In a constantly evolving world, where AI can generate thousands of realistic images with just the click of a button, the photography club at WCHS is proving an opportunity for creativity and passion to still reign supreme in today’s world. Through the weekly meetings of the WCHS photography club, this passion is turned into a shared experience that all WCHS students can take advantage of.
“A good photograph is something that can tell a story,” WCHS sophomore Noah Schainker said. “It can capture feelings that other things cannot and make the viewer engaged with the picture.”
Photography forces the photographer to relax and be aware of the world around them. In the realm of photography, the angles, the lighting and expression of the subject can drastically alter the result of an image. Photography requires constant observation and unmatched focus to be able to capture breathtaking scenes and emotional masterpieces.
“Photography teaches you to be observant, and man, are we losing that in the world,” WCHS photography teacher and club sponsor Amy Gilbert said. “It really teaches you to look at the world around you, and think about the relationship between things, and how to tell a story. I think even if you are not going to become a photographer, it carries skills that will help you a lot in life.”
Photography serves as an outlet for millions of people across the world to relax and be able to do an activity that allows them to capture emotions and memories that they will be able to cherish for the rest of their lives. Photography allows people to tell stories about whatever they want through a crafted gallery of images that conveys the message they want to share. It provides a safe haven for people to de-stress from their lives and focus on an activity that brings them a sense of calmness and tranquility that they may not be able to find elsewhere.
“Photography attracts millions of people because it serves as a really good guide to be able to do whatever you want, whether it be self-expression, storytelling or just a way to have fun,” Schainker said. “I think that photography is a very peaceful hobby that can relieve the stress that many people face in their lives.”
Photography has evolved plenty since the photography club was founded at WCHS many years ago. With new technology seemingly released every day, the quality of photography has become better and better over time. With the newest versions of cameras on mobile phones, students are able to use cameras or their personal devices to go around school, taking high-quality photos of whatever they wish. However, with this advancement in technology comes the rise of AI-generated photos that can be generated with just a simple prompt.
“AI is a huge problem now in the world of photography,” Gilbert said. “It takes away from real photography that takes time and effort to produce. However, photography cameras and mobile phone cameras have progressed so much that students are able to take really good photos that far outclass whatever AI is able to generate. During the photography club, we teach students how to take good photos that are shown from the photographer’s point of view, which AI is not able to do.”
The photography club here at WCHS has provided an amazing opportunity for students to share their love for photography and grow their skills in taking the best photos possible. Each meeting gives students chances to receive feedback on their photos and improve as photographers.
“During the club, we take cameras and go out around the school and we take photos,” Schainker said. “The people I take photos with are people whom I have spent a lot of time with, which has allowed me to teach them ways to take the best photo possible.”
Over the years, the club has grown rapidly, reaching a point where amateur photographers are able to work in an inclusive space that gives them an opportunity to be the best photographers they can be. The club has given student-photographers of all levels the workspace to share their work and their ideas for future projects. For many students and faculty alike, seeing the club grow into what it is now has been a dream come true for them.
“I hope the club keeps growing,” Gilbert said. “Continuing to get people interested and being able to create community around photography is the best thing that this club is able to do, and I am excited to see what the future holds in store for this club and photography at WCHS.”
