What difference does your relationship with Jesus Christ make in the photos you take? The Lord is challenging us as Christian photographers to use our cameras to inform, challenge, and build up others.

The goal of the School of Photography (SOP I) is to inspire and train Christians to use photography as a tool for the Kingdom of God. This can be accomplished through business or through more traditional missions. These schools are unique in teaching photography from a Christian perspective: not just what we do, not just technique, but how knowing Christ makes a difference in the work we complete.

We seek students who have a passionate, burning desire to go beyond a self-centered, "personal enrichment" or hobby level, who want to use their camera to serve others. The course is very concentrated 12-week course, so students must be highly motivated and teachable.

The School of Photography I includes color and black+white, is the first level in the U of N photography program. This program uses digital cameras. Successful completion of the SOP I is required for the SOP II.

 

The School of Photography I:

• provides individualized attention with class size limited to 16 students. The teaching is tailored to the level of experience and knowledge of each student.
• emphasizes the "hands-on" approach, with a balance of classroom sessions and shooting assignments from Christian professional photographers and UofN staff.
• approaches photography from a Biblical perspective, emphasizing Christian character in how the students use their cameras and photos, to reflect Christ's values in both how and what is photographed.
• continues the discipling process by building relationships.

Christian professional photographers have come to teach from England, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and the U.S. They have worked for publications including National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and the L.A. Times. Some of our past guest speakers have either been nominated for or worked on staffs which won the Pulitzer Prize for photography.

Equipment:

Students supply their own camera equipment: a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) with one or more interchangeable lenses to cover from wideangle to telephoto. They will also need an external flash with bounce and swivel, polarizing filter for each lens, digital cards (at least 8 GB total space), rechargeable batteries and charger for camera and flash (NiMH).

Contact numbers:

For the most up-to-date information and the quickest response, contact the school leader at:

• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• website - www.dennisfahringer.com
• phone: (808)-326-4400 (extension 4008)
• fax: (808)-326-4413

Prerequisite:

The prerequisite for the School of Photography I is completion of the YWAM-DTS (Discipleship Training School and Field Assignment -- IDS 701/702) or YWAM-CDTS (Crossroads Discipleship Training School -- IDS 703/704).  

Dates and Costs:

The School of Photography I is offered each year and is scheduled from
Jan. 7 - March 31, 2010. The next School of Photography II runs from July - Sept., 2010.

The School of Photography I (approximate)costs:

Country A: $5,000
Country B: $4,000
Country C: $3,000

which includes tuition, meals, housing, transportation for local field trips and most supplies.

Application:

Access application materials here.