributions to the campaign against HIV/AIDS throughout Côte d’Ivoire.
The program was an excellent opportunity for the Embassy to share with the media its efforts aimed at fighting the disease in Côte d’Ivoire. The program, which was the first of its kind, designed for photojournalists, prompted suggestions from the trainees for further training in photojournalism.
