The last presentation was the tables being turned. Billy Weeks was interviewed by Alexis McMurtry, a senior Communication major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with minors in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies.
Colleges play a vital role in their communities, not just through education but also by fostering public engagement. One excellent example is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s (UTC) Photo Night, spearheaded by Billy Weeks. This event brings together students, professionals, and the broader community to celebrate photography, storytelling, and visual media’s impact on society.
Nick Fantasia, a Photographer for Marketing and Communications at Tennessee Tech University, shared insights on the reality of professional photography. He emphasized to students that 90-95% of his photos never see the light of day. Instead, they are stored in a photo database where their usage is unpredictable. However, the images that do get consistent use are his environmental portraits, which thrive on social media.
Angela Foster, a photojournalist for over 30 years who now serves as the University Photographer at UTC, highlighted the purpose behind her work during her workshop. She stated, “My job is to make [UTC] the most fun place to go to school.” She captures student life, classes, and events, creating imagery that defines the university’s public identity and outreach.
Rich Glickstein, a former photojournalist-turned-psychotherapist, provided an essential perspective on the emotional toll of photography. His workshop addressed the importance of mental health for visual storytellers. He encouraged photographers to find ways to process their emotions so that photography remains a sustainable career and passion. He stressed that balancing emotionally taxing assignments with activities that fully engage one’s attention is critical.
This idea of balance resonated with me as I recently rediscovered my love for music by picking up the flugelhorn. Learning a new skill requires focus, which contributes to long-lasting mental well-being. Music, like photography, is a powerful tool for processing emotions, reducing stress, and engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is linked to therapeutic benefits in EMDR therapy. A 2020 study by Spotify found that 89% of participants felt playing an instrument positively impacted their mental health, and 75% used music to de-stress and unwind.
Photo Night itself was an inspiring event. Student projects were showcased, highlighting exceptional talent. Billy Weeks then led short interviews with professional photographers, allowing them to share select images and discuss the stories behind them. Instead of lengthy presentations, this format ensured a concise yet engaging experience, followed by a brief slideshow and an open Q&A session.
Having organized and participated in workshops for over 30 years—from the Southwestern Photojournalism Seminar to the CIP Atlanta meetings and my FOCUS group—I’ve found that creatives benefit most when asked the right questions. Many speakers struggle to gauge what an audience truly wants to know, and structured interviews like those conducted by Weeks create meaningful and engaging discussions.
What Billy Weeks has cultivated at UTC should be replicated at photography programs worldwide. These events extend student work beyond the classroom, fostering connections with professionals and inviting the public to engage with the power of storytelling. At its core, photography is about informing and connecting communities, and UTC’s Photo Night exemplifies this mission beautifully.
