Schools Photography Competition 2011

To be held: Summer term 2011

Mission:

• To promote photography as an arts, design & media subject

• To provide a learning outside of the classroom experience in an idyllic woodland environment

• To give the students an understanding of the natural environment

• To promote friendly competition with rewards for students and school

Location: Private woodland near Wansford (20mins drive from Peterborough centre)                            

Students: Year 9 upwards (13years-19years old)

Equipment: We will provide basic digital cameras but schools and students may bring their own

Exhibition: There will be a public exhibition in Peterborough of the best work from all schools

Cost: £500 per group of up to 12 students (with up to four staff at no extra cost)

Grand Prize: To be arranged but it will be something suitably impressive including:

• Trophy made from sustainable materials for the school to keep

• Photography equipment for the school (TBC)

• Work Experience for the winning students

• Subscriptions to photographic magazines for the school

• Local media coverage for the school and student

• Photography books for the school

Trainers: (both have enhanced CRB checks)

• Andrew Shaw – professional bushcraft instructor and keen wildlife photographer

• Bob Q Martin – professional photographer, photographic writer and lecturer

Round 1 – Introduction to photography

Each school will get its own day where the students will be instructed in the basic theory and practical aspects of photography. They will be shown how to compose pictures correctly and the art behind making beautiful images. The students will learn how to treat the natural environment with respect as they search for their photo subjects.

The competition will consist of an orienteering course to find parts of the woodland where the students will work in small groups to take photos of particular subjects.  They will be given an industry-standard brief for each location and be expected to photograph the correct subject in the manner required (long lens, macro, etc).

Extra points will be awarded for additional pictures of animals, birds, trees, wild flowers and other items of interest found around the site. At the end of the day every student will receive a certificate and prizes will be awarded while all the pictures from the day will be given to the school on a disc.

Round 2 – The Grand Final

Each school will send back two students for the final to work as a team. This time the students will be given four themes which they will have to artistically interpret and photograph over the course of the day. Greater emphasis will be placed on the technical skills displayed, how creatively they interpret the theme and their understanding of nature. At the end of the day, judges will pick the winners and a backwoods barbeque will be laid on for all to enjoy.

To register your interest and receive your application pack please contact us on feschoolscomp@gmail.com or 07817 679174.