Photo Fun Course September's Theme: Plants

 Our very first photo fun workshop was the perfect balance of fun and learning.  We enjoyed getting to meet our students and to get to go outside for great hands-on practice. 

We started things off with a quick getting-to-know-you game called "Cross the Line." After we got to know everyone, we dove into our workshop.

For our Shoot-n-Share (kinda like show-n-tell), we had a few of our students show us a photo they took that they liked of a plant.  We talked about why they liked it, what made it interesting, and some tips about photo composition.  Some people brought photos they found online or that another photographer took.  Getting to appreciate the work of other photographers helps us to develop our own perspective on photography.

A plant photo one student found online

 Our photography scavenger hunt was fun and a good way for everyone to get outside and expand their creativity and break out their cameras with a teacher close by to answer their questions.  I liked seeing student's laying on the ground to get a new perspective, and getting to help when a camera wouldn't snap the photo they were going for.  The Cynthia Center was a marvelous location because we had our nice private classroom and then a great park right out the side door. 

We delved into some good ol' technical instruction in which we introduced students to their cameras and the different settings they could use outside of "auto."  We had them practice the next week's challenge by taking 24 unique photographs of the exact same subject, and for a greater challenge they could do it without moving their feet.

At the end we did a Q&A where we answered the questions that the students came up.  The final question we answered was, "Have you ever taken a good picture of the moon, and if so, how do you do it?"

I was able to pull up from our Google Photos archive a couple of great pictures of the moon that Steve took, and give her tips on how to do it herself.

I created a simple worksheet that students could take home to remember the things we discussed and so they could take notes if they wanted to.

Thanks to all those who came to our first Photo Fun Workshop!  Hope to see you next month!