Date/Time
Date(s) - Mar 23, 2017
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location
Rochester College

Categories

The Association for Women in Communications – Detroit Chapter will host a panel discussion examining the power of images for journalists and communication professionals on Thursday, March 23rd from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The event will be held at Rochester College, located at 800 W. Avon Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307.

We’ve all heard the familiar saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but not all photographs are created equal. Today the world consists of instant news, total connectedness and information sharing. Every smart phone is equipped with a high-res camera capable of storing thousands of photographs. However, not every image captures the story or becomes iconic.

The Association for Women in Communications – Detroit Chapter is hosting this event to provide an excellent opportunity to learn from photographic experts. Get advice from professional photojournalists on how to capture “the right image” that will command attention. Attendees will learn strategies on how to stage images, act fast to capture that perfect moment, and combine image and narrative for maximum impact.

“Communication platforms are becoming increasing image-driven,” says panelist Melinda Kollins. “In the near past, journalists relied on their words to tell a story. Today all mediums are digital and social platforms are fundamentally changing the way we communicate to each other. As professional communicators, we must master the multi-media world.”

Four panelists will be on hand to share their insights and unique experience. Dr. Carol Cooper, who is the Chair of Mass Communications at Rochester College will serve as a moderator of the event. Dr. Cooper will be joined by Elayne Gross, photographer, Salwan Georges, Detroit Free Press photojournalist, and Melinda Kollins, public relations professional.

This event is open to professional communicators and the public. The cost for members is $25.00, future members, $35.00 and students $15.00.

About the Association for Women in Communications-Detroit Chapter
The Association for Women in Communications – Detroit Chapter is dedicated to advocating for women’s needs and honoring communication excellence.

About Our Panelists:

-Dr. Carol Cooper is associate professor and current chair of the Mass Communication Department at Rochester College. Carol moved to the UK with her family when she was 16 years old. She began her career in education teaching world religions in inner-city secondary school in London, before completing her MA in Film and Television, and her PhD in Communication and Media Studies. She finally returned to the US where she has taught in higher education for more than 25 years. Carol’s particular interests are in broadcast journalism, media ethics, and media representations of religion.

-Elayne Gross has been photographing parties and portraits for organizations and families throughout Metro Detroit for more than 20 years. Her event photography has appeared in Hour Detroit, D Business, Detroit Home, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Detroit Jewish News, The Knot Weddings, Hour Detroit Bride, and various other publications. Elayne’s clients include Detroit Historical Society, The Art of Wine, Michigan Women in Finance, The Women’s Caring Program, Focus:Hope, Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, The Orchards Children Center, Gleaner’s Power Breakfast.

-Melinda Kollins is a partner at UptownPR Detroit, providing public and community relations, campaign management, event marketing and organization, content and creative development. Currently, her clients include TTi Global, Fortis Energy Services, Artifactry, Westside Christian Academy, the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and the Metro Detroit Chapter of the US National Committee for UN Women, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. Other positions include the Detroit Press Club Board and the State Executive Committee of the ESGR. Melinda is active in numerous civic groups including the Friends of the Detroit Public Library and the Pontiac Women’s Roundtable.

-Salwan Georges, was born in Baghdad, Iraq, during the Gulf War. At the age of 8, Georges resettled with his family in Syria to escape the political turmoil in Iraq. They moved to the U.S. in 2004. His family settled in Southfield, where Georges graduated from Southfield-Lathrup High School. He earned an associate’s degree in photography from Oakland Community College and graduated from Oakland University with a journalism degree in 2015. Formerly an intern in the Detroit Free Press’ photo/video department, he is a staff photo journalist at the Free Press. His work has also appeared in the New York Times and Washington Post.