Agricultural communicators club hosts photography workshop

Kenna Kesler would love nothing more than if the participants in an upcoming workshop could develop a passion for photography like hers. 

“I want this to be something that they love like I love,” she said. “I want to give them the chance to see everything through the lens.”

Attempting to extend professional development opportunities to club members, Utah State University’s chapter of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow opened a series of photography workshops on Tuesday

“Visual media is imperative to a career in agricultural communication,” said Kesler, a professional photographer and an adviser of the USU ACT chapter. “We want to teach these people the skills they will need in their career by going beyond classroom learning in a great way.”

The first workshop focused on creating compelling photos through the strategic use of light, according to Kesler who led the lesson.

“These professional development activities prepare us for real-world experiences,” said Emma Lane, the chapter president. “Sometimes our classes aren’t enough, so giving students opportunities to learn more helps us prepare for life after graduation. That is what I want to focus on this year.”

Kelsey Hall, a professor at USU and the national adviser of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, wasn’t sure the local chapter could host a large number of workshops and still meet the national chapter requirements. The club must complete service projects and fundraisers, as well as host social and educational events to maintain its national standing as a chapter. 

“We have to consider our national obligations as a chapter,” she said. “Hopefully, we can work these workshops into everything else because they are great for the professional development of our members.”

The next chapter event will focus on professional portfolio development and will be hosted on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. The location is yet to be announced, but chapter leaders hoped to hold the workshop in the Agricultural Sciences building on the USU campus. 

“Students are always more willing to participate if they get something valuable in return,” Hall said. “Giving them these professional skills is a wonderful incentive.”

“Things like a photography workshop tie into the bigger idea of the club,” Kesler said. “We give students skills, help them with career readiness and give them a chance to really apply their learning. It’s so exciting to be a part of that.” 

Photo caption: Kenna Kesler helps Addison Stoddard adjust the settings on her camera during the workshop on Tuesday. Participants in the USU Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow workshop were given time to practice the skills being taught and received one-on-one coaching.