Aycock Photography Club - Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

In only its second year at the school, Aycock’s Photography Club is the most popular club at the school, with over 200 members. On its most basic level, the group gives students the chance to learn photography and contribute to their school yearbook.

But club advisor Lee Person said that for many of the students, the club is a whole lot more. It’s an opportunity for kids to gain work skills, broaden their potential, and explore places outside of their hometown.

Essentially, the students join the group to learn more about photography. Most of the students have their own digital cameras, but they also have access to several school cameras for more advanced projects.

Lee said the students have impressed him with the scope and quality of their work. He noted that even with inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras, he has seen very artistic shots from many of his students.

Students can check out several high-quality cameras the club purchased with funds they generated. They are allowed to use the cameras for any sort of project, as long as they are working on their photography skills. Members of the club also shoot photos of school events and sports, and contribute heavily to the school’s yearbook.

The group also takes several trips outside of North Carolina each year, with opportunities to take pictures of different locations. The group has taken small trips to the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park and Charles B. Aycock Birthplace. Despite their close location, Lee said several students had never been to either park. That fact alone emphasizes one of his main goals for the group – to allow them to see places outside of what they have known all their lives.

In addition, the group has taken larger trips to Washington, D.C., Asheville, and New York City. They are currently planning a trip to Charleston next month.

Lee said that these trips are his favorite part of working with the club.

“It’s my goal to make learning more real-world,” he said. “The kids are able to get out and see something more of the world than Wayne County and barbecue.”

Because the group is so large, the skill level of students varies. However, many of the more advanced photographers in the group work with the beginners, and the students help each other hone their skills.

“These kids are a lot more creative than I am,” said Lee.

In addition to camera access, students also have access to several computer programs like Photoshop. Lee said that some of his kids have gained such familiarity with the programs that they could use them in a work setting while they are in college.

Though the group does fundraising to help support the cost of equipment, a lot of their financial support comes from an NC Learn and Serve grant. They use money from the $5,000 grant to cover the cost of supplies, such as ink and paper.

The group also benefits from a partnership with NC Pics out of Wilson. The company allows the club to use cameras and lighting equipment on loan, tools that are important for students to use and gain working knowledge, but that they cannot afford to purchase on their own.

School service is another aspect of the group. They have provided photography from Aycock events for principal Earl Moore’s office over the past year. They also designed special photo pieces for each member of last year’s state championship baseball team, commemorating their success.

Several students have also participated in and won prizes in photography competitions.
Thirty-one students placed in the Wayne County Fair’s junior division, and the group earned third place overall in the adult division.

Students Edmond Miller, JJ King, Lauren Vied, and Kecia Taylor entered work into the North Carolina State Fair competition, and earned fourth premium for all the high schools in North Carolina. Edmond Miller, Chris Davis, and Amanda Farmer earned first, second, and third place in the Goldsboro Junior Women’s Club County Contest for color photography. Ryan Martin and Chelsey Perron earned second and third in the black and white division.

Chris Davis earned first place in the Junior Women’s Club district competition, and Ryan Martin and Edmond Miller earned second. Chris Davis’ work will go on to state competition.

The students' work has earned some cash rewards for students and the group along the way. But for Lee, the most important aspect of the group remains allowing students to learn outside of the traditional classroom.

For photography students, anywhere is a learning opportunity, and he hopes that their involvement allows them to make everything a learning opportunity.

“The kids are going out their on their own and seeing what they can do with the equipment we provide,” he said.

Back to this week's News Leader

TOP AREA JOBS

Issue of 6 March 2008

Wayne Wilson News Leader
113 N. Wilson St., PO Box 158,
Fremont, NC 27830
(919) 242-6301 •
Fax (919) 936-2065

Princeton News Leader
119 W. Edwards St., Princeton, NC 27569
(919) 936-9891
Fax (919) 936-2065

Email us:
Advertising Department
News Department
Letters To The Editor
Publisher