If you notice a perfect moment and want to capture it in a picture, you may hesitate to ensure you have the perfect photo. However, you’ve likely already missed your chance.
Photography is about everything that happens before you press the shutter button—a mix of critical and creative thinking and the technical knowledge of the camera.
In Calgary Academy’s photography class, students learn these skills with help from Integrated Studies (IS) teacher Liz Hrycan, who brings her years of teaching experience and passion for photography to offer hands-on, experiential learning.
A Different Way to See the World
Day-to-day photography happens through an iPhone for most people. It’s easy to snap a picture of something you like quickly, but planning your shot before is the core of photography.
It teaches creative thinking and alternative perspectives, something that Ms. Hrycan focuses on in class.
“Photography gives students a different way to see the world. It teaches them that there is beauty in the mundane, the everyday, if you know how to see it. Photography also offers them the opportunity to witness their own growth in real time. Many learners often talk to me about their first photos in comparison with their latest photos.” – Ms. Hrycan
Ms. Hrycan began working at Calgary Academy in 2024, bringing her passion for photography to the school. It’s her second year as the photography teacher, but she has taught for 14 years, having picked up photography as a hobby before jumping at the chance to teach it.
She looks to provide her students with a classroom of opportunity and exploration through this creative medium. Students spend most of their class time learning skills, capturing images, and creating portfolios.
“The photography program at CA was well-established when I took it over, but my goal is to make it better than ever. From bringing in guest speakers to offer insight into potential careers, to off-site field trips that bring learning to life, I hope that the photography room is a space where students want to be.”
Hands-On Learning Behind the Camera
Photography involves a great deal of technical knowledge, but the IS class is accessible to learners at every level. Taking a photo requires more than pressing down a button, and Ms. Hrycan emphasizes this in class.
Students kick off their semester by learning about composition (arranging the elements they want to photograph) before even picking up a lens. They then build their foundational skills, helping each other prepare to build a portfolio of work.
“Being such a hands-on course, students have plenty of opportunities to practice with instant feedback.”
Many aspects of the photographic process can benefit students outside of the classroom. They work on their critical thinking skills when planning a shot or how they want to tell a story, and collaboration when working with others. Learning to provide constructive criticism is also a focus, as students offer feedback on each other’s photos and portfolios.
“Students learn that in order to fully harness their creativity, they need to be open to taking risks, making mistakes, and taking many, many photos. They also spend a lot of time collaborating and offering constructive criticism, skills that transfer to many areas of life.” – Ms. Hrycan
Students in photography are well on their way to taking thousands of photographs, whether it’s learning from a real estate photography team or visiting a Mercedes-Benz dealership to take photos of rare cars. Ms. Hrycan consistently seeks opportunities to enhance her students’ learning and discover their creative passions.