Godwin Heights — After stepping from the bright sunlight into the dimly lit aquarium at John Ball Zoo, sophomore Madeline Figueroa-Orellana carefully adjusted her camera’s aperture, shutter speed and ISO before snapping a photo of the penguins.
Getting a good photo isn’t easy, admitted her classmate and photography partner, sophomore Berenice Vasquez.
“You have to adjust for the change in lighting, and then it helps to move around, because sometimes (the subject blends) into the background,” Berenice explained. “You have to look at all the details to see what else will help capture the photo.”
The girls are part of the high school’s new photography class, one of seven new electives added to the course offerings this year. Other new classes include sports officiating, personal finance, oral interpretation, gaming concepts, home renovations and 3D design.
Principal Mike Porco said the expanded selection was designed to give students the chance to explore personal interests while developing practical skills and connecting learning to future opportunities.
Senior Angela Ramirez-Jeronimo said she appreciated the school’s effort to recognize student interests and expand the curriculum.
“I found it interesting to take pictures and I thought it would be fun,” Angela said about signing up for the photography course. “I have learned a few things, such as techniques to use with a camera and how the camera itself works.”
Going Into the Field
The one-semester photography course allows students to explore the art of photography using both digital and traditional techniques, said art teacher Megan Serin. Students use Canon EOS R100 mirrorless cameras during lessons and field experiences.
“The focus of the course is for students to learn how to use a camera and all the basics: focusing, composition and how to maneuver to capture the image you want,” Serin said.
The goal is to help students build creativity and attention to detail, and to gain visual communication skills that can lead to careers in media, design and the arts.
To give students hands-on experience, Serin organized a field trip to John Ball Zoo. Students first spent time in a classroom learning about the animals before taking photos of them.
During the class portion, students reviewed their images after each shoot, comparing shots and discussing what worked well and what could be improved.
Freshman Emely Santos said she enjoyed getting close to the animals to capture fine details. She considered the best angle when photographing an African pygmy hedgehog through its glass enclosure.
“I was excited to see the animals and learn about them,” she said. “Knowing about them made me focus more on their unique traits, like the hedgehog’s face.”
After the class, students were given time to explore the zoo on their own to photograph animals in their habitats.
Junior Brianna Radas-Rodaz said the trip taught her just how much thought goes into each photo.
“Shutter speed, lighting, shooting through glass and working around people — I realized there’s a lot to think about when taking a picture,” she said.
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