BRISTOL, Tenn. – Every third weekend in September, the streets of downtown Bristol, TN/VA come alive with the sounds of Appalachia past, present, and future. For the second year, King University's Photography Department collaborated with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion to promote the festival instantaneously through social media. King photography met with bands one-on-one for video and photography sessions.
"King's Photography Department's project with BRRR this year was threefold in focus – social media, studio photography and videography," said Joe Strickland, assistant professor of photography for King University. "We were able to cover the event from the stage to the streets. Everything went exceedingly well."
"The Birthplace of Country Music loves working with area colleges on special projects that give them real-world experience," says Charlene Baker, director of marketing for the Birthplace of Country Music, parent organization of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. "This is the second year we have worked with King University students. Their work at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is very valuable to us; they did a wonderful job. We hope to work with [King Photography] on other projects throughout the year."
Students utilized social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, to build the excitement among fans, encouraging them to make their way to BRRR to enjoy the multitude of bands and performers. "We had a group of 12 students overseeing social media for BRRR," said Strickland. "They did a great job showcasing the venues through photos and posts to social media. Although the photos were taken with the student's cell phones, many turned out high quality images."
In addition to managing social media for the festival, King Photography students collaborated with The Birthplace of Country Music and L.C. King Manufacturing Company in conjunction with Live & Breathing, a professional video group, to provide videography and studio photography for BRRR bands. Both photography and video studios were set up in L.C. King's downtown Bristol warehouse which houses manufacturing for the 100 year-old world famous Pointer Brand workwear.
"It was a really solid experience," said King senior Trevor Wentt. "We got to shoot with a bunch of bands all day Saturday from nine in the morning till around midnight."
Students had the privilege of working hand-in-hand with Live & Breathing to film videos of festival performers on location. They also used the plant as a backdrop for professional photography sessions with bands. "Aesthetically, the backdrop of a working American clothing manufacturing plant was amazing. This hands-on experience was truly invaluable for our students," commented Strickland.
"L. C. King has always been open to visitors from around the world; there are none more welcome than locals," said Ben Collins, director of brand and digital for the L.C. King Manufacturing Company. "Our relationship with King University is a real blessing, having been a true partner providing amazing interns and much more. We are happy to be an accessible place to learn real world skills in marketing and business. We enjoyed King Photography students being creative on site during Rhythm and Roots. Later in the year we plan to host a MBA student class visit where they will be exposed to manufacturing, fashion, strategy and more."
"Our students experienced a fast-paced, hands-on real world experience for improving their skillset," said Strickland. "We are grateful to our partners for a truly amazing experience."
For more information on King University's Photography Department, visit www.king.edu or contact Joe Strickland at 423-652-4709 or jgstrickland@king.edu.
