Photo prof spends summer at Nat'l Geographic

By ANNE E. PETTINGER
J-School Web Reporter

Click on photos or names to hear National Geographic photographers explain what it takes to work at the magazine.

© 2005 Teresa Tamura

Jodi Cobb, a staff photographer for National Geographic, began her career as a newspaper photojournalist.

© 2005 Teresa Tamura

Kurt Mutchler, an illustrations editor at National Geographic, shares his thoughts about what it takes to be a National Geographic photographer.

A UM photojournalism professor recently learned firsthand the ins and outs of a publication that some of her students would consider it a dream to work for: National Geographic.

Teresa Tamura spent 10 weeks this summer at the magazine’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., as this year’s recipient of the National Geographic Faculty Fellowship.

By the end of the summer, Tamura had a solid understanding of how the magazine operates, including its processes for designing, editing and selecting photos for publication.

She learned about all aspects of the magazine. Tamura interviewed about 60 people, asking questions her students had sent with her, including the popular “What qualities make a photographer attractive to National Geographic?” She returned with 30 short audio clips with advice for students.

Tamura also followed photographer Steve McCurry’s film as it was reviewed, processed, edited, presented and laid out for a story that will appear in the December issue of the magazine. She went to the printing plant, where she observed color correction work, and to an editorial meeting where editors discussed story ideas.

What most impressed her was the level of excellence at the magazine.  “Everyone there has a high standard and takes pride in their work, from the person who develops film to the top editors,” Tamura said.  “I was impressed by how good you have to be to reach that level.”

The fellowship prompted Tamura to change her teaching style in some ways. Because she saw how much research goes into magazine stories, Tamura has added more in-depth research to some of her own courses, such as having students research topics of their own choosing using the Lexis-Nexis catalog at UM’s Mansfield Library.

 “Since I haven’t worked as a magazine photographer, it helped me to see what they go through,” Tamura said.

photo by Sarah Galbraith

Editors at National Geographic donated 832 rolls of film to the UM J-School. Susan A. Smith, assistant director of photography at the magazine, also donated 30 books from her personal collection.

She also brought some supplies back to UM as a gift from the magazine, including nearly 800 rolls of film for students and more than $1,000 worth of photo books. 

The magazine does not use expired film, which is part of what prompted the donation.  Since it was refrigerated, though, and had only recently expired, Tamura said it would still be fine to use.   

“They were so generous to donate,” she said.

Tamura plans to make an iMovie detailing what she learned at Geographic, including recounting the advice of people who are on staff at the magazine about what it takes to work there. 

Summing up their responses is not easy, though.  “There were some similarities in people’s responses but each person spoke from his or her own unique perspective and position,” Tamura recalled.

Tamura cautions her students that making photos for National Geographic requires more than merely traveling to exotic locations. 

“I don’t think anyone has any idea of how hard they work,” she said.  “It’s not glamorous.  They’re oftentimes risking their lives.”

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