Photo Bureau captures Luther campus in action

It’s hard to miss all the photos around campus buildings. Photos can be seen up and down the halls of the Union, Olin and lining the walls of the Regents’ track. But where are these pictures from? Who takes them? And more importantly, what can students do to get their photos up on the walls? The answers lie within Photo Bureau.

Photo Bureau is a branch of the Public Information Office. It is currently made up of seven student members, and is supervised by Jerry Johnson, director of Public Information. Photo Bureau’s pictures are used in a variety of ways. Images can be seen on the Luther Web site, Luther alumni magazine, calendars and assorted publications from the Admissions office. Students on campus, however, may be more acquainted with the many “campus scenes” photos displayed in buildings on campus.

Membership is small. Each semester there are only six or seven photographers and one student administrator. To be involved with Photo Bureau, students need to have experience with specific cameras as well as with PhotoShop software. Students then must provide a quality photo portfolio. Supervisor Jerry

Johnson says students should be able to “capture the image that tells the story.”

Members of Photo Bureau have the edge over the rest of the student body in that they are able to go backstage for many Luther events, including SAC concerts, on-campus lectures and performances, the Christmas at Luther dress rehearsal and other major entertainment presentations.

“For each event, we have to apply for access,” said Johnson. “Permission is granted by the performing group or their booking agency.”

Johnson has been the supervisor of Photo Bureau for 15 years. He states that, during this time, at least 12 student photographers have gone on to be either professional photographers or photo journalists.

“Photo Bureau provides educational and internship opportunities for students with the skill and desire to pursue those careers,” said Johnson.

Student photographer Andrew Kraabel (‘11) enjoys being a part of Photo Bureau because it allows him to get paid for what he loves to do. He is able to learn from other students, as well as from his supervisor. Of his passion for this creative avenue, Kraabel says he’s been interested in photography for a couple years.

“I expressed interest to Jerry at the end of last semester,” said Kraabel. “This spring semester, I was officially invited to join.”