Basic writing and photography session for potential reporters

Apr 02, 2014

TAWAU (Herald Malaysia): Twenty-six potential reporters coming from the various BECs, groups and ministries attended a three-hour exposure to basic journalism and photography skills organized by the Social Communication Ministry (SOCCOM) of Holy Trinity Parish. Sr Liza fsic, Sr Anita Philip fsic and Seminarian Stanley William also participated in the programme.

The event was held on Sunday March 16 from 1.00pm - 4.00pm in the Conference Room. According to the Book of Sirach 38: 6, ‘The Lord gave skill to human beings that He might be glorified in His marvellous work’, each of us is given the potential. What is needed is to bring out that diamond hidden in us. If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success, (Ecclesiastes 10: 10).

The objective of the session was to share the basic knowledge of reporting so that more will have the confidence to write about events happening in their ministries. All articles must be accompanied with good photographs.

Julita shared on basic writing skills so that readers can understand the What, Why, Who, Where, When and How (5Ws and 1H) of the event. She also touched on sentence and paragraph structures. They were given a slot to write about an event, the occasion provided by the SOCCOM team. It was an exercise to test their creativity in writing.

The photography session by John Tendahal — touching on the right techniques, the ethics and angles of shots — was beneficial to the participants who were given the opportunity to take photographs from different angles. A good picture is worth a thousand words.

At the end of the session, participants were presented with certificates of attendance. It is hoped that more will step forth to cover events in their community, ministry and parish. Seminarian Stanley led the Closing Prayer.