Our photography elective at CHS has always been popular, with Commercial Photography 1 being one of the most competitive classes to get into at the school. This year, our photographers have brought photos to the next level. Photo 2 and Capstone students have been doing amazing this year, and students have even won awards at the Virginia State Fair.

Photography at CHS consists of 3 sections of classes all taught by Ms.Wilson. Commercial Photography 1 consists of learning about cameras, how they work, and what you can do with them. You learn different types of photography and how to use Adobe Photoshop. This class is for people interested in getting into photography or want a fun elective to explore their creativity.

The second class is Commercial Photography. This class focuses on finding out what photography styles you like and what you are interested in. You go more in-depth into Photoshop and also learn film photography. This class is more project-based, while Photo 1 is all in-class photos. Photo 2 takes their cameras home and takes all pictures outside of class, while in class they learn about their units and learn about how to take photos for their project.

The final class is Photography Capstone, which counts for the 3/4th years of taking the class. This class is where most people know what they like in their photos and their style. The projects are more broad where you can specialize and create your style of photo. This is also project-based like Photo 2 but more projects. Everything is still outside of class while in class it is more about how to incorporate ideas into the assignment. The other parts of the class focus on editing your photos.

The idea is the same in all of these classes: To get you to learn about photography, how to use a digital camera, and incorporate your ideas and creativity in a photo. In all classes, the basis of assignments is the same, where you learn in class what you are going to do and then take the photos. Then you go into post-processing (editing in Photoshop). After your editing, you go into a critique, which is when the whole class puts their photos into a slideshow. During the class, you go through the slideshow and give feedback on what people did well and what they could improve on. This gives good ideas to change their photo or an idea for the next time they do something similar.

So what goes on beyond the classroom? Some of our photography students are really interested and love taking photos and showing their art. Many students have photography accounts on Instagram and the CHS Photography Class Instagram has been revived this year to showcase student work. Students do a lot of photography outside of school too, many students take pictures at our sporting events and club events. Some people also go to school events that aren’t during school hours, like Prom. These photos even pop up in the yearbook.

So if you haven’t already, stop by the photography board in B hallway near the photo room, GT-22. The Photography classes would love to have you, sign up next school year and join the team!

CHS Photography Instagram: @chs_photography_class