Photojournalist Dirck Halstead will speak about his experiences as a photojournalist tonight at 7 p.m. in the Kanza Room, upstairs in the union.

“We’ve been dedicating a lot of time to promote this because he’s such a significant person,” said Aaron Newton, junior sociology major and vice chair of the Talks and Topics Committee of the Union Activities Council. “He has so much leadership and talent that he can to display for our university.”

Halstead has been featured on a record number of 49 TIME magazine covers, taken pictures of the Vietnam War, photographed several presidents and taken pictures for numerous Hollywood productions in 30 years of photojournalism, according to Halstead’s Web site.

“I know this presentation is going to be really educational,” said Karie Nicholson, freshman business administration major and chair of the Talks and Topics Committee of the Union Activities Council. “It’s an opportunity to learn, network, meet a famous photo journalist and it’s not just for those interested in photography.”

Halstead is famous for being the youngest combat photographer for Life magazine’s coverage of the Guatemalan Civil War at the age of 17. He also gained notoriety when he covered the White House in the years surrounding President Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky

Halstead has had many instances to gain experience in his 29 years covering the White House. His book, “Moments in Time: Photos and Stories from One of America’s Top Photojournalists,” is a compilation of a lifetime worth of work.

Despite his fame, Halstead has been very easy to communicate with, Nicholson said.

“It hasn’t been hard to get a hold of him at all,” Nicholson said. “He’s just a phone call away, and his Web site, digitaljournalist.org, has been helpful in learning more about him also.”

Those with journalism backgrounds and interests should attend the presentation, Newton said.

“I really hope people that our journalists will come out,” Newton said. “It’ll give them great insight into photojournalism and how to be a better photographer.”

Halstead seems excited to showcase his years of experience in photography, Newton said.

“He seems excited to even just talk to classes on campus,” Newton said. “We’ve seen teachers wanting to get involved, since it’s a great opportunity for education.”

Newton encourages students from all majors to listen to Halstead’s presentation.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about photography or photojournalism,” Newton said. “We’re planning on raffling off a prize, which may be a camera. We just have to get it approved first.”

Josh Johnson/The Bulletin

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