By Anissa Rowe
Professor Cheryl Christensen encourages anyone to come to the Art Building, Room 107, for a special presentation on Tuesday, November 23, at either 7 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Mike Squire, former photographer for NASCAR racing and the Grand Prix in Europe will discuss action photography, his experience in the industry and give pointers to anyone eager to enhance their own camera skills.
“You know you’ve got the bug when you walk down the street and can’t help but notice all the photo opportunities around you,” Christensen says.
It’s the truth. And many of her students this year are beginning to see the world through this lens as well.
“I look for the best angle of light and also am more aware of simple objects in nature that can become beautiful by just looking closer,” says ART 215 student Jacqueline Sneddon.
As a senior in business marketing, Sneddon believes this course will prove extremely helpful in her future for understanding what attracts the customers’ attention and brings in efficient commerce.
In class, Christensen asked them which element of visual design has the greatest impact on their personal photography. Such elements include, but are never limited to, line, shape, texture, depth of field, saturated color, and so forth.
What they’ve studied, and revealed, is that light is the greatest importance to creating the most unique photos—it’s the foundation that must be mastered before any of the other rudiments can be applied successfully.
“It’s exciting to watch them start to discover their artistic eye,” says Christensen. “The students become conscious of their creative talents they may not have realized they had as they begin to use various photography techniques instructed throughout the semester.”
Beth Gelmstedt, an Education major graduating this spring, admits she has always had an interest in photography, but wanted to comprehend the many complex settings on her SLR camera in order to take superior pictures.
“I really like how light can take a boring picture of a flower or leaf and make it look so much better just by changing how the light shines on it or how it makes the shadows fall,” she says.
Some people are natural with a camera, while others may develop their finesse over time. Remember: the pros only display their best work; but it doesn’t mean all their stuff is the best.
Even if you don’t plan on entering a career that involves photography, this class will still help you consider the various elements around you to structure a decent picture. Even when you’re just hanging out with friends or with family for the holidays, these concepts will prove useful.
Besides, it counts as an elective credit toward general education—so why not? You might be surprised at what you don’t know about photography. Find out how artistic you really are.
Originally from Oregon, Anissa Rowe is a senior English major. Her post-GCU dreams involve editing, creative writing, teaching, traveling and photography. For now, she says she is satisfied with knowing that God has an exciting future prepared for her. Contact Anissa at [email protected].
