Photography students build infinity cove

At the beginning of the fall semester, assistant professor in photography Bradley Phillips thought it would be fun to see his classroom have an infinity cove that is a backdrop used in photography so that his students will get better experience in the photography field.

Phillips has been working at Southeast Missouri State University for about two years. Before coming to Southeast, Phillips attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, N.Y.

The infinity cove can be seen in the Serena Building, room 202. It is considered to be a type of photography studio that is a structure made of wood. Its wooden structure allows it to be painted or repainted if needed. Photography and commercial shooting industries use these to help create a good background.

Many times photography studies will use paper backdrops. The paper comes rolling down in a natural curve. Phillips said that there is a problem when it comes to using paper for photographers.

"One is that it is very delicate and gets dented as humidity gets to it," Phillips said. "So when a photographer uses it, those flaws start to show through."

The reason behind building the infinity cove is because of the firm surface. Phillips said the reason it is called an infinity cove is because how the walls are curved. The curving of the walls allows lights to be put in to either create or avoid shadowing.

"So in one end, it's a replacement for the traditional paper sweeps typically used in studio photography and it also provides better options to work with," Phillips said.

Students Dustin Culver and Mark Carlton built the infinity cove with the help of industrial engineering professor John Dudley. The instructions took a couple weeks to complete, and then construction went on from there.

Carlton is studying engineering technology and said that he would like to see how it functions when it is finished because he doesn't know that much about photography.

"They had very quickly in the first few weeks had all the plans drawn up, how much it was going to cost for all of the pieces and very detailed on the project plan," Phillips said.

Phillips said that the construction of the infinity cove is almost complete. A small 3 foot by 3 foot area needs to be sanded, mudded and painted.

Before the infinity cove was built, Phillips said that the classroom was used as an architectural drafting room and was filled with drafting tables that were old and needed to be replaced.

"I wanted them out of the space real badly," Phillips said. "They took up a large amount and once they were out, we had this huge amount of space. Teaching the courses in here doesn't require so much room. So what I really wanted to do was create a space that has a multi-purpose space. One, where we can have a classroom area. Another, with computers, printers and a photo studio as well, in addition to the dark room."

Phillips said that he wanted to have an infinity cove because, not only are they neat, but because they are helpful for commercial shooting. Phillips said one day he approached Dudley about building one and said that Dudley got excited about it.

At roughly 18 feet square, Phillips said that it is almost 10 to 12 feet tall. Phillips said that the funds were less than $2,000 and it came from the department to pay for the materials.

As for its use, Phillips said that he would enjoy seeing commercial photography majors use the infinity cove.

"A new filmmaking club just started and they're really excited to use it," Phillips said.

Dustin Carter is a student majoring in TV and film and minoring in photography, and is the president of the new filmmaking club. Carter said that the club started in the second week of the spring semester. There are about 26 students who have already joined the club so far.

"I think it's pretty awesome," Carter said. "It's a pretty cool thing to have for students, especially in photography."

Phillips said that he hopes to have the infinity cove completed soon.

Students who are interested in learning more about the infinity cove can contact Phillips at bphillips@semo.edu.