The Johns Hopkins Photography Forum, known as JHPF, hosted an information session for those interested in joining the student group on Feb. 22. JHPF is a group on campus that aims to tell stories of Hopkins via photography and share a unique perspective of campus life. The group also does features on non-profit organizations off campus.
JHPF President Eric Chen described the primary goals of the organization.
“The focus of JHPF is to use photography to build a stronger JHU community,” Chen said.
As a result, the organization frequently chooses to focus on campus groups that get less publicity.
They have taken photographs for groups on campus such as Blue Jay Perch, Aquaponics Lab and the Peabody Ballet. Chen referred to photography as a social art and spoke on the pleasure he derives from being able to interact with diverse students and share in their passions.
“After shooting for so many clubs on campus and non-profits in city, I realized that being able to communicate well with the people around you is so, so important to being able to capture great pictures. To me photography is in many ways more of a social art than it is a visual art,“ Chen said.
The organization also showcases important establishments in the larger Baltimore community. An example of this was the showcase of the Station North Tool Library, where people can go and use power tools free of charge.
Because it is a great resource for Hopkins students, the organization wished to showcase their services in order to make students more aware of its presence near campus and the ability to utilize it.
JHPF also display photos in exhibitions around campus. Curated by the core team of photographers, they can be found in Brody B-Level as well as in the Mattin Center.
This team of photographers also provides affordable photography services to the Hopkins community. They have been hired for events, graduation, dance shows and portraits.
If students wish to apply to JHPF, they can choose their level of commitment.
The organization has a three-tiered structure consisting of an executive board, a core team of photographers and the general body of JHPF. Those who choose to apply to the executive board or the core team must submit a portfolio.
However, those applying to the general body of JHPF only need to be passionate about storytelling and willing to develop their photography skills. Moreover, the core team hosts tutorials at the DMC where students can improve their photography skills.
For those interested in becoming a part of this organization, more information about their application can be found on their Facebook page.
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