Four Days of Photography in Keetmanshoop, Namibia
The camp started with the teenagers introducing themselves, posing for a portrait, and telling everyone the kind of photographs they like to take or thought they might like to take. After the introductions ended the students were put into pairs and began learning camera basics and about the different vantage points photographers use for their photographs. By the end of the fourth day the students had built a portfolio of photographs they were excited to take home to share with family and friends. Scroll down the page to see some of the photographs they took and what they learned.
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Day 1 - Vantage Points
In the morning we talked about the different vantage points photographers use for their photographs. The students learned about worms eye view, birds eye view, close ups, long shots, direct view, and side view. We first looked at examples and then the students left the classroom to take their own photographs following a scavenger hunt provided.
Day 2 - Elements of Design
In the morning the students were introduced to the elements of design photographers rely on for their photographs. They learned how to use lines, curves, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures in order to take more interesting photographs. They were also introduced to the rule of thirds.
Day 2 (afternoon) - Capturing Emotions
In the afternoon the students developed an understanding of the basic components of a portrait. They learned how expressions could convey an emotion in a photograph. Later they were given a camera and asked to capture a list of expressions with their photographs.
Day 3 (morning) - Self-Portraits
Using the terms they learned the previous day (posed, gestures, expressions, props, candid) the students, with their partners help, planned and captured self-portraits.
Day 3 (afternoon) - "Here I am"
In the afternoon the students reflected on their self-portrait and then began writing a poem titled “Where I’m from.” Using memories, they had to think about important people in their lives, and other significant pieces of the puzzle that add to their essence. They reflected on experiences that have molded them into the people they are today. Once complete they put together a portfolio piece with their self-portrait accompanying their poem.
Day 4 - Pieces of Me
On the final day the students were asked to think about and write the attributes that make them unique on a piece of paper. Then they were asked to think of which body parts would be important to capture that attribute. After, they had to think of creative ways to photograph these parts and then find some space to capture the image.
Behind the Scenes
Images of the students hard at work and enjoying their four days of photography camp.