Media Participation Project: The Diamondback

Before I arrived at University of Maryland, I had spent many days anxiously awaiting an email from the photography editors for the school's publication "The Diamondback." In high school I had always hoped to one day have my pictures published in the prestigious newspaper, but assumed an opportunity like that would only come in my Junior and Senior year. So when I had received an email from the Journalism school stating that the paper was looking for photographers I was slightly over excited and quickly submitted my application.

After pacing in front of my laptop for about two days I finally received a response. Opening the email, I acquired my first assignment: to submit five photos taken in my home town within a short deadline. Four days later, I nervously submitted my pictures and apprehensively awaited my fate. Soon after I was invited for an interview on campus and would eventually be selected as a photographer for the publication.

At the Diamondback, I usually cover anywhere from two to five assignments per week. I mostly photograph sports like soccer and field hockey. My most challenging assignment was shooting the Hornbake Library Archives Acceptance ceremony. There were several extremely important figures there including President Loh and Maryland State Senate President Mike Miller Jr.

For this assignment, I have submitted one of my pictures that was published for the women's soccer game against Boston College that occurred on Sunday. The game was an easy shoot with perfect sunlight, nice weather, and also a great game. The Lady Terrapins would lose in overtime 0-1, which made for dramatic pictures as they fought to gain control of the game. In my picture I captured Defender Amanda Gerlitz grappling for the ball overtop a BC player.

Working for the Diamondback has been a phenomenal experience, not only because I am pursuing one of my dreams already in my Freshman year, but also because I am learning an incredible amount about my camera and photographing style. I believe that I have gained much more than I have given to the Diamondback and hope to continue working for the publication throughout the rest of my college career.