On October 27, six homeschool students, ages 8 – 12 joined education lead Laurel Schwartz and Amy Moore Thomas at at Cool Spring Preserve to capture the changes we see in nature with the coming of autumn.
Students were prepared with the technical basics of using a DSLR camera, and explored the artistic elements of composition, contrast, and color. After viewing the work of famous nature photographers, and a group discussion about the impact of visual storytelling, students were excited to do it themselves!
We then set out on a hike to capture photos. The sassafras trees were at peak color, so we took some time to capture images where we played with lighting to get different effects- the sun shining through the leaves as opposed to directly on them. Inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy, we also arranged leaves in an artistic way to photograph. Capturing photos of leaves on our shoes was another big hit.
When we got to the creek, we threw leaves into the water to capture the beautiful ripples that spread from the leaves when they hit the water. We even tried photographing leaves floating down after being thrown into the air. That proved to be a bit of a challenge, but was fun to try nonetheless.
Finally, we came upon a dead mole or shrew (we were not able to identify). Although the students thought it was gross at first, many chose to photograph it after we discussed that death and the circle of life in nature contains beauty in itself and tells a story that is worth photographing.
At the end of the day, students got to take home their photographs to share with their families. We feel that their photos offer a fun & curious perspective of fall through a child’s lens. We hope you enjoy their beautiful work!
Scroll through the slides below to see the photos our wonderful young photographers chose as their favorites.
Stella, Age 8
Ollie, Age 8
Stella, Age 8
Taylor, Age 13
Basil, Age 9
Basil, Age 9
Stella, Age 8
Ollie, Age 8
Taylor, Age 13
Ollie, Age 8
Eli, Age 12
Eli, Age 12
