A Glimpse Through the Lens of Moeller Photography
The Camera Club’s photo board on display
by Nick Rohrer
There is an artistic renaissance brewing in the halls of Moeller, thanks in part to the work of Robert Whitacre and Anthony Corder. New classes and clubs are forming as a result of school wide interest in the art of photography.
For everyone who isn’t aware, Moeller has a photography class and Camera Club. Robert Whitacre is returning for his second year as the teacher of the photography class. The camera club is led by Anthony Corder. It is no secret that art takes a backseat to sports at Moeller. As the art program grows, it begins to shift the culture at Moeller. Photography is a fast-growing portion of the art program. The cultural shift allows for more room for different types of programs and students.
Mr. Whitacre contributed a rise of photography to a variety of different reasons. “The rise of photography is due in part to the accessibility of modern cameras.” He believes that digital cameras and camera phones play a large part into the rise in popularity. Now we are able to carry a camera on our person at all times. He also believes that the popularity of photo based social media, such as Instagram, also play a large part. He said that it allows everyone to be a photographer and to get their work out there.
The innovation of digital cameras, has completely changed the structure of photography class. When Mr. Whitacre was a student of Moeller’s photography class, they used film photography. Most of the class was learning the process of developing film. Now as a teacher, he needs to adapt the class to operate with digital photography. Film photography was a long-involved process that didn’t necessarily appeal to the masses. The class had to be devoted to the extensive and precise process of film development. Now, digital photography is instant and allows for more time to teach different techniques of photo taking. This opens photography to many students, that may not have an art background, who want to artistically express themselves. Mr. Whitacre is now able to give one-on-one teaching and lessons on editing. It is a simpler class and arguably appeals more to the masses.
Photography is becoming an integral part of Moeller culture. Students are using their free time in order to complete assignments for photography class as well as participating in after school programs. Mr. Corder’s camera club serves as another opportunity for students to hone in on their skills. The members have a large interest and are willing to put free time into their interest. The school calls upon student participation, more than ever, for photo taking. Moeller students, who double as skillful photographers, are approached by school programs. Most of the content, for sports media, is a direct result of student participation. You are more likely to see Moeller students taking photos around school, than you would have in years past. There is a large presence of student photography that is changing and reshaping the Moeller culture. We are seeing a necessary shift which is allowing Moeller to transform as a community that is more welcoming to students with different interests.
