Student work created in PhotoLit workshop

Darkroom: not required

Instructor Fee: $75 + GST

Materials fee: TBD

Maximum class size: 30 students

Location: At Your School

PhotoLit looks at photography from different angles, positioning the students as both creators and viewers of images. This workshop will include: learning about the elements of photography, exercises in taking photographs, and writing to combine words with images.

In this workshop, students will engage in exercises to analyze photographs creating written responses to focus on meaning-making and foster visual literacy. Instruction will cover basic camera techniques, as well as elements of photography, such as composition and perspective. Students will explore themes of self, community and family through looking at and discussing photographs, and planning and shooting their own series of images.

Photographs tell stories. Whether it is a personal history revealed through a family snapshot, or a news story brought to life through a photojournalist’s image, we are accustomed to receiving information visually. Learning how to communicate using the visual language of photography is a powerful skill.

The PhotoLit structure can be adapted to fit many different themes. Teachers can suggest subject areas they would like to fit the workshop into, e.g. Social studies, History, etc.