Smile for the Camera!
Sunrise, Sunset, Minimalist, Black and White – Students from EchoingU of Southwest Ohio capture subjects of every alphabet letter. Twenty members of the Dayton Photography Forum have all skill levels: professional to novice. The forum helps students engage in hands-on learning, make new connections, and explore possible job opportunities. Eight students from EchoingU of Southwest Ohio have learned to overcome challenges working alongside community members, many of whom are retired with more experience.
Students develop their photography skills with a speaker or a video each month to learn about the themes. After the lesson, they pick a location, and then students bounce ideas off one another, establishing friendships. They take turns using a camera or use their cell phones. Excitement grows as the program progresses. Students have become confident since participating.
Involvement in the forum started with a partnership between The Dayton Metro Library and EchoingU. The forum encourages interaction with community members and eases students into the workforce. Christopher Setser, Program Director of EchoingU of Southwest Ohio, explains, “The members of the forum have been so willing to embrace our students and their participation in the group.” An example of this was when members with experience in the forum welcomed the students from EchoingU and invited them to lunch with the group.
The students are pursuing photography intently, and all have expressed interest in photography as a hobby. Some of the students consider it a possible career. The program focuses on the talent behind the picture instead of who took it. Students favor the black and white and the letter theme challenges. They enjoy exploring angles and editing techniques. The minimalist theme was a challenge for students to overcome. Two EchoingU students share their experiences regarding the photography program.
Ivan enjoys taking pictures of bugs, insects, and birds. His interest in photography began when he started the forum. The key to capturing a good photo is to “get the right angle,” Ivan explains. He uses his phone to take pictures and believes he does well, and his family agrees.
Theo enjoys exploring the bridge and the library with his friends in the photography forum. Theo shares a time when they tried to take a picture of a dove, but it would continue to fly away. He explains, “It was challenging but still fun.” Theo is considering photography as a future career, along with the military, police, musician, or professional basketball player. EchoingU guides young adults through the next steps in life – including exploration of career and job opportunities.
