On Wednesday evening we wrapped Kids with Cameras 2.0 (an afterschool photography program I’ve written about here and here.) Program partners (Garden Club, Volcan Mountain Foundation, Club Live and volunteer instructors) held a reception at the public library with brief remarks, a celebratory presentation of some of the kids’ best shots, and delicious refreshments. The collection will remain on display for the next couple weeks at the Julian Library, and photo gift cards are on sale at the front office of the elementary school.
The photos we chose for the show represent all of the topics we covered (sports photography, composition, environmental portraiture, using manual settings, etc.) as well as fieldtrips (shooting in the school garden, at our historic cemetery and on Volcan Mountain.)
Representing Volcan Mountain and the volunteer photographers/instructors, Jeff Holt did a brilliant job of sneaking an art lesson into the remarks as he went over why we chose each photograph. Each kid was individually affirmed, and it was totally cool.
Below: a few of the students whose “show” picture happened to be taken during the school garden session. (Glares are from the room lighting and not in the original photographs.)
And of course, it was beautifully, extravagantly catered by my dear Rita.
Thank you to Bill Benson, Bill Bevill, Anne Garcia, Dana Pettersen, Jeff Holt and David Pierce for making Kids with Cameras a simply outstanding program. 3.0—-here we come!
What's not to like? 
What a great GREAT idea!!! Wish we had this when I was growing up.
Me too! I know most of my photos in elementary school were fuzzy little portraits of a friend, usually smack dab in the middle of the frame, cut off at the waist! Thanks so much for following! I appreciate your interest!
I teach 3rd grade at a public school in Georgia, and one of the rotating jobs is “Classroom Photographer.” We learn so much about each other through photos taken in and out of school, and the innate sense of wonder always draws their eyes to the natural world. Thank you for sharing a lesson that promotes the appreciation of natural aesthetic beauty.
I spent some time on your blog, and your students are fortunate to have you as a teacher. I especially loved all of your photography of the terrariums you make. I’m inspired!
Oh goodness, those smiles say it all. What a great idea.
*anna
Totally awesome! So sorry I missed the reception! Cheers to all the photographers, parents, school staff, library staff and the volunteers!
Anne
We missed you, but knew you had important work at Camp SweetiePie! Anne, it was wonderful! Jeff did a great job of talking about each photograph briefly, and it gave great definition to the whole night. Many people told me they learned a lot by listening to him, and they approached the photographs differently as a result. Each kid stood up, without any preparation, and said something they liked about the course, and their comments were specific and enthusiastic. I’m so glad you are a part of this project! You bring so much to it! The Dance is using the easels at the library, but I will set the photos up on Tuesday afternoon. I’ll be curious to hear what you think!
T,
If I would have only knew I would have given up the Presidency of the Dance Club and joined the Camera Club and looked for a caterer named Rita. 50 years to late…….dad
The Dance Club needed you, and just think—we can all do the twist with you as a result. If you want, I’m sure your grandsons can fill your walls with original photography to make up for it! 🙂