[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Selfie Time

 By:Skye Taylor

Hello, my name is Skye Taylor and I am a multimedia journalsim major. I have worked with DLSR cameras a few times over different semesters, but just the basics. I am excited to learn more about photojournalism this summer!

[ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT 1] - Tony Billups

 By: Bryce Clenney

Tony Billups of Panama City Beach, Florida

"When I was younger there is no way I could have pictured I'd be living in Panama City Beach, Florida, managing a Walmart, with a wife, and two kids. Don't get caught up worrying about what other people might think or where they're at in life. Just be yourself man. Roll with the punches. If everyone would just take a step back to appreciate what they have and treat every day like it's their last, I think this world would be a whole lot better off."

[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Working the Summer Turns

 By: Camryn Hughes 

A Hendley Properties sign is displayed in front of their main office location with colorful flowers planted in front of it. Hendley Properties was founded in 1968 and owns many housing developments around Statesboro. 

This street in the Planter's Row property is beginning to look empty now that residents have begun moving out.  Most resident's that have graduated or are moving to another location have moved out of the houses leaving them empty and ready for repairs.

Connor Gillis, one of the maintenance workers, walks towards the Planters Row leasing office for a morning meeting. The morning meeting is where maintenance workers meet with the leasing agents to discuss what needs to be done that day. 

Connor Gillis and Jon "JJ" Hendley head toward their trucks after the meeting to discuss their plans for the day. "We like to start the day by dividing up tools and figuring out who is gonna do what" said Connor Gillis. 

JJ Hendley and Connor Gillis discuss their plans for the morning. "It is super important to make sure the empty units are cleaned and in good shape with repairs sooner than later since early move in is coming up quick" said JJ Hendley. 

Connor Gillis stands by his truck drinking some water from a bottle. " It's too dang hot to not be drinking water you know. Gotta get a lot done and that's not gonna happen if you pass out" said Connor Gillis. 

Connor Gillis looks through inventory in a storage shed to see what needs to be ordered for different units. The maintenance team has 4-6  weeks to ensure that properties are ready for new tenants. 

Cardboard boxes and trash are piled up on the ground outside a storage shed. " We're trying to keep it all together until the dumpster gets delivered" said Connor Gillis. 

Connor Gillis sits in his truck after loading supplies into his truck. Connor Gillis is checking his property maintenance request list to see where all he is going today. 

Connor Gillis is looking in JJ Hendley's truck for tools. " JJ likes to say he usually carries the electrical tools, he really just borrows mine and conveniently forgets to give them back" said Connor Gillis.

Connor Gillis drives to another property. Hendley Properties owns housing communities all over Statesboro so the maintenance team typically has to drive around multiple times a day. 

Connor Gillis looks through his toolbox for the right tool. Connor Gillis is responding to a maintenance request for a busted outdoor electrical box. 

JJ Hendley and Connor Gillis work together to fix the outdoor electrical box. "We really enjoy working together. It makes the day not suck so much" said JJ Hendley. 

Connor Gillis and April Powell stand at Connors truck in a discussion. April Powell is a leasing manager with Hendley Properties. 

JJ Hendley bends over screwing in the electrical box. "I really hate these things sometimes. I like working with my hands and facing stuff but it's annoying when things don't wanna work" said JJ Hendley.

Connor Gillis sits in his truck while talking to JJ outside. While Gillis and Hendley typically work together on most projects, they do split up occasionally. 

Connor Gillis rings resident's doorbell to see if they are home. One of Connors' tasks for thew day is to complete outdoor checks of the residence. 

Connor Gillis squats, checking the air conditioning unit to ensure it is working properly. "One thing we always check is the AC units, especially in the summer, it's better to know sooner Tham later if somethings up" said Connor Gillis. 

Connor Gillis inspects the inside of a resident's fence. After Hurricane Helene, this resident's fence was damaged and the broken sections were replaced. 

Two geese sit in the grasss looking toward the pond (not pictured). Even though human residents are beginning to move out, the animal residents are enjoying the peace and quiet. 

[ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT 1] Porsha Williams

 By: Destiny Vickerie

Porsha Williams, Dental Assistant

“I’ve been working as a dental assistant for about a year now, and I just finished school to become fully certified. It’s been a big journey from like balancing work, school, and being a mom but, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, and dentistry felt like a good fit because I enjoy helping people feel more confident. I’m also a mom to a 8-year-old daughter who has autism. She’s my world and my biggest motivation. Every day, she teaches me patience, strength, and resilience. There are challenges, of course, but she’s incredibly smart and loving. Everything I do is to create a better life for her and show her what’s possible. Now that I’ve completed school, I’m looking forward to growing in this field and being a source of support for others going through similar journeys.”

[Environmental Portrait 1] Maxine McGrath

 By: Tyler McComb

Maxine McGrath, Head Resources Officer at the Gallaway School. 

I worked with the Atlanta Police Department for 30 years and I have been retired for 8 years. For the last 4 years, I've worked at a local school here in Atlanta as a resource officer. I find it fulfilling to work with children to hopefully make a positive impact on them with the civilian/police relationship. People have a lot of strong opinions about the police nowadays. It makes me feel good to show the younger generation that not all police officers are bad, and hopefully they will grow up to feel that way.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Mirror Mirror on the wall

 By: Jayvon Adams 

Hey, I'm Jayvon Adams and I'm a senior at Georgia Southern, majoring in multimedia journalism. I have been using cameras a lot in my 3 years at GSU and I've grown to like them, like a lot . I'm ready to know the more technical side of a camera, get to know how to do more and capture things better through the lens.

[ENVIRONMENTAL PORTAIT 1] Michael Cobel

By: Cheyann Armstrong

Michael Cobel

Building Inspector To Cruiser

"Carnival gave me this free cruise because my wife got sick on the trip to Alaska and had to have emergency surgery in Juno and I had to pay $1,800 to get off the ship to be able to stay there with her... So this one's all about me!"

[ENVIROMENTAL PORTRAIT 1] Tia Garrett

 By: Greyden Gay

Tia Garrett is an audio tech at Dublin ENT.

"What I love most about my job is that I get the chance to make a difference in someone's life. I work a lot with kids, and it is amazing to see how excited they get when they hear something clearly for the first time. And then there are the older patients, too. I have had a few patients tell me that they can finally hear their grandkids again, and that really reminds me of how important this kind of work is!"

[MINOR ASSIGNMET] Destiny Vickerie's DSLR selfie

 By: Destiny Vickerie

About Me:

Hi! I’m a Film major with a growing interest in photography and visual storytelling. While most of my experience has been behind the camera on film sets, I’m still learning the ins and outs of DSLR photography. This course is helping me expand my creative eye beyond motion pictures and think more intentionally about still images, composition, and lighting. I’m looking forward to building my skills and seeing how photojournalism overlaps with the visual language of film.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT] SUMMER 2025

 By:Ariana Walker 

Hey, my name is Ariana Walker I’m a multimedia journalism major.Haven’t really worked with cameras that much but I am excited to learn.

[Environmental Portrait 1] Jackie Phillips

By Avery Fischer
 

Jackie Phillips Owner of The Flowergirl, Statesboro GA

 "My favorite thing is being a part of people's special day, and not about being a part of the whole wedding, it's about being the final accessory to a bride on her day, and when I hand it to her bouquet, and she cries because it's just perfect. I feel like I did my job, but I am also there for babies, graduation, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and things like that. Even when I am not present, a little piece of my art is present."  

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1]- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

 By: Makenna Skipper

Hi! I’m a Public Relations and Hospitality student at Georgia Southern. I worked with DSLR cameras last semester in Fundamentals of Multimedia Journalism, so I’m somewhat familiar with the basics, but I’m definitely still learning. I’m excited to get more confident behind the lens and learn how to tell compelling visual stories this summer!

[ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT 1] Jaycie Bailey

 By: Camryn Hughes 

Jaycie Bailey is Georgia Southern Exercise Science Graduate, Class of 2025. 

