Photography club focuses on helping students take charge of their work and learning through hands-on experience. Members get various opportunities to shoot in school events because the club is so involved with the school and its students. At the same time there is a strong emphasis on exploration and self direction, which is encouraged through trips and time outside of school.
On Friday, November 21 photography club students took a trip into the city, starting at the One World Trade Center, a historical landmark located on 285 Fulton St near Tribeca. Students began at the Oculus, drawn to the building’s exterior, unique and striking when compared to the modern office buildings that surrounded it. The Oculus connects to the subway housing several retail stores, making it a very diverse and lively space. A beautiful monument with a white metal clad ribbed structure designed to resemble a bird, serving as a symbol of peace and renewal after the 9/11 attacks.
The World Trade Center is a landmark of tremendous significance, carrying a powerful meaning that is reflected through the building’s exterior and monuments—something that every member of the photography club took note of. During this trip, it was important for students to understand the history behind what they were photographing, especially when trying to fully capture the building and the story behind it.
Surrounding the World Trade Center was a series of beautiful murals that covered nearby buildings, as well as a public seating area that offered a place for people to rest. The space gave students a chance to take a break while also providing a great spot for students to photograph their classmates and the surrounding scenery. Many students focused on portraits, which gave them the chance to take the lead and direct their peers with confidence. This helped students bring their artistic vision to life and also allowed them to create a comfortable, supportive environment. This also opened the opportunity to tackle composition, lighting, and poses alongside collaboration.
Students were encouraged to explore the surrounding area, breaking off into smaller groups or exploring on their own. Many worked together, with some stepping up as models for certain photos. Everyone was given the time and space to explore and photograph what they wished before eventually regrouping.
After exploring the World Trade Center, the club began to move deeper into the heart of the Financial District, where streets grew busier, the buildings taller, and the atmosphere more fast-paced. The shift in energy was something that brought out more opportunities and ideas in students. Each block seemed to carry a life of its own, people coming and going from different places, each person with their own unique story.
There was a clear difference between the quiet, memorial-like space of The World Trade Center and the dense urban landscape of the Financial District. The change in environment provided a new perspective, providing students with a multitude of new subjects to photograph.
As students continued through the Financial District, their approach to photography naturally shifted and adapted to the fast pace of the bustling city. Some focused on capturing the sharp and dramatic angles of skyscrapers, others noticing the smaller details like street signs and textures. Others focused on the crowds of people, experimenting with motion and perspective to capture candid and unique moments that each told a different story.
The contrast between the calm of the World Trade Center to the atmosphere of the energetic district gave students a range of subjects and space to explore rather than limiting them to a single setting.
By the end of the trip, every student returned with their own collection of photographs each unique to them and a reflection of their individual perspectives, interests and creative vision. Despite having each explored the same areas their works showed a clear difference.This experience only reinforced what the photography club stands for: exploration, creativity and collaboration. By stepping outside of the school students were given the opportunity to engage with the environment around them as well as their peers, this trip served as a reminder that photography isn’t simply about taking photos but being able to connect to what is happening around you being able to truly appreciate even the most simple things. This trip showed the value of being able to explore and the value of hands-on learning, especially outside of the school. Students were able to grow as artists and foster an appreciation for the simple things in life.