Antonio Hernandez
Pierce College students interested in photography will soon have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to personally see the preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
The China Pre-Olympic Photographic Workshop will be taking students to Beijing, China, to participate in photographing Olympic facilities and various important landmarks of the country.
The 17-day trip that begins Dec. 26 is the first of its kind, cooperating directly with Renim University’s School of Journalism, located in Beijing.
It will be conducted by Larry M. Kushner and Joel Degrand.
Kushner is currently adjunct assistant professor at Pierce and has been taking photographs in China for the past 40 years.
He has also lectured at various Chinese universities, including Renim University.
Joel Degrand currently teaches at Columbia College in Chicago.
He has also visited and photographed China.
The workshop is open nationally and will be joining 30 students from the United States with 30 Chinese students from Renim University.
“Placing these students together will create a much different experience than any programmed tour.” said Kushner.
They will be traveling to various Olympic sites, including the Birdnest Arena Olympic Stadium in Beijing.
They will also visit cultural landmarks, including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.
Each team of students will also have the opportunity to independently explore Beijing with only a camera and local transportation to guide them.
While by the end of the workshop students will have their own portfolio, Kushner is currently looking for sponsors to publish the pictures in a book.
If published, the book could possibly be distributed worldwide to promote the Olympic Games.
Students looking to earn credit for the workshop are urged to contact their colleges to see if independent or directed study credit is available.
The estimated cost for the workshop has yet to be determined. It will include round trip transportation from Los Angeles to Beijing and four-star hotel accommodations.
The package will not include meals or transportation for students when they independently go out to photograph.
“Renting out a bus would cost well over $200 for the day, adding to the package expense,” said Kushner.
“We thought it would be less expensive for the participants, considering the price for riding a bus in Beijing is 12 to 15 cents (American dollars).”
” As for meals, while out on a photo shoot you don’t exactly have time to go back to the hotel and grab food.”
“Working with the Chinese students, you’ll have a better chance snagging a well-priced meal at a close diner that they know about,” he said.
The joining of USA students with their Chinese counterparts is a stressed point of the workshop.
While traveling with their partners, students will have the opportunity to make friends and learn more about China and its culture.
“While going over there as photographers, there is another purpose that is just as important, which is to meet people and learn about their wonderful culture.” said Kushner.
A New Year’s Eve party has also been planned for the students.
Though no guest speakers have been confirmed, Kushner hopes to get a variety of figures from the Chinese media.
To receive the curriculum and further information, contact Kushner via email: lmkphoto@gmail.com.