Scythian plays in the Dance Tent during the 2009 Rhythm and Roots Reunion. (Katie Haupt|Virginia Intermont College)
*** Published Tuesday, Sept 14 in the Bristol Herald Courier. ***
BRISTOL, Va. – Aimee Stodghill is looking forward to this weekend's Rhythm & Roots Reunion with a bit of trepidation.
A senior at Virginia Intermont College, Stodghill is one of 11 students assigned to photograph the three-day downtown music festival. VI was recently named the festival's official photographic supplier, meaning students will shoot for more than portfolios or pleasure. That added responsibility means Stodghill and her mates can expect three hectic days and sleepless nights.
"I'm not worried about getting what I need photographically. I'm worried about surviving," Stodghill said Monday, adding that she also has a full-time job. "When I looked at the schedule, it's pretty intense."
The new arrangement formalizes an internship for VI and means student photos are needed for marketing and promotional materials, instructor Justin Reed said.
"All of the work the students generate is going to be used in future promotional material and they're [festival organizers] talking about the 2012 poster – which is widely disseminated – being a photograph. That alone is an amazing opportunity, plus the professional aspect of being able to work," Reed said.
Since 2003, VI students have used the three-day festival as a giant photography lab. This year's event features more than 160 performers and is expected to draw more than 30,000 fans from across the U.S. and a number of foreign countries.
"Yes, they are students and yes, this is a volunteer activity, but they have deadlines and schedules they have to meet. And coordinating with the actual festival directors, so they have that client interaction like you would have in a real-world setting, that's a real critical component of the experience," Reed said.
Festival Marketing Director Charlene Tipton Baker said the festival benefits from a "highly cost efficient resource" of thousands of "amazing" images from the students.
Led by four seniors enrolled in a professional studies class, VI photographers are expected to document all aspects of the festival, Reed said. That includes everything from performances by internationally known touring musicians to kids activities and fans enjoying a diverse range of roots music.
"We've been working with Charlene to develop a schedule of what acts to shoot and some other side events like the kid's event. We have a specific agenda. We're working out a schedule so we cover all the bases this weekend," Reed said.
Stodghill, one of the four senior leaders, said other students on her team must share the responsibility.
"I'm hoping our second shooters can use their talents so VI can get some really great images. It helps to have other shooters in your group who can get to other bands you can't get to because a lot of the bands play at the same time," Stodghill said. "Each year, I get more comfortable going up to the stages, getting closer and talking to people.
"Last year, I definitely got into the more personal side – coming out with work that I like. This year, I'm going into it with more of a business in mind, putting something on my resume and making contacts. Going to the shows and listening to the bands is a bonus," Stodghill said.
Senior Jake Hentnik must also balance his job with a long weekend of photography.
"This year seems a lot more organized. We have a much clearer picture of what Rhythm & Roots actually wants us to get. In the past, we've just been told to shoot everything," Hentnik said. "[Last year] was a good time for everybody. I got some amazing images out of it. You start early in the morning and go until 2 o'clock in the morning."
Junior Katy Haupt, a photography major from Maryland, said the festival affords a unique opportunity.
"There's a lot of energy from everybody around – not just the bands but the fans are really into this festival. It's a great opportunity for us to create our portfolios – not just band shooting but doing photojournalism," Haupt said, adding that "there are definitely some characters in Bristol."
Haupt said her favorite images from last year's festival were captured in the dance tent.
"I love the late shows at the dance tent. They are just awesome. Those are my favorite things to shoot. By that time, people are so relaxed and crazy," Haupt said.
VI photo instructor Jay Phyfer's downtown apartment will serve as an operations center for students to download images, recharge batteries or take a break, Reed said.
"Rhythm & Roots is definitely one of the high points of Bristol," Haupt said. "When incoming freshmen come in, I always tell them about all the music around here and Rhythm & Roots. I have friends who graduated or transferred who are coming back for Rhythm & Roots."
