Find, focus, take. Now-a-days it's easy to capture the moment, drive down to the local grocery store, pick up a disposable camera and voilà, the perfect picture. But photography isn't just about a pretty picture, it's about expression, and creating an artistic view. The Green River Photography Art Program is a way students can express themselves in an original way.
"It's a creative outlet, the only thing I can do that's completely visual," Chris Allen, a 22-year-old Black and White Photo 103 student at Green River explains. Even though it's just a hobby, it's what keeps him at the college.
Photography is taking a lead in student lives, whether it's preparing them for a future career, or just for fun. There are roughly 325 students in the program. Since there are classes offered online, and on campus, it's easy to get involved.
"There's a great staff here, everyone's very knowledgeable and very helpful," remarks Zach Kolden, the Instructional Support Technician who works directly with the students in the lab. "Knowing that you have the support you need, makes it easy to feel comfortable here," agreed Allen and Bowman.
Each level has a different purpose; 101 develops skills such as how to operate a 35mm camera, manage time, take an artistic photograph, create negatives. While 102 and 103 refine and build, helping the students find their own artistic view and unique style.
The art building is always full. Whether students are developing photos in the dark room, asking for help, editing their photos on computers, or simply attending class -- the excitement is present.
"The dark room is huge!" Sarah Carson, a Photo 104 student declares enthusiastically. The dark room is the place where students work to develop their pictures. In this case the bigger the better because of the constant amount of students in the room.
While offering a certificate of photography, there are also contests that teachers advise students to enter, such as the Espial Journal so students can turn in their artwork. The journal is a place where students can submit their pictures and, if selected, their photos are published. It's just another way GRCC helps its students get ahead.
"I love expressing myself through pictures, just capturing life," 19-year-old Jocelyn Bowman explains. She is aspiring to be a professional photographer and Green River's Art Program has helped her make that decision.
"Everybody here is really passionate about photography, it's an awesome experience," says Chris Allen.
Many students will spend at least eight hours working on photography outside of class, and some spend up to ten hours a week. Because the classes are either two or three days a week, students must dedicate their own time to the class by taking pictures, editing them, and developing them. However, most find it worth every minute.
"Our goal is to help the students learn skills that they can apply to a four-year university, or even commercially," Kolden says.
There are no expectations when a student walks into the Photo 101 Program, just that they will be willing to learn. It's in the advanced classes that students are expected to know safety procedures, how the machines work, differences in print requirements, and how to take care of the equipment.
Even though there are many students that are just in photography as a hobby, there are many that will use these skills their entire lives. Whether used commercially, as a career, or just for fun, the photography program is advancing in importance. The innovation skills taught in photography can be applied to all aspects of life.
"Here I've been able to try new things, experiment, and be creative. Photography is the only way I can express myself," points out Bowman.
By giving students a 21st century look with digital and black and white photography, the Green River Photography Art Program is taking a lead in the classroom, and in student lives.
Get in the Picture
Published: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Updated: Thursday, April 30, 2009 15:04
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