"For me, exercise has always been a part of my life. I loved playing sports growing up but didn't want to do it in college. That's when I really fell in love with the gym and with training. It just made sense to me to go to school for exercise science since it was something I already liked doing and I wanted to know more about the why and how it works. Everyone has different experiences and really I just want to be someone who can help people live a healthy lifestyle and love the gym the way I do."

{MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1}- SUMMER '25

 By: Laila Espinosa Moore

Hi, my name is Laila Espinosa Moore and I'm a multimedia journalism major. This is the first time I've used this type of camera as you can see on my face, I was very confused. But, overall, I'm excited to tap into photography for its always been an interest of mine. I usually mostly write or film something so I'm excited to learn more in general about different ways to story tell. 

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Chance Lucas Summertime classes!!! The hustle begins.

 By. Chance Lucas 

Hey everyone, my name is Chance Lucas, and I have grown a passion of working in the photojournalism field ever since I started using my photography skills at the university. I have been working with DSLR camaras for almost five years when I started teaching myself during the pandemic. I have worked with local publications around the Statesboro area doing journalist work while adding my photography skills to the mix. I am looking forward to this class, so I can grow overall in being a photojournalist. 

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] - First Blog!

 

About ME!

My name is Tommy Heraty and I am from Milton, Georgia. I have very little experience with photo journalism and any sort of photography in general besides using my phone. I have never really used a DSLR camera until now so I am excited to test it more and gain more knowledge of it. I am really looking forward to this course and challenging myself to get better. Looking forward to a good class!

[Minor Assignment 1] On a carnival cruise right now

 By:Zamir Freeman

I’m a Public Relations major with a growing interest in visual storytelling, I enjoy exploring photo stories and how images can capture the emotion and depth behind everyday moments. I’m currently out of the country and won’t have access to my DSLR until I return on May 23rd, but I look forward to building more experience and developing my eye for impactful photography.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Saying hi!

 By: Avery Fischer

Hey Everyone! My name is Avery Fischer and I am a Senior Public Relations major here at Georgia Southern! I don't know much about photography, but my mom always had a love for it! I am excited for this class because I am going on some fun adventures this Summer. I didn't know much about a DSLR until using my friends! I am ready to learn more about how to properly use photography in the world!

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] SUMMER 25

 By: Trinity Jackson

Hey everyone! My name is Trinity Jackson, and I'm a senior majoring in MMJ. This is my first time really using a camera consistently so I'm excited!

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] First day of summer classes!

 By: Dakota Guy 

Hey, Y’all! I’m Dakota Guy, an upcoming senior MMJ major. ' I’m still learning the ropes of photography, but I’ve picked up some of the basics, especially with DSLR cameras, thanks to my mom’s love for it (and her impressive collection of gear that now lives all over our house). While I’m new to photojournalism, I’m excited to grow my skills and start capturing more moments that matter. Maybe this will finally motivate me to start posting on Instagram again lol.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Go Braves!

 By: Tyler McComb

My name is Tyler. I'm from Atlanta and I love playing and watching sports. I have little to no experience with photography or photojournalism. Before I read the syllabus for this class, I had never heard the term DSLR. Although I have no experience with photography, I have always found it interesting and I'm excited to learn more.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] First Day of Class!

 By: Bryce Clenney

Hey everyone, my name is Bryce Clenney and I am originally from Albany, GA. I am in my senior year here at Georgia Southern, and I am majoring in Public Relations. I am currently back home in Panama City, Florida tending to things while my parents are away for a few weeks, hence why I do not have a DSLR camera quite yet. Regardless, I am very excited to take this course over the next few weeks with you all and learn the ins and outs of Photojournalism.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Short and sweet introduction

 By: Samaria Fields

Hello!! My name is Samaria, but I prefer to go by Mari. I absolutely have zero photography knowledge, I only have admiration for those who pursue this career and passion. Especially after spending over 2 1/2 hours trying to figure out how to snap a photo using this camera. Hopefully through this course, I am able to dive into the thrills of photography.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] DSLR Selfie

 By: Brandon Murray 

Hi everyone! I’m a senior majoring in Multimedia Journalism with a strong interest in sports journalism. My passion for photojournalism first sparked during my Dr. Riley's Fundamentals class. My experience so far has been limited to photographing art events and baseball games, I’ve since invested in my own DSLR and have been practicing photography here and there on the side. I’m excited for the opportunity to finally grow as a photographer.

