Introduction
4
Welcome to Digital Photography!
On the first day of class, most students walk into my room thinking this will be an easy class to score a mandatory elective credit. They are quickly disappointed. Although I hope the class is fun, it is demanding and requires full attention. After mastering a few basics, students hopefully begin to see their growth. "I like photography" or "I'm good at it" is what I'd like them to
think when they walk into class each day. Their self-esteem rises. Their effort increases. Their passion is ignited. Now the hard work can really begin.
If a student can learn that hard work yields great results- I will have done my job. Although photography can be a fun hobby for the rest of their lives, I hope it's their work ethic they will remember.
I am super excited about these students in 2016 and their work. I look forward to my digital photo class every day. When I see students with no visual art experience begin to win awards- that just goes to prove that anyone can learn to be an artist and think creatively. It is not a "gift" handed out to a select few. But a skill you can learn.
This year, we have seen remarkable progress in the digital photography class. (Please see page 23 for full story.) Pine Tree High is proud to have 3 National Scholastic medalists, 6 Longview Art of Character Contest medalists, 1 winner of the Longview Recycling Art Contest, 2 participants in the Perspectives LFMA art show, and 35 VASE entries with X Gold Medals and X State Attendees.
I hope these students continue to see that their hard work has paid off and how proud I am of each and every one of them.
Elizabeth White, teacher
Photo by Rolondo Uceda
Stork and parrot by Vashayla Charvis, elephant by Mya Candie, bobcat by Rolonda Uceda