UniMAC-IFT Hosts Sony Photography Workshop, Elevating Skills and Creativity in Cutting-Edge Technology

The University of Media Arts and Communication—Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) recently hosted a groundbreaking Sony Photography Workshop, drawing participants eager to enhance their photography skills and creativity using Sony’s cutting-edge camera technology. The two-day event, held from August 29th to 30th, 2024, marked a significant collaboration between UniMAC-IFT and Sony, aimed at providing students and professional photographers with unparalleled access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert instruction.

The workshop was initiated through discussions with Engr. Stanley Opoku-Yeboah, the Head of the Technical Department at UniMAC-IFT, and was designed to offer a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Ramatu Mustapha Dadzie, the Rector of UniMAC, who introduced the esteemed team from Sony, including Mr. Kareem Salem, Marketing Manager for Sony, Mr. Prashanth Patali, Marketing Manager at Sony Middle East and Africa FZE, and Madam Chona Canta, Sales and Marketing Executive at Kontakt International PTE LTD, an authorized dealer for Sony Media Cameras in Nigeria and Ghana.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Dadzie emphasized the importance of the workshop, urging participants to seize the rare opportunity to gain direct exposure to the latest advancements in photography technology.
"This is an opportunity we would like you to take seriously because it doesn’t come often," she said.
Following her address, participants introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds, creating an informal yet engaging atmosphere that set the tone for the sessions ahead.

Mr. Kareem Salem took the stage next, delivering a compelling presentation on Sony's leadership in the photography market, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. He provided an in-depth overview of Sony’s extensive range of equipment, including various cameras, lenses, and microphones, and explained how these tools contribute to producing high-quality videos and images. The presentation also highlighted Sony’s renowned lens technology, covering zoom, power, and prime lenses, and their role in achieving professional-grade results.

After a brief lunch break, the workshop resumed with a detailed session on Sony’s advanced AI features, particularly their focus technology. Mr. Salem passionately discussed the reliability of Sony technology, underscoring the company's commitment to excellence with the assertion that "Sony technology never lets us down."

Throughout the workshop, Mr. Salem highlighted several key advantages of Sony cameras. These included Long Exposure Noise Reduction, which ensures superior image quality in low-light conditions; Image Stabilization, which minimizes blur for sharp, clear images; and Distortion-Free Movies, which deliver cinematic-quality footage without compromises. Additionally, he showcased the cameras’ ability to produce High-Quality 4K Movies, capturing every detail with crystal clarity, and the No Crop 4K 120P feature, which offers unmatched flexibility in post-production without any loss of quality.

The day concluded with an intensive practical session where participants were guided step-by-step through the intricacies of using Sony cameras. The instructors used a projector to walk participants through the camera’s menu, ensuring that everyone could follow along closely. This hands-on approach allowed participants to explore the full range of settings and functionalities, from adjusting exposure to fine-tuning focus. The session was characterized by excitement and enthusiasm as attendees experimented with different configurations, capturing images and videos with newfound confidence and precision. The workshop not only reinforced their theoretical knowledge but also empowered them to fully harness the potential of professional-grade Sony equipment, leaving them better equipped to push the boundaries of their creative endeavors.

By Makida El Husseini,
Level 400 Broadcast Journalism Student.