View Feedback | Send this Article | Published 1/31/03

Graphic By: Andrew Kinback

Approximately 100 eager volunteer photographers left their homes on Friday, January 17, 2003, with cameras in hand. They were seeking candid snapshots of everyday life in the New River Valley. "The Roanoke Times" managed to pull together this large group of volunteer photographers for a photojournalism project.

The concept of the project was to recruit everyday citizens to capture images of a day in the life in the Valley. The project will have total New River Valley focus from Pulaski County, Montgomery County, and Giles County.

Megan Shawl, an assistant editor of the "Roanoke Times New River Valley Bureau," held an informational meeting for the project earlier in the week for the volunteer photographers. Shawl hopes this project, which will be printed in a multi-page layout, will Üoffer a privileged view into the perspective of lives here, sharing with readers where we live.¯ This is the first time the "Roanoke Times" has attempted such a project and they were impressed by the number of people willing to participate. Shawl said pictures with unusual subjects and people are likely to get printed. Competition for print space will be fierce due to the large number of participants.

Shawl said that every year the "Roanoke Times" publishes a Discover section for the New River Valley. This section is intended to offer a fresh look at the Valley for newcomers and as tribute to long time residents. "The Roanoke Times" is borrowing this idea from the "Salisbury Post." Shawl hopes that people will enjoy an article that isnät based upon crime or a new business.

Kathy Rayne, a local S.H.A.R.E. Program Director, was one of many volunteers at the informational meeting. Rayne said she was participating because her job provided her with the opportunity to drive to all parts of the New River Valley and meet many of the residents. She has never done any professional photography but enjoys looking at pictures in the paper as well as taking some in her spare time.

This project should provide a unique and interesting peek into the lives of our fellow residents. Hundreds of pictures capturing images of people at work, play, school, and countless other activities will be submitted. These images will be available for everyone to enjoy in the "Roanoke Times New River Valley Current" section on February 22, 2003.