The Photo I classes are now in the midst of their portrait shoots.  I set up the partners.  They do not choose who they pair up with.  I put a great deal of thought into this.  I consider the working styles, personalities, and unique traits of each person and then think about which pairing will create interesting or complementary working relationships.  The reactions when I announced the partnerships?  Dead silence in period 5; slight excitement in the other periods, mixed with concern about how to work with their partners.  Period 5 was a half a day ahead, so they had a jump start on getting to know their partners.  They were to interview their partners to get to know them and figure out how to approach photographing them, what to reveal to the viewer.  I was so happy with how Period 5 jumped right into it.  Everyone took out pens and papers and got right to sitting and talking. As I walked around the room, the conversations were so natural.  I didn't eavesdrop.  I just caught snippets of talk and what I heard was exactly what I wanted to hear.  Kids getting to know each other in a respectful manner with no judgment.

Then the shooting started on Monday.  I had one pair go while the rest of the class assisted and watched.  Yesterday had 3-4 groups in each class shooting.  I was so happy with how the classes did last year and this year is even better.  Students are eager to help and come up with ideas for each other.  The ideas the kids are coming up with are just so cool.  Props are being brought in.  If they need to borrow anything from another teacher, the responsibility for obtaining that item is on the student.  They are doing so well and it makes me happy to have a good week so far.

Some of the things that I keep in mind with this assignment are things from my other jobs.  If you are setting up a photo shoot for your client or publication, you are responsible for working with all involved to obtain what you need.  You need to find help and delegate.  You might not be working with a cooperative subject.  However, you cannot get out of the assignment and must find a way to get the job done.  You are responsible for the proper treatment of all equipment.  You should let the subject feel some control without relinquishing your own control.  Your editor might have specifics needed from the shoot and you, as the photographer, must meet those requirements.  This is why I have firm stipulations:  you must shoot in school; you must obtain all your own props; you cannot switch partners.  It seems that the students are getting this.  For instance, we had a simulated snow scene shoot in the hall during fourth period.  There was styrofoam everywhere.  There were two people directly involved in the shoot - the photographer and the subject.  However, there were many other hands involved:  one holding the blow dryer to simulate wind, two holding diffusers in front of the lights to avoid shadows, two helping toss the "snow", and one student videoing the scene for our records.   As soon as we were done with the "snow", two students got to work cleaning it all up without disturbing the shoot.  When all was done, there was no evidence left in the halls for anyone to have to clean up.  Well done.

It was a great day.  Then, after school. one student came to get something she forgot in the room.  She waited until the busses were gone and decided to put her film on the reel in the tank.  Then another student came to get his camera.  We ended up sitting and talking about books until 3.15.  It was such a nice teaching day. I might not be the most well liked person among my colleagues, but days like yesterday help me feel I might be doing something right with the ones who do matter.