I remember when I was 12 years old and the first time I created a photograph when I was away at Summer Camp. It was such an amazing experience to learn about light and how to manipulate it and communicate through image making. This is an unprecedented year with children learning remotely from home and that can be both challenging and isolating. Getting outside and creating art with other people can be one of the best ways to combat feelings of isolation.
In early August, I led a Smartphone Photo Workshop for 10-12 year olds whose families created a Quarantine Pod for social connection during the summer of Covid. I traveled to Zeeland, Michigan and spent 3 hours teaching them how to focus, expose for subject and compose images with their Smartphone. We explored light and shadows, different backgrounds and angles, and using colored gels for creative effects.
We gathered in a neighborhood and took a photo walk and talked about the sun position and lighting and how to see shadows. On our walk, we found different backgrounds and settings to use to create one of a kind portraits. They also explored self-portraits as a way to get in touch with their inner artistic voice.
The real creativity in photography comes into play after the picture is created. The final steps capturing images includes time in post-production to help boost the mood and feeling of the experience. I teach my students how to use a post-production app to create vignettes, double exposures, play with creating custom filters and frame designs.
Is your child learning remotely from home this fall? Consider joining one of my workshops and add some imagination to their week. When your child is done with my workshop, they will come away with more knowledge on how to use the camera function on their Smartphone and how to create beautiful artistic images to share with their friends and family.
If you have created a Quarantine Pod within your community, think about having me as a guest artist for a day for a change of pace and for adding imagination to your child’s remote learning experience.