Sarah Ritter, VPC manager, was recently recognized by University Photographers' Association of America (UPAA)

 MACOMB, IL – A visual archive is critical to keeping a university's history, and the photographers at the Western Illinois University Visual Production Center (VPC) make it a precedence every day to seize the essence of existence at WIU. From athletics to academics to pupil things to do and more, Sarah Ritter, George Hartmann and Rachael Keating seem to be thru their lenses for the nice way to characterize WIU thru photographs.

Ritter, VPC manager, was once these days identified by means of University Photographers' Association of America (UPAA) in the organization's monthly photograph competition. In the October competition, Ritter positioned third and fourth for the "People & Portraits" and "Campus Environment" categories for her photos of University Housing and Dining Services' "Rank My Room" Contest and the Macomb Balloon Rally Balloon Glow, respectively. Ritter and Rachael Keating, VPC digital imaging specialist, additionally positioned in the UPAA's April and January 2020 month-to-month competitions. Ritter and Keating also each captured fifth vicinity in the  UPAA Annual Photo Competition in June 2020.

UPAA's Monthly Image Competition began 2004 as a way for members to share snap shots in friendly competition. University of Houston photographer Jeff Shaw came up with the notion and the competition has grown from a few pics in its early days to over 300 monthly entries.

"I can't say sufficient about Sarah, Rachael and George. Their creativity and the knack they have for shooting what WIU represents is past comparison," stated Darcie Shinberger, govt director of University Communications. "Regardless if they win competitions for their stellar images, I recognize they're out there, doing what they love and showcasing our amazing University."