Jennifer Spade
Snapshot
Merging Paint and Pixels
Creative thinking is one of the most important skills that students need in today’s world. Learning photography helps more students to broaden their understanding of art and enables them to communicate ideas, learn self-expression and create meaningful artworks. Not all students feel successful with traditional art forms, drawing and painting are skills that have been somewhat lost on many high schoolers. Photography is a wonderful way to provide all students even those with limited physical abilities, a successful art making experience. The use of iPads simultaneously utilizes technology while creating. Teaching students how to digitally manipulate photographs provides foundations in practical applications, how to create and apply meaning to their art works, gives them confidence in showcasing their work in various formats such as art shows, making photos for yearbook, or even just for the pleasure of creating. The problem is that not all students have access to technology. Some students do not have a phone to take photos, and iPads enable students the opportunity to create while providing myself with a unified platform for delivering instruction. It is challenging to teach photography on different devices.