Since its inception, we keep adding new things to the mix to try and make the experience educational, enjoyable, and informational, particularly to the public that’s visiting. The original exhibit was great but since that time we’re gone to a standard size of photo, insisting on a standard mounting, and most recently requiring the students to submit a short write up about what it was that they were shooting and why it was memorable for them.
The final step proves to be to valuable. We get to see what goes on in the mind of the student as they’re posting the photograph. The display is unique in that students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 are on display next to each other. In education, very seldom do we get a chance to see student work in that fashion. While the written descriptions do show the results of education in the older students, it is overshadowed by the images themselves. Just as much thought and planning goes into the images taken by the younger students as happens in the older ones. What’s especially nice is having the opportunity to sidle up to one of them and have them tell you what their picture is about.
There is such great pride in their stories about their pictures.
Digital photography also provides the great equalizer. As I said in my remarks to the group assembled, the written descriptions may vary, but make sure to appreciate the lighting, angles, and planning that all of the students put into their efforts.
With a digital camera, the playing field is pretty level. I hope that all of these budding photographers continue in their efforts to use digital media for self-expression.
More from the Exhibition is available here.
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