When Jessica Marks enrolled in Northampton Community College’s (NCC) Roving Photographer certification course, she had no idea that she would gain much more than photography skills – or be part of the team photographing one of the biggest events in the Lehigh Valley.
“I’ve found a lifelong family, gotten in to multiple exhibits, and gained confidence in not only my photography, but in myself, too,” Marks said.
Marks is part of the Roving Photography Adventures group, formed by NCC students who wanted to keep the camaraderie and learning going after completion of the certification course. The instructor, Wendy Jamison, has been teaching the class since 2018.
“When the course ended, my students wanted to keep working together and have a way to showcase their photographs as a group,” Jamison said.
Jamison created a Facebook page for them in 2019. Together, the photographers go on excursions to take photos, and capture precious life moments with clients, which are displayed on the group’s Facebook page.
Word of the group spread, which led them being hired to photograph Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival in Bethlehem. On September 23, 24, and 25, ten students took part in photographing the event, the largest that the group has photographed together. The Roving Photography Adventure group impressed festival organizers so much that they were asked back to photograph the event for 2022.
Marks describes photographing Celtic Classic as, “awesome. I was able to enjoy and embrace different cultures, amazing food, and kind people.” She loved capturing the candid moments of the events of the Highland games, and all of the different people who attended and participated at Celtic Classic this year.
William Mac, who completed the class in 2017, says that he has also become more confident with the camera. He says, “Having Wendy as a mentor allowed me to flourish as a photographer.”
Like Marks, Mac says that he has made terrific friends since joining the group and taking photography classes at NCC.
Jamison says, “Once you set foot in a rover class, you are a rover for life!”
If you’d like to become a top notch photographer and a rover, too, find more information about the Roving Photographer Certificate here.
