Photography is the art or practice of taking and processing photographs. Mr. Winn, A teacher here at Kearns High School who teaches drawing and created a gallery for his students work. He explains that students in his photography class learn to see. “It’s not easy,” says Mr. Winn, “you can’t just add a tree somewhere. You have to see the potential in the world around you.”
Students learn to see the potential in their surroundings by practicing and using different photography techniques. One technique always used is the “Rule of Thirds.” This is where a photographer puts the main focus of their photo off to one side or the other. Mr. Winn says that putting the main focus somewhere besides the center of the photograph makes it more interesting. The photography class also learns about the principles of design. The principles of design describe the ways that an artist uses different elements of art in their work. Artists often try to create balance in their art by distributing how much color, texture, or space is being used.
When asked why photography is a good life skill, Mr. Winn said, “It enriches and fulfills life.” Not only is photography fun, but it gives people something to do and gets them outside. It introduces them to the world, helps them see the beauty around them, and teaches them to appreciate the simple things in life. Photography has a lot of uses. Some people use it for job opportunities, as a hobby, or even a coping skill.
Mr. Winn would like to encourage the student body to take his photography class next semester. He says that it is a fun class, but warns that it can be challenging because the work is very independent.