“It’s a different experience taking photos with a dedicated camera, as opposed to using a phone” photography teacher Stephen Loewinsohn states. “It encourages the photographer to be more present and intentional about the photos they are taking.” When Stephen started at O’Dowd, he was surprised to find out that most of his students solely used their phones to take photos. Inspired by the opportunity to show students the many ways to take a photo, he developed a curriculum to broaden their experiences and sharpen their focus.
“This year, my students will have opportunities to create images using film cameras, cyanotypes, digital SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and even drones,” says Stephen. “These tools give our students new ways to express themselves creatively and to develop skills that can only be learned through hands-on experience.”
As a cornerstone of our digital arts program, our photography class elevates students’ use of cameras to fine art, preparing them for future classes within the digital arts. Throughout the semester, students learn the fundamentals of photography, such as setting the shutter speed on a camera and how it affects the photo.
Soon, the classes will create cyanotype prints from plants growing in our 4-acre Living Lab. Cyanotypes, an analog photography process, don't require a camera. Instead, objects are placed directly onto sheets of paper that are sensitive to ultraviolet light, and left in direct sunlight for about 10 minutes to create an image. “It's a very low-tech process, and one that allows the creator to focus on composition without having to worry about things like camera settings,” Stephan explains.
Later in the semester students learn to edit photos using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, taking digital photos of their cyanotype prints and combining them with other photos they've taken to create composite images. “These types of projects reinforce the idea that photography can be approached in many different ways,” shares Stephen. “You can use low-tech tools like cyanotypes and film, or you can use high-tech tools like digital cameras and software. Or you can combine multiple processes to express yourself in whatever way works best for you.”
“Our philosophy in the Fine Arts department is to give students the tools to create the art they are interested in,” explains Briana Loewinsohn, Fine Arts Department Chair. “Photography is a unique medium that truly allows the artist to show the viewer the world through their eyes. O'Dowd seeks to enhance their skills to meet their vision.”
(Bottom two photos: by Natalya Navarro, and Elliot Lewis)
See more of student artwork in the 2024 Muse!