By Rebecca Saffran
City Times

A class unlike any other, City College’s EuroFoto offers students the opportunity to learn new photo techniques, earn class units, and see some amazing places.

Photo department chairman, Dave Eichinger, brought the program with him from Dallas two years ago to share the experience with his San Diego students.

The 2007 EuroFoto itinerary will bring students through Ireland, Scotland, and England and culminate with six weeks in the City darkroom. Travel begins June 6 and ends June 23, although students have the option to prolong their stay.

Darkroom dates run from July 2 to Aug. 10. Students are expected to assemble their trip portfolios for exhibition.

“Unlike many European Tours, we will not spend the majority of our time staring at the back of a motor coach headrest while trying to see nine countries in nine days. This adventure has been planned for the photographer, with ample time in most areas to explore the back streets and more,” Eichinger said on his EuroFoto website.

Emily Tarpley, a 2006 student, traveled to Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, and Paris in what she termed “a reunion with my camera.” Tarpley had last taken photography in high school, and viewed EuroFoto as an opportunity to “get back into the groove of photography.”

Tarpley, who shot black and white film her entire trip, explained she learned a lot from her fellow travelers who carried multiple cameras, tripods, and other equipment.

The six weeks in the darkroom after the trip proved significant not only for her portfolio, but also in reminiscing with her friends.

Tarpley recommends that new students get as much out of the experience as possible.

“The money thing is not that big a deal once you’re already in Europe – just stretch your meals . I spent way more than I planned, but it was one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life,” she said.

For more information visit www.eurofoto.info or email Dave Eichinger at [email protected].