By SUNSHINE OSELLA
Features Editor
Kelly Pfeister, a sophomore communications major and photographer for the college student newspaper, The Chronicle, had her photographs published in the Sunday, Jan. 22 edition of The New York Times.
Pfeister’s pictures appeared in the “Education Life” section, within the context of a photospread about methods used on college campuses to reduce stress. Pfeister found out about this opportunity from Cailin Brown, communications professor and Chronicle faculty advisor.
“Kelly Pfeister does fine work for The Chronicle week after week,” said Brown. “When the public relations department asked for a student photographer, I felt fortunate to recommend Kelly for the New York Times assignment.”
This opportunity came through collaboration between the Office of Public Relations & Marketing and the Communications Department. Benjamin Marvin, director of media relations, said that in November an association to which Saint Rose belongs alerted its members that the New York Times was seeking ideas for a “Trendspotting” photospread to be published in its January 2012 edition of “Education Life,” a quarterly publication.
“One idea that the editors already had under consideration was how colleges help their students de-stress at exam time by, among other things, bringing in therapy pets,” said Marvin. “As the College’s media relations person, I look for, and respond to, opportunities for Saint Rose to gain exposure in the national and local media.”
Marvin said that he sent The New York Times editor a pitch about the semi-annual Stress-Free Zone sponsored by the Counseling Center and the Study Breakfast. Marvin said, “The editors liked what we offered and asked me to put them in touch with a student to photograph it. That’s where Cailin and I worked together to make it happen.”
Once Pfeister told Brown she was interested in this opportunity, photo associate Brian Nichols from the New York Times contacted her by email. She then submitted a portfolio to Nichols.
“I heard back from Brian a few days later when he told me he would like me to shoot the Stress-Free Zone,” said Pfeister. “He gave me some suggestions on what sort of shots to get, such as wide angles and details.”
Pfeister used two cameras interchangeably to take pictures of the Stress-Free Zone. She used a Canon 60D, with an 18-55 kit lens and a 50 mm lens. Pfeister said she took 300 to 400 photographs.
Pfeister said that she first became passionate about photography when she received a camera for Christmas when she was 15. “I found out that I really love taking photos of people, because, as cliché as it sounds, when you take a photo of something, or somebody, it never changes, and you can always look back on it, unlike present life, which is constantly changing,” said Pfeister. “I feel like photos should be able to immortalize a person, sort of, and that’s what I love most about photography.”
Pfeister said that being at Saint Rose has really helped her improve her photography. She said that this is because everyone has been incredibly welcoming; especially those who have asked her to take photos for them. “Without this, I probably wouldn’t have been confident at even attempting to take photos for the New York Times,” said Pfeister.
She said that she is grateful for the help she received from Brown and Marvin during this process. She also said that photographing the bands at Jack’s Place, as well as the musicians that have asked her to take photos for them has definitely helped her figure out that photography is something that she would like to do with her life. Pfeister also contributes this to the support of her parents.
“We truly are excited for Kelly and delighted that we could help her gain this super experience and outstanding exposure,” said Marvin. “She did all the work; we simply provided the connection.”
To view the photo that was featured in the hard copy of the New York Times, look for it on page 34 of “Education Life” in the Sunday, Jan. 22 edition. A different photo by Pfeister was also featured on the New York Times website. You can see it here. The photo, showing freshmen Colin Ruggiero and Will Mintzer, is the third in the slideshow.
“Publication in the Times is an extraordinary accomplishment for an undergraduate, and the college and The Chronicle are proud to count Kelly Pfeister as one of our own,” said Brown.
Pfeister has a spread showing views of the inside of the newly renovated portion of the Neil Hellman library this week. You can check them out here.
UPDATE: Due to Pfeister’s New York Times debut we have compiled some of her most notable photography for The Chronicle.
