An independent, college preparatory, co-ed, Episcopal Day School serves a community of students in grades 6-12.
Issue link: http://palmertrinityschool.uberflip.com/i/1536142
photography isn't just about following rules—it's about finding beauty in the unexpected. Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the greatest photographers of all time, captured this perfectly when he said, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." That's because, in the beginning, we're learning the rules, making mistakes, and finding our true vision. But those mistakes lead to growth. They teach us to be brave and experimental, and they ultimately push us closer to our artistic truth. As we dive deeper into photography, I encourage my students to embrace these "happy accidents." The spontaneous interactions, the burst of sunlight through the trees, the candid smiles between friends—these moments are often where the magic happens. It's when we least expect it that we capture something truly remarkable. A single frame can hold a story, a memory, a feeling that can never be duplicated. This, for me, is the pinnacle of the art form. It's not just about creating beautiful images; it's about capturing the essence of life itself. At the heart of photography is the ability to document moments, memories, and emotions. I constantly urge my students to think beyond just taking photos of pretty scenes. Instead, I encourage them to photograph their lives—their friendships, their experiences, their growth. The great photographer Dorothea Lange once said, "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Photography gives us a new way to observe the world, to understand the people around us, and to tell our stories in ways words alone can't. For my students, this journey is more than learning a skill—it's about discovering their voices. Every photograph is an expression of who they are and how they see the world. Through photography, they develop confidence in their creativity, learning to trust their instincts and embrace the beauty in the world around them. Photography encourages them to experiment, to be bold, and to take risks. It teaches them to be present and to appreciate the fleeting, often unnoticed moments that make life so beautiful. As they continue to develop their skills, my hope for these young photographers is that they carry with them the courage to continue creating, exploring, and capturing the world around them. They may start with simple images, but over time, they will create art that reflects their dreams, their experiences, and their unique perspectives on the world. In the end, that is the true power of photography: it allows us to express ourselves and share our stories with others in ways that are as unique and beautiful as the light we chase. 25