All is quiet in the halls during sixth period. At least, that’s how it seems before 33 journalism students are released, cameras in hand, searching frantically for new perspectives and learning new techniques.
In journalism teacher Emily Meachen’s prerequisite for the yearbook and newspaper class, journalism students are taught everything they need to know about how to use the cameras and how to take great pictures.
One of the most emphasized lessons students learn about photography is the different angles and perspectives they should experiment with.
“I find myself being really drawn to repetition and fill-the-frame when I’m taking pictures,” sophomore Brooke Owsley said.
Journalism is a class that counselors like to throw students into, and when that happens, they don’t expect to enjoy it, but Ms. Meachen can oftentimes help students find a new interest or passion they never knew they had.
“I didn’t choose to be in this class, but the photography unit gave me a new appreciation for photography, and now I’m genuinely enjoying it,” junior Elijah Maddox said.
Many of the students had used cameras before the class, but they weren’t taught the skills and techniques needed to flourish in photography.
“I had used a camera in the past, but I definitely feel a lot more confident about it now,” sophomore Katelyn Davis said.
Just like any new skill, it’s impossible to be a pro right away and there will be some challenges. But with Meachen’s expertise and hands-on teaching, anyone can be a photographer.
“I struggled a lot with getting the camera to focus and I kept taking blurry pictures,” junior Justin Willis said. “I finally went to ask Ms. Meachen for help, and she showed me how to put the camera on auto-focus while I’m still learning.”
After some practice and creative thinking, the students became great photographers and one of their photos even made photo-of-the-week on The Voice of The Wildkats.
“I didn’t even realize my picture made the photo of the week,” sophomore Alyssia Criddle said. “ We were practicing lighting, and I was really inspired by the way Kam was sitting and looking into the book.”
