By Donald R. Winslow
© 2008 News Photographer magazine
CHESAPEAKE, VA (January 11, 2008) - The 2008 Truth With A Camera Workshop has been cancelled, according to Edom Foundation for Photojournalism Education director Dr. Vme Edom Smith, the Truth With A Camera Workshop founder and director.
In an eMail to Truth With A Camera Workshop staff Friday afternoon, Smith said, "Thank you so much for all your contributions to the success of the Truth With A Camera Workshop. This was a difficult decision but there was no alternative. We have been fortunate to have received so much professional support of the workshop."
"It has been a miracle that we were able to have the Truth With A Camera Workshop for nearly 14 years without any real financial stability," Smith told News Photographer magazine today. "Just dreams and a wonderful devoted staff that was willing to work for very little remuneration."
Smith is the daughter of University of Missouri professor Clifton C. Edom and Vilia C. Edom, co-founders of the Missouri Photo Workshop.
"This was a very difficult decision to make ... it was not just a financial, but a very emotional decision. Most workshops have the backing of a university or organization that provides working space, equipment, administrative support, etc. Several of us work year round with no pay, and we make up the differences between income and expenses. I like to think that Edom persistence was at least partially responsible for getting us through each year," Smith said.
Today Smith told the faculty members that the workshop was cancelled by the foundation's board of directors "because of declining revenues, uncertain funding sources, and increased expenses." She also said, "The Edom Foundation wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the success of the workshop over the past 14 years."
The workshop has been supported in the past by the Scripps Howard Foundation, The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, the Chrysler Museum of Art, Ohio University, Nikon Inc., the National Press Photographers Association, The Roanoke Times newspaper, and others.
Within the past few weeks, Scripps Howard - a major funder of the workshop - has started a corporate reorganization and Scripps Howard Foundation president and chief executive officer Judith G. Clabes, a supporter of the workshop, has announced her upcoming retirement. In addition, just days ago Norfolk-based Landmark Communications - owners of The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk and The Roanoke Times and other newspapers and television stations - announced that it was evaluating whether to sell all of its assets. And today evangelist and religious broadcaster Pat Robertson announced that he's considering making a bid for The Virginian-Pilot.
A long-time workshop faculty member told News Photographer magazine today that without the financial support of the Scripps Howard Foundation, funding the annual Truth With A Camera Workshop was not possible.
