Before the holiday break, we graduated six happy classes of photography students from Samy's Camera Photo Camp.
Our Beginner’s Classes went off without a hitch. The kids became Sports photographers capturing jump-ropers in mid air, Photojournalists vying for a new playground, tripod masters of still life photography. They practiced rules of composition arranging food, and played the role of Fashion photographer, plus model, art director, and reflector holder. Beginners Graduation Day includes a slideshow, diplomas, gallery show, and a guided tour of our flagship Samy’s store - visiting each department (rentals, video, cameras, pro lighting, medium format, and more) to get hands-on time with the equipment they've learned about in class.
There are three different Advanced classes alumni can take, all incorporating peer review and featuring all new photography techniques (like black & white or art filters), history, and exercises (ex. water droplet reflection, Photoshop, and studio lighting), plus video instruction (stop-motion animation, storyboarding). The advanced class culminates in a graduation ceremony/gallery show of the students’ photos that leave parents, teachers, and school administrators in applause.
Samy’s Camera Photo Camp reaches on average 150 students (plus their parents, teachers, principals and friends & families) each year. I’ve taught well over a thousand students the joy of photography! It is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It is a privilege to watch these young people blossom, find their voice and share their unique perspective with the world.
Here’s what some of the parents had to say about this semester:
“Photo class has been my son’s highlight every Tuesday. I hope he will continue to grow and develop his interest in photography. Thank you for the great experience.”
“My daughter is more obsessed with your class than anything else at school. The picture she brought home is amazing - She is so proud of it, and I of her. Thank you so much!”
I'm so glad my students had as much fun as I did. Here’s to more great classes to come in 2016!!