Exploring Creativity Through the Lens: 7th & 8th Grade Photography

At Westside, our 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to shape part of their school experience by choosing exploratory courses that align with their interests and spark new passions. These classes span the arts (performing, visual, and musical), technology, actives, and more, giving students the chance to stretch, experiment, and discover what excites them. One of the options each semester is our photography exploratory, taught by Visual Arts teacher Christine Bingham, which is a hands-on course that invites students to slow down, observe closely, and express themselves through images.

This introductory photography class builds a foundation in the technical and artistic elements of digital photography. Students learn to operate their cameras—adjusting aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance—while also diving into composition techniques such as balance, contrast, and point of view. They explore the history of photography, from its earliest experiments to the evolution of storytelling through images, including the fascinating world of early “ghost” photographs.

Much of the work happens out in the hallways, classrooms, and outdoor spaces of our campus, where students search for compelling scenes and moments. Early in the course, they practice finding harmony between light and shadow, using Notan principles and chiaroscuro to create striking contrasts. As their skills grow, they experiment with shutter speed to capture movement in different ways—sometimes freezing fast action with crisp clarity, other times letting motion blur to create a sense of energy and flow.

One of the most exciting challenges is the ghost photography assignment, where students use long exposures to create subtle, eerie, and surprisingly beautiful effects. Later, they shift their focus to aperture, working to master the bokeh effect by keeping their subject sharp while softening the background into a smooth, glowing blur.

Beyond the technical skills, students develop their voice as artists. They write short bios, reflect on their creative choices, and learn how to give and receive thoughtful critiques. These skills help them see their work—and the work of their peers—with a deeper level of appreciation and understanding.

The result is a rich collection of images that highlight both their growth and their unique perspectives. We’re excited to share a selection of their photographs below. They are also looking forward to showcasing their work at the Middle School Winter Arts Showcase on Thursday, January 15. 

Enjoy this glimpse into the world of Westside’s young photographers