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Cruise Along with Cheyann

 By: Cheyann Armstrong

Hey y'all! My name is Cheyann Armstrong and I am entering my senior year at Georgia Southern. I do not have much experience with photography, but I find it super interesting. I manage the social media page at work and take some pictures there, but they are not professional by any means and are most often taken off my phone lol. I am hoping to find some fun things/people to photograph while I am on a cruise this week!

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] introducing myself, hi !

 By: Greyden Gay

Hi, my name is Greyden Gay! I am from Dublin, GA and am a Public Relations major. I do not have any prior experience in photojournalism, but am very excited to take this class! I do not know anything about photography technically, but I do love taking pictures. I always have my digital and disposable camera with me everywhere that I go! I actually did not know what a DSLR camera was until yesterday, or really what that meant. I am excited to learn more in this class and to kick my photography skills up a notch!

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Mirror Selfie

 By: Camryn Hughes

Hi everyone! My name is Camryn Hughes and I am a Senior Communications Major here at Georgia Southern. I am super excited for this class and can't wait to take more pictures. I have a small digital camera I like to take pictures on, but have never used a DSLR camera. I am very eager to learn more about photojournalism and spend the summer taking pictures. 

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Camden Lang DSLR Mirror Picture

 By: Camden Lang

My name is Camden Lang and I was born and raised in St. Marys, Georgia. I am 21, and live in Statesboro. I recently just got hired at the Publix in town, so I'm excited for that this summer and into the fall semester. I am going into my last semester of college this fall, and will graduate with a multimedia journalism degree. I got my first taste of photography/photojournalism last semester in Fundamentals of Journalism with Dr. Riley. I found some fun in taking pictures, specifically when I photographed a GSU basketball game and the infamous corn hole showdown between some com arts professors. I hope to one day cover sports journalism, mainly football or basketball, but I am also open to the idea of teaching high school history (my major before switching to MMJ). I am excited for this class and to expand on my photography skills!

[MINOR ASSIGNMENT 1] Hey it's Dr. Riley, taking photos in the summertime!

 By: Jeff Riley

Hey there friends. My name is Dr. Riley. I got into photojournalism when I learned that I could earn an extra $65 per assignment if I also took photos to go with the assignment. That led me to making money that I could spend on things like rent, food, and even beer. From there, I gained a real genuine passion for the artform of photography and visual storytelling. It really started for me when I tried to get better at photography by going back and learning the fundamentals (like y'all are gonna do). 

Welcome to MMJ3333 PhotoJournalism for Summer 2025!

 

Hey friends!

This semester, we're going to be using this Blogger website for posting/sharing our assignments.

This offers us a huge advantage, because photography and photojournalism is really one of those skill sets where it helps to see what other people are doing. So use this website to not only see what your peers this semester are doing, but also check out what folks in your shoes last year did.

Beyond this point on the website, all the posts are from the summer 2024-2021 summer courses. The assignments were the same as yours (mostly), so feel free to scroll back through their photostories, environmental portraits, and minor assignments to see what/how they did.

Note, this should only be used for inspiration, not copying. Not all of these assignments were winners, as you will probably see. Some of them left a lot of room for improvement, and I think you'll probably note that. But note HOW and WHY they had room for improvement. Lack of focus? Boring story idea? Shots too underexposed? Too many similar angles? Learn from it.

So just note, everything from this post and back is from last summer. Summer 2025 starts... now!

-Dr. Riley.

P.S. I think we're going to have a really great (short) summer semester together!