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Chris Oberholtz, BJ '03

What does being a Missouri School of Journalism alumnus mean to you?
Looking back at my four years at Missouri, the wide-range of classes offered really helped me hone my skills and prepare me for where I am now: working full time at The Kansas City Star. The photojournalism sequence was remarkable. I learned everything from fundamentals to advanced techniques in lighting.

What faculty member provided the most encouragement during your photojournalism training?
My mentor, faculty member David Rees, helped me quite a bit in learning the ropes. I learned through his professional work and his teaching style as well. He was easy to get along with and available whenever I had a question. He, along with opportunities the School of Journalism provided for photographers through programs such as the Pictures of the Year International and Missouri Photo Workshop, really inspired me to be the photographer I am now.

How did being a Missouri photojournalism grad give you an advantage in finding a job?
During all four of my years at Missouri, I volunteered for the Missouri Photo Workshop, where they really taught me about the various aspects of photojournalism. I learned the value of working behind the scenes and in the lab, computer networking, film processing, creating contact sheets and exhibit prints. The experiences from that and from other programs, such as Missouri's Freedom of Information Center, gave me more real-world application and increased my professional network. The skills I gained through those experiences are skills I use every day at my current job with The Kansas City Star.

How did you transition from photojournalism student to Kansas City Star photographer?
The transition wasn't as scary as I thought it would be because the School of Journalism really kept me focused on my career path. However, I claim that where I am today traces back to my part-time job during high school at The Kansas City Star. The Kansas City Star needed someone as a part-time lab technician. My high school yearbook adviser gave the photo director my name, and seeing the opportunity, I took it. In this position, I mixed chemicals, processed film, scrubbed the darkroom floors and shadowed daily photographers. I came in on the weekends and kept my foot in the door at the Star.

How did networking in college help you land your current job?
After that initial part-time position in high school that got my foot in the door, I kept in touch with my contact during college. As soon as I graduated, I came back home to Kansas City and began an internship with the KC Star. That is one example of the benefits in keeping those types of relationships close. I was at my internship for three months. When it ended, a position opened up, so I took it. I was covering general assignments and spot news when a community photographer position opened up at our Johnson County Bureau, located in Overland Park, Kan., a suburb of Kansas City. This position is a stepping-stone for incoming journalists in the profession, and the KC Star is their first major paper. It's understood that it's a three-year position.

Would you like to remain in Kansas City?
I was born in Kansas City, raised here, and my family is here. It's my home. Being from Kansas City is a great advantage for me in my job. The longer I'm here, the more comfortable I become and can understand the people living here, but I would love to maybe take the next step someday. For now, I'm happy with where I am, working for a daily newspaper and on general assignments. Here and there, I would love to pick up a major national story like the Hurricane Katrina one. I can't see myself working at any photo agency because my passion really is in photojournalism and in the newspaper side. I truly believe in the journalism aspect of photography.

What photojournalism experience thus far has personally affected you?
I'm a part of the rapid response team which means that at the drop of a dime, whenever major national news takes place in the United States, my boss could ask me to jump on a plane and go cover it. For one of my assignments, I was asked to go spend a month in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina to capture the devastation of the storm and the effects it had on the people there. It was a real eye-opening experience for me, and I enjoyed it because those photographs have a higher intrinsic value due to their content than the photographs I was used to taking. It also means a lot to me because it was my first major national event, one that received international attention, as my photographs were distributed from California to China.

"Rain Dance." Photo by Chris Oberholtz, BJ '03

How did the Hurricane Katrina assignment impact your experience at The Kansas City Star?
It broadened my portfolio by adding some images that gained some national attention. It also taught me how to work on the road. This was a big change because at the KC Star, I was used to going to my editor, but on the road, it was just me and a couple of other reporters working out of a house. I had to be self-dependent. While there, I decided to go exploring one afternoon. I went down into the Gulf Coast area, where the major devastation came through. There was nothing left. Homes were washed away with only steps leading to where a door used to be. I felt a calling to get out, find stories and talk to people. I wanted to tell their stories through my eyes.

What awards have you won, and how has this developed your career?
I have entered and won awards in local, state, regional, national and international photo competitions. In 2004, I received an honorable mention through the National Press Photographers Association in the "Best of Still Photojournalism 2004" contest with a photograph titled, "Rain Dance." This was my first "major" award. Other contests include the Region 7 NPPA still photographer clip contest, Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper contest and the Kansas City Press Club contest.

Do you ever write the stories you photograph?
As an undergrad working at the Missourian, I did write and photograph several stories. Now, when a story comes along that I feel passionate about, I'll ask if I can write it. Two years ago, I covered a high school prom tradition in Wellsville, Kan. The tradition for the prom is that the high school students get all glitzed up and promenade the main street in parade-like fashion. The whole town lines the street just to watch all the kids cruise, having seen many of them grow up before their eyes. I wanted to report as well as photograph the event because no one else could really capture the tone and atmosphere unless he or she was there, actually interacting with the small town and being a part of the long-lasting tradition.

What advice do you offer current photojournalism students?
Stick with it. Yes, the School of Journalism is difficult and challenging because professors are pushing you to your limits. But your job will do that, too. They say journalists work weird hours, and it's definitely true. Some days can feel like two days in one, but I love pictures, so I stuck with it. Be sure to take advantage of the time your professors have, seek them and ask for their advice on classes, internships or even your personal career path. If you feel like journalism is for you, are interested and want to pursue it, just be sure to stick with it.