Adobe Selects RIT as one of 25 Universities to Take Part in Photography Initiative
Students in RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences will work with Adobe and world-renowned photographer Colin Finlay to capture a unique cultural aspect of the Rochester community on Wednesday, Sept. 27. RIT photo students have selected Strong – National Museum of Play, the second largest children’s museum in the U.S. and the only museum in the world dedicated to the study of play. The museum recently was expanded and among the new attractions are an indoor butterfly garden, an indoor aquarium and an enhanced National Toy Hall of Fame.
On Sept. 27, more than a dozen student photographers will disperse both inside and outside the 282,000 square foot museum to photograph the building’s architecture, exhibits, collections, visitors and behind-the-scenes activity. The photo shoot starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Upon completion of the shoot, students will utilize Adobe’s new software, Lightroom beta, to edit and select their final images that will be showcased on the Web site, http://projectphotoshoplightroom.com.
“We want to capture the real spirit of children’s approach to play in this unique documentary experience,” says Douglas Ford Rea, RIT photography professor. “Students from RIT’s photojournalism, imaging and photo technology, and advertising photography programs will be taking part in this project. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to work side by side with a world renowned photographer as well as be among the first to work with software that will revolutionize the way photographers edit and prepare their images.”
Some of the other universities chosen for this initiative include San Francisco Art Institute, School of Visual Arts, Syracuse University, New York University, Parsons-The New School for Design.“This is the first program of its kind for Adobe to work with the photographic education community,” says Jennifer Stern, Adobe senior marketing manager, Lightroom beta and Photoshop, Professional Photographers. “RIT’s photo school was always at the top of our list from the genesis of this project. We want to enable the future photographers of America with the right tools to manage their day to day workflow needs and ultimately present their work to clients.”
“Strong is delighted that the RIT student photographers selected the museum as the venue for this exciting project,” says Laura Sadowski, vice president for marketing and development, Strong – National Museum of Play. “The range of color, creativity, and excitement that are inherent in the museum experience will surely yield some terrific images. We look forward to seeing the completed Lightroom Web site.”