Posted by SMAD September 30, 2007
Story by BETH McCARD

HARRISONBURG, Va. -- The Associated Collegiate Press has nominated a photograph taken by SMAD student Evan Dyson for photo excellence in news photography. The photo displays the common courtesy of those affected by the Virginia Tech massacre.

Dyson traveled to Blacksburg, VA the day of the shootings, April 16th 2007. He set out to cover the story for James Madison University's student run newspaper The Breeze, that would run his story and photos just a few days later.

TThe photographer roamed throughout the Tech campus taking pictures of whatever he saw: police vans, EMTs, students, and families.

“You couldn't go 5 feet without seeing a mic or a camera. I had to find something different,” Dyson explains.

Dyson went around the back of infamous Norris Hall to get shots of some flowers on the ground placed by mourners. He also went to a press conference where he was seated next to media giants like Geraldo Rivera and Katie Couric to gather information.

Later that night, the drill field of Virginia Tech was inundated with students, parents, friends, professors, police, and townspeople for a candlelit vigil for the 33 fallen victims. Dyson remembers thousands of people holding candles that had been passed out rising in unison during certain times of the university's fight song. “Everyone was in such an emotional state, no one noticed the cameras,” Evan tells as he runs is ring-clad fingers through his short hair. He snapped photos of families and friends, although it wasn't easy, nothing struck him.

Then Dyson caught a Radford emergency technician amongst the crowded vigil in his blue uniform with his face in his gloved hands. People wearing Virginia Tech sweatshirts and people holding candles surrounded him. The moment came where the strangers reached out their hands to ease the man overcome with emotion. “I'll never experience it again,” Dyson says using his arms to act out what he had seen. To see someone who was obviously close to the tragedy break down and consoled by bystanders moved the college photographer. This scene is depicted in the photograph that is nominated for a national award for excellence in news photography.

The photo uses terrific lighting from the candles. It follows the “rule of thirds” and the focus is right in the middle of the picture. It was however, the presence of VT paraphernalia and the candlelight amidst emergency personnel that makes this photograph stand out. It displays the gamut of emotion that runs from despair to comfort on that fateful day in just one shot.

SMAD and The Breeze have given Evan Dyson hands on experience with journalism and photography that helped him get to where he is today. He is now the managing editor of the student run newspaper and frequently contributes photos. After college, Dyson would like to pursue photojournalism.

The Breeze's Publication Coordinator Brad Jenkins entered Dyson's photograph into the Associated Collegiate Press contest. The photo is up against 6 others from students around the country. The winner of the competition will be named in Washington D.C.

Dyson does not seem to mind whether he wins the contest. He claims it was, “enough for me to experience the profound sense of togetherness and emotion that were and will define Virginia Tech.”