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Photography Question 

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Teaching Basics to Middle Schoolers


I will be teaching the basics of using a 35mm SLR to middle schoolers (ages 12-14) beginning in December. I have several questions. With the grant money, I am going to order about 12 cameras. I want to get camera bags, maybe some extra lenses, filters, color film, etc. Do you have any suggestions on what to buy? Where to buy? Also, aside from using the basic functions of the camera, what would you feel are the most important aspects of color photography to cover w/the students? Ideas for lessons, organizing photos, photo tricks, tips, contests. Slide film? Prints on CD? I do have access to scanners and smart boards. Any other ideas?


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September 22, 2004

 

Rhonda L. Tolar
  WOW! What a wonderful grant to get! I don't know how much money you have to spend, but you might be able to save a few dollars, asking a local camera shop to donate film and camera bags, as advertising on their part. Or, I know Wal-Mart is usually real good about donating for educational purposes. They could supply you with film and processing, and even camera bags and tripods.
I take photography classes at our local community college. The textbook that they are currently using is very good and covers some valuable information on color photography, the book is "Photography" seventh edition, by Barbara London, John Upton, Ken Kobre, and Betsy Brill. The ISBN number is 0130282715. This would be a good book to use as a tool for teaching.
Good luck! I wish there had been a program like this when I was in middle school.


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September 22, 2004

 

doug Nelson
  The cheapest and, BTW, one of the most durable cameras is the Canon TX or TLb. They take the super bargain Canon FD lenses. The 50mm f1.8 can go as cheap as $10. Buy one or two each of 28's and 135's. Check out the online auctions for these. Have a repair contract with someone who can make you a package deal on replacing the foam seals and mirror bumper on all of them.


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September 22, 2004

 

Alex Cabrall
  Amazing. I would have LOVED to be offered such a course, instead of run-of-the-mill shop class. I would have to personally agree with Doug, as I learned on my grandfather's TX. It's so simple and easy, it's wonderful. Do be a LITTLE careful on buying used FD 50s: Some of them have been used HEAVILY, and are kinda stiff and hard to focus for a beginner.


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September 23, 2004

 

Donna L. Jones
  Hi Sandy,
I have taught Photography to my journalism and yearbook classes at a high school and am preparing a booklet for teaching photography to teens. If you would like to contact me at dljones@sonic.net perhaps we could share info!


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September 28, 2004

 

Matt S. Raspanti
  that is an amazing offer right there for your students. I only wish I could have taken a photography course in my high school years. They have a portfolio class where you build your art portfolio but that doesnt help me at all especially when my school thinks that photography is all strictly film. The Smart Boards would be fun to work with so I hope they learn alot. Old film cameras would be the best to learn on...thats what I learned on. something with manual focus and an auto exposure setting like an old Minolta XG-1. We are too spoiled with digtals. Another fun thing to have would be a polaroid camera so they can apply the technical aspects of photography and see instant results.


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September 28, 2004

 

Jo Ann Van Eyk
  What a great class! How did you get to teach that? I am a middle school teacher also and I would love to be able to teach that. Good luck with the class. By the way, I learned photography using a Canon TX too, which I still have.


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September 28, 2004

 

Victor J.
  Sandy, So far you have some good advice. I would suggest possibly 3 other texts you might want to check: Kodak Guide to 35mm Photography, National Geographic Field Guide by Peter Burian & Robert Caputo, Handbook of Photography 5th Edition,by Folts, Lovell & Zwahlen. You can browse these at any good book store. The handbook has enough chapters to cover a semester. Of course there always is Jim Miotke's The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Great Photos. I'm a Community College photogrpahy instructor. I'm curious as to the origin of that grant you spoke of. If you can response, my address is vjp1@atmc.net. Good luck. Vic


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October 04, 2004

 
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