RIT's Big Shot at the Alamo is Coming Into Focus

After nearly a year of preparation, the stage is set for the most exciting photo sessions in the history of Rochester Institute of Technology. Within weeks, a team from RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences will be in San Antonio for Big Shot 2001.

On Saturday, March 10, the group of students, faculty and staff will gather on the grounds of the Alamo for this nighttime photographic spectacle. Armed with flashlights and electronic camera flash units, participants will illuminate the "shrine of Texas liberty" during a two-minute explosion of light. At that time, faculty photographers plan to capture a breathtaking image, commemorating 165 years since the fall of the Alamo. Preparations for that have been underway since last spring.

"All that’s left is to work out details on lighting the Alamo and staging the event," says Michael Peres, RIT professor and Big Shot co-coordinator. "The city of San Antonio has been a big help, granting us a permit and agreeing to temporarily turn off area street lights that would otherwise interfere with the project."

About 60 RIT students will make the trip to San Antonio to participate in Big Shot. Last December, an auction was held on campus to support their transportation and lodging costs. The event raised $8,300, and the university’s Division of Student Affairs provided matching funds.

Hundreds of other volunteers are also expected to take part. RIT alumni, particularly those living in and around Texas, have been invited to attend. Coordinators also encourage San Antonio area residents to join in the activities. Participants will gather at the Alamo beginning at 6:30 p.m. The photograph will be taken at 7:30 p.m.

This becomes the first RIT Big Shot conducted outside New York since the tradition started in 1987. For more information on this history of the event, or to view previous year’s photographs, visit the Big Shot Web site at http://photography.rit.edu.

MEDIA NOTE: Press packets are available upon request by calling (716) 475-4950.