Digital photography teaches students
to look at life differently
PRESQUE ISLE — With the arrival of the 21st century, technology has progressed to the point that students of all ages find themselves actively using a variety of equipment to accomplish daily tasks — most notably class assignments — from computers for homework and e-readers for reading, to digital cameras for what is fast becoming one of the most popular courses offered to high school students.
“I’ve been teaching the digital photography course for eight years. Throughout the day I teach several different classes, but digital photography is the specific offering that students submitted their works for inclusion in the Newspapers In Education section,” said Amy White, business technology instructor for the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center.
White’s class has grown in popularity, with students from Presque Isle High School and other schools discovering they can earn school credit while having fun at the same time. This year’s class includes: Alexandra Lambert, Allissa McDougal, Amanda Bagley, Brooke Caron, Chelsea McNally, Codie Henderson, Connor Savage, Courtney Carney, Danielle Hathaway, Dylan Michaud, Erica Hemphill, Ethan Beauman, Garrett Hemphill, Haley Bouchard, Harvey Higgins, Jacob Williams, Jonah Stephenson, Josh Fraser, Justena Cleveland, Kathryn Sharp, Kelsey Corriveau, Kolby Knight, Leslie Campbell, Liza Buck, Madison Michaud, Paige Beaulieu, Quinn Graves, Randy Sylvain, Rebecca Maxwell, Sarah McEachern, Stacia Caron and Zack Haggerty.
“Digital photography meets the fine art requirement for students, in addition students are able to express their own creativity through their photographs. Students learn composition, angling and how to edit in Adobe Photoshop,” said White.
White said students love to learn the amazing opportunities available to them through “the power of editing in Adobe Photoshop.”
“They begin learning the basics, like how to remove blemishes from photos and move into more advanced work as the year progresses, by learning how to compile advertisements and create photographs with multiple layers,” she said.
“Many students are amazed at how quickly their time goes in the room because they are so busy editing,” continued White.
Some of White’s pupils see the class as more than a school credit, with future applications possible.
“As a hobby, I love to take photos; taking photography seemed interesting. In my future, if I try my hardest, I could go into the photography profession,” said student Alexandra Lambert.
Lambert said she could see herself making this a career.
“I have certainly thought about becoming a professional photographer; taking this class has only confirmed that thought,” said Lambert. “If I don’t become a professional photographer, I will always be able to use this skill in my own spare time.”
For others, studying photography was the best fit when it came to their artistic abilities.
“Choosing photography was a simple decision for me. I needed a fine art credit and I am not a drawer, painter, sculptor and I do not play an instrument or sing. Photography was a good option for me because I felt like it was something I was capable of doing; it met my fine art requirement, and it is a skill I can use in my future,” said student Jonah Stephenson.
Stephenson said he’ll continue to incorporate photography into his daily life, but more as a hobby.
“I plan to continue to use this skill in the future for a small hobby, by taking family photos and taking sports shots. In my future I am looking toward a profession in sports medicine. I could use my photography skill to photograph clients and the changes they’ve undergone in my care,” said Stephenson.
White said keeping students engaged requires maintaining the latest software.
“We have had to keep our editing software up-to-date to remain current and be able to continuously challenge the students. I am constantly amazed at the possibilities and opportunities available to students with current camera equipment and editing software,” said White.
Each week the class is given a different assignment.
“Students are given weekly photo challenges. One challenge includes advertising for local businesses or for the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Students are challenged to showcase the beauties of Aroostook County and the businesses around them,” she said.
White said her goal is to get students to view life differently, from different perspectives, once they’ve completed the course.
“My hope for each student is that they will look at the world around them differently — to notice the beauty in the small things. There is an opportunity for a photograph all around them,” said White.
“I also hope that they will master formal photographic composition and leave understanding the basics of Adobe Photoshop,” she said.
White encourages participants to use photos as a way of documenting the special moments in their lives — be it as a hobby or career.
“For students that are taking this class as a hobby, I hope that they have strong photos to work with in future scrapbooks or photo albums. For students that are taking this course to form a career in marketing, photography, e-business, web design or advertisement, my hope is that the course gives them a great foundation to grow and learn from,” White said.
