In my not-so-new-anymore job as writer/content manager for the External Relations Marketing group at the University of Arizona, it’s my job to seek out the most interesting, most engaging stories about the work going on at the University, and then tell those stories to the public with the goal of inspiring interest in the institution for potential students, their parents, alumni and donors.
Sometimes we tell those stories with text and images. Sometimes a story screams to be told in a video format. Sometimes, it’s a simple slideshow. When we’re working in the world of the web, any and all types of media are fair game, but it’s really up the the writers and producers to look at a story and make the decision as to what media will best tell a given story.
Earlier this year, in collaboration with Laura Markowitz, a talented freelance producer who does a lot of work for Public Media, we learned about a man named Adam Block, public observing programs coordinator for the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter at the UA’s Steward Observatory’s field station in the nearby Catalina Mountains.
One of the many images Adam Block has produced as a renowned astrophotographer. Photo credit: Adam Block.
Now, here’s the luck: not only is Adam a personable, wonderful public speaker, but he is also a renowned astrophotographer. Using the same 32-inch Schulman telescope that the public gets to look through at the SkyCenter, Adam has produced images of the sky that are nothing less than awe-inspiring. In the past ten years, his work has been selected by NASA over 50 times as “Picture of the Day.” With such photographs at our disposal, how could this story not be told as a slideshow?
So, Laura and I professionally lucked out. A wonderful man, amazing visual work, and the opportunity tell a heart-felt, fascinating story. Laura did the vast lion’s share of the work, trekking up the mountain to interview Adam, collect the photos and put together the story, so many thanks to her. But from my standpoint as someone whose task it is to tell those engaging stories on behalf of my client, the University, well, I lucked out on my own, too.
It all came together perfectly. You can check out the finished slideshow and supporting story, “Adam’s Universe,” at http://www.arizona.edu.
Also, if you want to see a more extensive collection of high-resolution images that Adam has produced, check out http://skycenter.arizona.edu.
