Combat Camera training helps Reservists improve photo skills

  • Published
  • By Michael Dukes
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  About 23 Air Force Reserve public affairs specialists from bases across the country showed up at Joint Base Charleston this week with an eagerness to improve their photo skills under the tutelage of some of the Air Force's most elite photographers - 1st Combat Camera Squadron.

"This three day training is not designed to make the Reservists into instant award winning photographers, but rather to give them the building blocks toward become better photographers," said Clarence Brown, 1st CCS's chief of Still Photo Standardization.

Attendees traveled from as far as March Air Reserve Base, Calif. and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Buffalo, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Roman, a public affairs broadcaster from the 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Carswell Field, Texas, said he saw this training as " an opportunity to better learn the camera," and to get away from shooting in "full auto" mode.

This rare training opportunity was set into motion after Senior Airman Meredith Thomas, 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, was on a local C-17 Globemaster III flight which happened to have a 1st Combat Camera photographer on board.

"I've always wanted to work with Combat Camera because they train hard to capture true images in adverse situations. The opportunity came when I flew on a mission with Tech Sgt. Denoris Mickle. He gave me some great photography tips on the flight and was eager to show me new techniques and get me in place for good shooting opportunities," said Thomas.

"It really started out as a selfish endeavor - I wanted to work with this local group of outstanding photographers in order to absorb as much information as possible - but the idea really grew into something bigger that resulted in an excellent training opportunity for Reservists who don't have access to award-winning professionals like we do here at Charleston," Thomas said.

The training focused on imagery management practices, camera setup, photo exposure and composition, using an on camera flash, balancing light and shooting stories.

Brown told the class that being a good photographer was about understanding proper technique. "If you understand the technique then you can take any photo you want."

Participants received classroom instruction during the first half of each day. Then they broke off into shooting groups to practice what they learned. Combat Camera photographers joined them to help them with any techniques they were unsure of and to suggest additional techniques.

"Having the opportunity to mentor people like these Reservists helps me to revisit the skills I've learned over the years as a photographer," said Tech. Sgt. Denoris Mickle, an aerial combat photographer with 1st CCS here and one of the advisors for the training session.

"It's great to be able to help close the gap in photo quality, by improving skills in those who might not shoot every day and helping them understand the technique required necessary for great photos," Mickle said.

"The training helped reinforce good techniques and was great for networking and sharing skills that are critical for public affairs," said Tech Sgt. Shawn McCowan from the 301st Fighter Wing at NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Carswell Field, Texas.

"I am so proud to have been a part of this training. I am taking away several useful new skills and I hope we can continue to offer similar training opportunities in the future," Thomas said.

"Learning from a group like 1st Combat Camera, who does this every day, is invaluable," said 1st Lt. Jeff Kelly, from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
"Photography is just one of the many things we do in PA," Kelly said. "Learning from the experts has definitely helped me, and I plan to use what I learned to train my photojournalists back at Whiteman."

"I worked with someone attending the class who was a little shy, but in need of a little help" Mickle said. "Then I saw the light bulb go on when he finally got it. That helps me see that what we are doing is helping."

"The Combat Camera Airmen and Mr. Brown really did all of the heavy lifting. They did a fantastic job of presenting the material in a way that could be understood by everyone, regardless of their skill level behind the camera."

"We put the information out there for them and they went out and got some great photos," Brown said.

"Everyone who picks up a camera is a communicator," said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, 1st CCS commander to the class on the final day. "You have to be plugged in and connected to what's happening in the Air Force."

"Remember, if you are attached to a unit with a flying mission, that should be a priority in your communication," Johnson said.
"Our job is extra hard," Johnson said. "Your commitment and passion to communicate effectively is very important."