Advisory Class By Mentor Artist Jill Hoefgen
The goals of this Canal Alliance University Prep advisory class were to understand various forms of media and its effects on the individual, the community, and the world; to use images to create a visual message; to inspire students to observe the world through the camera lens and to express their unique perspectives through photography. Together, the students motivated each other to photograph shadows, buildings, signs, people, flowers, food, and even discarded objects. I enjoyed observing the tentative students emerging as thoughtful and enthusiastic photographers. Through practice, they began to discover how they could use light, lines, and angles to create interesting and unique compositions.
Memories accordion book
Looking at Light
Back in the classroom, the students compiled their photos into hand-made accordion books. Each creation was a distinct and condensed collection of the work they had accomplished over the many weeks of photography.
I witnessed many of the students embracing photography, creating something of their own, and expressing how they see the world. I was heartened by the energy and the relative openness as the students shared this experience with each other. I hope these emerging photographers can embrace this visual medium and continue to share their viewpoints through pictures. Ultimately, I hope each of the participating students discovers their own voice and identifies ways they can contribute meaningfully to the wide world of media.
