The second community photo book, in what MCMA students and staff hope to be a long series, is available. A Weekend in Cobden & Alto Pass reflects activities happening during a visit to those communities in the fall of 2010.

“It is hard to believe we do this all over the course of one weekend,” said Mark Dolan, School of Journalism faculty member and project advisor. “We set up a headquarters and then it is out to shoot.”

Dolan said students from his Images and Sound class find the experiences to be challenging but extremely rewarding. In addition to the undergraduates in Dolan’s class, several graduate students worked on the project as well.

Photojournalism professionals are invited in to guide students and provide immediate feedback on location. This instant review helps students with their work and allows them to see instantaneous results.

“The magic happens because of the professionals out there helping the teams,” said Dolan. “The one on one coaching out in the fields gives the students an unique opportunity.”

Dolan stressed the importance and magnitude of the students, professionals and community committing to full weekend project such as this workshop.

Prior to the weekend “invasion,” Dolan works with community leaders on logistics and details. Prior to the weekend in Cobden and Alto Pass, the project was first hosted in Murphsyboro.

“The communities have been wonderful to work with,” said Dolan. “The citizens and community leaders have been supportive and provided a lot of energy to the project.”

Cobden and Alto Pass (combined population of 1,600) citizens hosted the crews for meals, donated headquarter space and hosted receptions to promote the book. Rose Hogan of Cobden purchased 45 books, one for each of the 2011 graduating seniors.

“We loved having them down,” said Don Rehmer, Alto Pass village president. “They did a fantastic job shooting the book. It is a great benefit for the community; we are so excited to be a part of it.”

Dolan said each book sells for $20 and copies are still available. The School of Journalism sells the books to cover the cost of publication. All additional books are split between the community (ies) and the program.

The communities for the 2011 project are Crainville, Cambria and Carterville, also known as the tri-C area.

For more information or to purchase a copy of the book visit the MCMA website and click on the School of Journalism tab.