An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 28 | by CPL LEE COyLE PhOTOS by COURSE STUDENTS W ith the invention of social media and its growing popularity, being able to portray the Defence Forces in the best possible light on social media and written publications has become an important task. To make the best use of these outlets, with photographs being able to paint a thou- sand words and a way to preserve and record military history. having trained photographers is essential in our media driven modern day life. 2nd PR Photography Course In June PR Branch, in conjunction with the MP School, conducted the 2nd PR Photography Course in the DFTC, for 2 weeks. 12 students from around the Defence Forces attended the course of knowledge base and practical instruction including training exercises – see their other work on our front cover and on pages 22/23. The course syllabus covering a wide range of topics from tasks of a PR Photographer in the Defence Forces, Camera Handling, Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. The course shows students how the camera operates and how to set the camera to take photographs in different lighting conditions and different styles of photography. The students soon built their con- fidence behind the camera and learn some of the tasks of a PR photographer that can vary in a wide range of areas, from guard of honors to weapon displays. We spoke to some students on the course to see what they had learned and about their background in photography: Sgt Karl byrne PR branch "Coming from a back- ground in photography I had a very good working knowledge of what was presented on the course, but that didn't stop me learning a few new tricks and ways around normal photography problems. A great course for the beginner and enthusiast as you'll always learn something new." Sgt Daniel Sheenan NbG/1 bde "As a complete novice going on the course, having only used my iPhone as a camera, I was impressed with the excellent use of skills and the instructors had a wealth of information to share. I'm now really confident with the camera and would highly recommend the course." The students will return to their respective brigades/ formations with the knowledge and skills to undertake various tasks allotted to them by PR Branch and their own press and information officers (PIOs). If your unit has an upcoming event that it would like to have photographed you should contact your formation PIO or email info@military.ie. By Cpl Tom Duffy By Sgt Don Sheehan By Sgmn Trevor Cummins By Cpl Ken Greene By Sgt Karl Byrne

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