Timeline

The Eddie Adams Workshop and Nikon have been working together since 1988. Here is a look at milestone accomplishments of each during that time, with a few key moments in media and technology for context.

1976

Eddie Adams buys 65-acre property in Sullivan County from a group of hippies living in the house with farm animals. He recruits friends to help clean up the property, and to tear down many of the original 16 buildings. Here, Eddie relaxes just after purchasing the the farm in 1976. (Photo: Ron Frehm)


Apple Computer is founded. This is the original Apple logo.

1980

Nikon F3 SLR is released.

1981

Nikon Americas Inc. is established in the U.S.


MTV is launched.

1988

EAW I

The first Eddie Adams Workshop takes place. Here, the first class gathers outside of the unfinished barn for what became the traditional group portrait. (Photo: Jerry Valente)

The workshop documentary wins Silver Medal in the Chicago Film Festival.


The first computer virus is reported.

1989

EAW II

The workshop celebrates its first memorial service to honor photographers who died in Vietnam. Long shadows are cast over the first memorial. (Photo: Eddie Adams Workshop archives)

Eddie Adams marries Alyssa Adkins on the island in Lake Herman.

1992

EAW V

The first official Black Team is formed.

A stereo system is installed in the barn.

1995

EAW VIII

The first all-digital team led by John White is formed.

The first workshop website is created by Jason Burfield and Bert Fox.


Nikon E2 and E2s digital still cameras are released.

1999

EAW XII

The Nikon D1 is released.


Y2K scare has world on high alert.

2002

EAW XV

For the 15th workshop all assignments are shot in New York City on the first anniversary of September 11, making it the only year the workshop didn’t take place entirely in the Catskills or on Columbus Day weekend. Above: An image from student Stuart Thurlkill’s shoot in New York on the first anniversary of 9/11.


PC sales pass the one billion mark.

2003

EAW XVI

The book “NYC: Life Going On” is published from the pictures made during the 15th workshop as a “valentine to New York.”

Half of the teams at the 16th workshop shoot digital.


The first single WIFI standard to have the range and speed to handle an entire house (or coffee shop) launches.

2004

EAW XVII

All of the teams at the 2004 workshop shoot digital. Between 1988 and 2004 more than 3000 rolls of film were shot at the workshop. Here, students go through their assignment with team editor Brian Storm. (Photo: Landon Nordeman)

Eddie Adams passes away.


Facebook launches.

2005

EAW XVIII

The Black Team installs more than 3000 feet of Cat 6 Ethernet cable in the barn.


YouTube launches and Google launches Maps.

2006

EAW XIX

Students shoot 82,000 images. A student shoots Jefferson County residents. (Photo: Eddie Adams Workshop Archives)

The workshop website re-launches (again led by Jason Burfield) and includes online applications.

2007

EAW XX

Nikon D3 digital SLR is released.


In June, the iPhone is released. By August, one million are sold.

2009

EAW XXII

The Sandy Colton award (later changed to the Colton Family award) is established for the student who best embodies the spirit of the workshop and includes a cash prize and a spot on the Black Team. Here, Kristen Zeis, a graduate of the University of Missouri and the Danish School of Media and Journalism, receives the 2016 Colton Family Award. (Photo: Scott Allen)

2010

EAW XXIII

D3S and D3X digital SLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses are used on the International Space Station. (Photo: NASA)


Instagram launches.

2011

EAW XXIV

@eaworkshop Twitter handle is established. Never-ending #jokes are launched.

2012

EAW XXV

The workshop celebrates 25 years, its silver anniversary. Here, members of the Black Team, swap up to Silver for the anniversary celebration party. (Photo: Cliff Hausner)


Nikon D4 digital SLR is released.

2015

EAW XXVIII

The Nikon Museum opens.

2016

EAW XXIX

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize, all team leaders are former recipients. The all Pulitzer winner team leaders: (first row, from left) Carol Guzy, John White, Nick Ut, Carolyn Cole, Adrees Latif, Deanne Fitzmaurice, Richard Drew, Damon Winter; (back row) Craig F. Walker, Ruth Fremson, John Moore, Rodrigo Abd. (Photo: Tyler Main)


Nikon D5 digital SLR, plus KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 are released.


The New York Times distributes 300,000 free Google Cardboard VR viewers.

2017

EAW XXX

The Eddie Adams Workshop celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Nikon celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Facebook has 2 billion users.