Let's Talk About the Photography Program

Photography and video production with Justin Discoe is quite an experience. Like most tech programs, this one spans two academic years, not counting the recommended quarter-long introductory class.

I started getting into photography my freshman year. I took the intro class my second quarter, and Discoe made a major lasting impression on me. Not only did I now have an artistic outlet apart from writing, but it was something I am genuinely good at.

My freshman year, my sister was a sophomore in the photo one class. This led to me getting to know the upperclassman involved in the program like Kyle Hinton and Alex Comeau. I also got to be part of some things I wouldn’t have access to otherwise, like ghost hunting at Spaulding one June night at ten o’clock.

When it came to my sophomore year, Discoe decided with me that being in his next photo one class was not going to be a good fit for me, personally and schedule wise. And thus, I was now an honorary member of the program. Throughout the year I spent as much time in the photography room as possible, and this resulted in me going to Alex Comeau’s photography show in 2019, exactly a year and a day after we all went ghost hunting. I originally only went to support my sister, who was participating in the show. But, Discoe dumped me with his new camera with a prime lens (which is good for depth of field) and let me photograph the event. This was my first time actually taking photos again.

So, come junior year, I enrolled in the photo one class. Of course, I got in, and it has made me all the more grateful to actually be a part of the program this year. I’ve gotten to participate in a photography show here at Spaulding on January 14th, I got to photograph the tech center opening as a volunteer on January 22nd, and I have gotten to give tours of our space and explain our program to middle school kids and students from high schools near us.

I made the decision to commit to photography when I was thirteen years old, and I didn’t get to begin the program officially until I was almost sixteen. It is a huge commitment, which I feel like some people do not realize when debating the program.

The class spans two academic school years, and the entire program will result in four total credits. There is much more to the class than pressing a button on a camera and turning them in. It’s learning the f-stop and ISO settings and white balance. It’s learning how to set up lights and backdrops and how to make sure everyone involved is safe. It’s learning Adobe editing software and hours upon hours of work for one photo. It is difficult work and it is time consuming work.

The waiting list for photography right now is 106, at the last count. The truth is, the tech programs can change your life, but you have to be committed to it for that to happen. Don’t just throw the opportunity away.

Article by Hannah MacDonald