Latin School of Chicago

Vidi 2020

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Why teach photography? Now that the camera is in everyone's pocket, isn't everyone a photographer? That potential may exist, but the nature of an image is not determined by having a camera. It is determined by the person who uses a camera thoughtfully and skillfully. All teaching is about mentoring. By sharing our love of a subject, we hope to cultivate that love in the hearts of our students. We guide the way by imparting facts, demonstrating procedures, explaining techniques and inspire through the wisdom of lead- ers in the field. We share the rules and give license to break them. We challenge think- ing, validate ideas, critique and praise work. We teach students to recognize feedback as an implement to reach greater potential. Our goal is to empower students to create and achieve more than they would on their own. Providing emotional guidance to support the personal learning journey helps alleviate the fear of the journey and strengthen the desire to devote the necessary time and effort to gain mastery. This experiential learning encourages students to add to a discipline through their own creations. Your mind is the essential tool in photography. So, in regard to photography, when a moment arises, this preparedness allows a photographer to be decisive. Great photos are intentional decisions and great photographers are consistently showcase a developed style and craft. Follow your interests, grow your confidence, build your style. Learn everything you can about your camera/tool and use it really well to express your unique voice, produce your best work, share it with others, and reflect on people's responses. In other words, use your talent and grow your ambition. As you know, the Covid 19 Virus created an unusually irregular end to this school year. The loss of our Project Week experiences, not being out with our cameras on spring break vacations and our switch to remote learning has been challenging. We adapted lessons to capture the essence of each course and looked for ways to normalize and celebrate the growth and great work of our students. Despite working remotely, our Photography Club put forth a remarkable effort to create this 19th edition of VIDI magazine. The best teachers inform students of ways to share their work beyond the classroom and to compete on a National level. Latin's photography students earned five gold keys, two silver keys and six honorable mentions in this year's Scholastic Art Awards. We have pub- lished their work in this edition of VIDI. So, yes, everyone is potentially a photographer and that means you too. If you want to get better at photography (or anything else), take a class, join a club, work with a men- tor, commit yourself to learning more and respond to feedback. Seek opportunities to use and grow your skills and knowledge. As you gaze into these photographs, think of each one as a gift that communicates a moment of insight into the thoughts of these young photographers. Photographers are curious. Photographers are observant. Consider the individual decision-making processes as you view the world through the eyes of these students. They are telling visual stories of their experiences and there is something compelling about that. Ms. Ross Visual Art Department Chair / Photography Teacher Above: Above: A Look Inside of Quarantine A Look Inside of Quarantine Lucy Norris '22 Lucy Norris '22 The Cover Photo: The Cover Photo: Ghost Car Ghost Car - - Scholastic Art Gold Key Winner Scholastic Art Gold Key Winner Joseph Gorman '22 Joseph Gorman '22

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