Photography Club At NMS

By Laurie Borst

Newtown Middle School art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather was reading her students’ art journals recently when one entry caught her attention. Connor Hartgraves wrote that he was interested in photography and wanted to find a way to develop his skills.

Creative thinker that she is, Ms Spoonfeather decided to offer a photography club. After an informal survey of her students, she had 24 who expressed interest in taking part.

The club meets after school on Tuesday afternoons. Students bring cameras — they are shooting digital — and receive an assignment at each meeting to shoot around the campus. A homework assignment is also given.

“I am so amazed by their creativity,” Ms Spoonfeather said as she opened a folder of the students’ work. Visions of panoramic views from the Empire State Building, action shots of boys “flying” through the air, flowers, dogs, cats, and landscapes spilled out.

At the meeting on October 2, the students were sent out to photograph hands. They found friends, teachers, and secretaries to oblige them. During this meeting, Ms Spoonfeather distributed “press passes” she made for each of the students to be used at dances and other school events.

Ms Spoonfeather said the club will probably only meet through November. During that time, she hopes to take the students on a field trip to the graveyard to for a Halloween-themed photo shoot. She is also hoping to set up an exhibit outside of the school so the community can enjoy the students’ work.

Students are participating in the club because they have family members who enjoy photography and inspire them, to learn more, and develop skills.

James Radcliffe added, “There’s no limit to what you can take photos of.”