Life: Through the Lens

The title of this student project is "What's the Point?" Derived from our business name, as well as the project theme, we have found it to be a loaded question throughout our instruction. As some of the children struggled with the concept of finding a close-up photograph within a larger picture, we had to explain, re-explain and demonstrate with our own cameras what we were getting at. Other young people seemed to understand the basic concept, but would change their body position between shots, which changed the perspective of the close-up. Teaching a concept is a wonderful way to fine-tune our communication skills as well as our ability to help young people see their world in a new way. If we are going to raise a generation who will help protect our environment, we need to make sure they actually notice that enviroment in a variety of ways. Photography is a wonderful medium through which to do this. Take the time to teach a child to look carefully at the world around th

Watching young people look for new aspects of their town is amazing. Though listening skills can be all over the place, the results never cease to surprise and reward us. Just look at some of the ways this group of 5th graders discovered surprises about their small town architecture. Now the children will write clues to match the close-up photos they took of the landmarks they'd like to highlight. Then the fun begins. Will people be able to figure out where these locations are? Or will they be stumped? Watch for updates as the project progresses.

I love the excitement which comes from planning a new project. It's time to introduce another group of young people to photography, and a way of "seeing" more carefully. Here's a teaser - is there a landmark in your area which stands out to you? Or one you wish was highlighted more fully? Would you recognize it if you only saw a small portion of it? A photograph of a piece of the puzzle? Look forward to more as the project progresses!

What a great weekend it was in Alma, Michigan just a short week ago. A fabulous air show was put on and the routines, events and attractions were amazing. The turnout was also a rousing success, with conservative estimates in the neighborhood of 10,000 people. This was a difficult number to come up with as the event was free - open to the public to help gain support for the airport as well as build community spirit. And spirit there was! Warbird Aerobatic and Formation demonstrations, static displays of military and vintage aircraft, P-51 Mustang performance, airplane and helicopter rides and Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes performances were only a few of the attractions. Children's activities were also available, such as pony rides, and rides in a wooden airplane "train", pulled around the field. Food? Oh yes. Area Rotary clubs got together and put on a hamburger and steak fry. Food vendors were also on the grounds. Feedback was excellent... pulling the Gratiot communi