Beginning Photography: Panning

During my last week's class I taught my kids of 3rd graders in my Beginning Photography class how to pan using the point and shoot cameras. One of my students was having a hard time completing the technique so I lend my hand and helped direct her partner to run across. Just thought this was hilarious on how she "ran" across. hahah

Beginning Photography: Class of Spring 2010

Me and my class of 4th-5th graders in Beginning Photography

I just finished a 7 week program with 11 Daly City 4th-5th grade kids in a class I've named "Beginning Photography" [all but one pictured above since he had to leave early ]. The title of the class says what this class is all about--getting the kids' feet wet in photography and just covering the basics like what a camera is, how to hold/use it, and basic theory of photography [aperture, shutter, and verrrry briefly ISO hehe].

I was able to get all the kids photo albums so they can place all their photos and bring it home. In the last day of class [Monday, March 8, 2010], I had all the kids present their portfolio in front of everyone.

Below are some of the photos I've picked that were personally my favorite from the class:

The 1st official day of shooting, I taught them Rule of Thirds and how to take simple portraits. We did expressions of anger, sadness, and happiness and each kid photographed their partner in these 3 moods.

Another portrait made by one of the students.

Another class' theme was panning--capturing people/things in motion by selectively blurring the background. This is all done in-camera with no help of Photoshop. And mind you, this is using basic pocket digital cameras. The kids did a great job capturing motion.

A step above panning are action shots in which the I think the kids had the most fun. We went outside and took advantage of the camera choosing a high shutter speed automatically to capture jumping shots. I give props to my student for capturing me in air in the photo above!

My favorite jumping photo for the day was this one [above]. I loved the angle and just perfect timing in capturing a high energy shot.

The last themed day before the portfolio day was trick photography. I briefly went over terms like perspective, distance, and proportion to show them that it all works together to make trick photography happen. All the kids were laughing as I photographed the kids and made them look super tiny--all in-camera.

Another favorite of mine is this above in which one of my students made it seem that one of the kids in the yard was jumping off the chair. It's just awesome when kids can show you something new and equally off-the-wall.

While it being only a brief 7-day course over the span of 7 weeks [not including school holidays hehe], I'm sure they were able to come out of this class with better knowledge and skill on how to take pictures.

Starting Photography Workshops at only $25!

For a larger view of the above flier, click here.

After the success of the last photography workshop, I'll be holding Photography Workshops at only $25!

Ok ok, this really doesn't really apply to you unless you are a 4th or 5th grader.  But I was inspired after that photography workshop to teach more people willing to learn photography as I did find a new happiness in teaching others in something I'm passionate about.

Beginning Photography is the name of the class I came up when I started teaching kids photography in various schools in Daly City.  I haven't been back for a bit due to last year's unfortunate timing of schedules [and recession].  So I am definitely glad to be back on board as a teacher and I'm hoping more kids [or rather their parents] sign up so their kids can appreciate photography and just have fun learning and taking pictures.

Seeing kids grow quickly especially when they are learning and having fun at the same time is very rewarding.  I can see why teachers love what they do no matter what level they are teaching.

To see the kids' past work, here are some albums I've posted up:

Westlake Elementary School 2008
George Washing Elementary School 2008

Susan B. Anthony Elementary School 2008

If you are interested in helping out, the least you can do is to support the Photography program in your nearby school.  Non-existent? Propose it!

Another way is to support the program I am in! Contact me for details! jcasas[dot]photography[at] gmail.com

Beginning Photography: Susan B. Anthony Elementary School 2008

So it's been awhile since I've put together my last class but I finally was able to finish it up today [after the homework as well].

This is my Beginning Photography class last fall and this is the same school I came from! [c/o 1999] yessir.

Print available through Lulu.com here for $14.90

Fun. Faces.

This was taken at the Beginning Photography class at Westlake which I'm teaching at. The class' objectives was to learn and take panning shots. In the middle of it, two of my students started taking funny faces pictures and so I asked if I can join in.

There's another photo that was taken right after this in which it was in focused but I like how this photo is a little obscure. I especially like one of my other student's hand is in the picture in attempt to make rabbit ears.

Beginning Photography: Behind the Scenes [SBA]

My other school site I'm teaching photography at is Susan B. Anthony in Daly City... where I was for 6th [when it was brand spanking new in 1999].

For this class' session, we're taking action shots and I took the kids outside to take advantage of the sun despite the cold winds.

Overall, the kids had a good time trying to shoot action stills--jumping, running, playing in the playground.

Beginning Photography - Behind the Scenes

One of my students poses for the camera and allows me to demonstrate the "Rule of Thirds" to the entire class.
Cheese! I was quite popular that day since the theme for class was "action" so the kids had me jumping so they can capture me in air.

I have the kids partner up with each camera and each takes 5 shots before handing it back to their partner.

Funny how so intrigued they are when taking pictures of each other taking pictures of them. Confusing yes.
One of my students looked up and behold!

He spotted the moon!

Good day of teaching despite the cold weather outside in the playground. Next week we'll be going over panning and creative zooming.

I started teaching again for the Daly City after school program and these are the first batch of photos of the kids after teaching them the basics. So far into the week they've learned: how a camera works, definitions of shutter, aperture, rule of thirds, how to take macro [close up] shots, and for this class they learned how to take portraits.

We used natural light [my rules once handling the camera: camera strap on wrists at all times and turn off flash!] and encourage them to go up close for the portraits with their feet and not using the zoom.

The portraits turned out really nice utilizing the classroom's door as the background and natural light.

I guess they went too close.

Part of the portrait exercise was to show three emotions: happiness, anger, and sadness. I encouraged them to go over the top.

Probably one of my favs for this [last] week's shoot: Christine's happy look has a bit of surprise in it. haha

They asked me to pose as well.

Because these pics were from last week, today actually was another class and we took action shots. I'll post some when I can. Classes end in 3 weeks and we only meet once a week so it's really a fast class.