Great Shot! began with a Power Point Presentation filled with samples and examples of "how-to's." I try to instill some basic camera tips in the students' minds, i.e. use your viewfinder rather than the screen on your camera if it is so equipped, remember to shoot vertical as well as horizontal pictures, don't be afraid to get up close (do not rely solely on your zoom), shoot with your subject off center using The Rule of Thirds, HOLD STEADY - Hold your breath - SQUEEZE the shutter gently, ask permission prior to photographing another artist's work, get a model release from anyone who is recognizable in a photo . . . and so on . . .
We strolled through the downtown . . . or, well, strategically made our way through the construction zones, as I encouraged students to look more closely and study their surroundings; find something on a building or setting that they had never before seen. We passed through "the Dungeon" and viewed murals created by Tippecanoe Central students nearly 20 years ago. We visited the Farmer's Market with all its colorful produce, vendors, patrons and pets. The Antique and Artisan show provided opportunities to photograph "strange" objects like 78 rpm record albums, a coin-operated pay telephone, wooden shoe molds, antique dolls and more. The highlight of the day was a chance to meet AND photograph Rosie the Riveter (aka: vintage model, Ruby Randall)
Our sincere thank you to Sharon Elaine for hosting our second session in her Tipp City studio where students learned about lighting, studio portraiture and specific posing tips. Each student was allowed to shoot images of other students with Sharon Elaine's professional camera under the studio lights. In addition, thanks to Andrea Nay, we had the privilege of viewing spectacular travel and sports photos during our final session. We learned about Andrea's professional photography career while she also offered composition tips and answered inquiries about action photography. Both of these talented, local artists provided insights into various career opportunities as well as encouraged students to "develop" (pun intended) their composition and technical skills for their own personal satisfaction.
Students are encouraged to continue shooting and posting photos throughout their summer vacation as well as the school year. Visit our website frequently or subscribe to the RSS Feed for updates when new photos are posted.
Thank you to Tipp City Area Arts Council for purchasing two digital cameras for student use and to the wonderful staff at Tipp Monroe Community Services, not only for publicity and registration but also for the for the friendly assistance they offered on a weekly basis.
I would like to encourage our readers to visit often and make constructive comments on the students' work.
I look forward to Great Shot! 2014.
"Stay Focused!"
Gina
]]>