Jeff Coleman’s Spartan-Up! project adds flavor to the Computer Magnet wing.
Student photo projects on display outside room 107. photo by Marelle Davey
The assignment was simple: combine multiple photos into one picture in order create something entirely new. The results? Art.
Just around the corner from the front entrance of TJHS and right outside room 107 there is a display case set within the forty-eight year old wall. This case is one of many that can be found around the school, but this one holds something a little different: photographs that were taken by students, changed into something new, and set on display to the public. “It’s the creative aspect of the project that motivates the students to do well,” said Photography Teacher Jeff Coleman.
This assignment, called Combined Images, is a learning opportunity for students in Coleman’s Photojournalism class. The idea is to take several photos and then combine them using Adobe Photoshop in such a way as to make them seem as realistic and yet creative as possible. “I liked the Combined Images project because it allowed me to use my creativity,” said student Shelby Amling.
The purpose of this assignment is to teach photojournalism students how to use the selection tools in Photoshop as well as furthering the student’s knowledge of how to use manual camera controls and settings.
“People like their work to be seen,” said Coleman who has a long history with TJ and is dearly liked by his students.
“I thought it was fun,” said Marelle Davey, who added that she liked using Photoshop. Her combined image of a boy sitting on a leaf is attached above. Marelle, who has been enrolled in Photojournalism since the beginning of the year, said, “It is a really good class. I especially like going out to take photos.” Coleman tries to always have 35mm Panasonic Lumix cameras ready to be checked out by his students, provided that they are returned in a timely manner.
In addition to learning how to compose and edit photos, students in photojournalism are exposed to many other journalistic tools that will help them further their technical knowledge of not only journalism, but also computers and the arts in general. Students have the resources of high-speed computers and professional editing programs such as Adobe CS3, which includes Photoshop, Final Cut (a video editing program) and Power Point – which is what students use to present their projects to the class. They are also able to checkout video cameras that help them learn the technique of video interviewing and movie making.
Photojournalism is a class that is offered primarily to sophomores, and is meant to prepare them to move on to higher-level journalism classes in Computer Magnet, which include Newspaper, Advanced Photo, and Radio & TV Broadcasting. “The goal is to create creative thinkers, because that is what is needed most in today’s job market,” said Coleman. Space is limited, however, and students do have to be selected, so if you are planning to join photojournalism next year now is a good time to start checking with your counselor for availability.
