HS Photography: Whole School Christmas Photoshoot
- Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
- Dec 26, 2024
- 3 min read
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year: Christmas Photoshoot Collaborative Project
Photography Classes - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
I’ve always been a fan of the holidays—the lights, the joy, the magic it brings. Transitioning from teaching elementary school to high school in 2021, however, left me missing the little ones. Their excitement during holiday activities, dressed in reindeer headbands and Santa hats, brought so much joy to the classroom. So, I came up with an idea to bridge the gap: a collaborative Christmas photoshoot project where my high school photography students would work together to celebrate this magical time of year with the younger students.
Benefits for High School Photography Students
This project became an excellent opportunity for my high school photography students to develop skills both behind and in front of the lens. They learned about capturing group and holiday photos, experimenting with lighting, props, and composition.
We also discussed how photography, especially working with kids, can be a viable career path. With it’s seasonal family portraits, event photography, or creating professional content for schools, the students realized the potential of this field. They practiced the patience and adaptability needed when working with children—skills that would serve them well in any professional setting.
The Art of Group Photography
One of the key lessons was understanding the nuances of group photography. Capturing kids is a mix of organization, timing, and a good sense of humor! My students learned how to engage with their subjects, make them feel comfortable, and bring out their genuine smiles.
We discussed concepts like:
Framing and composition: How to arrange a group for a balanced and visually appealing shot.
Lighting: Using soft lighting to enhance the festive atmosphere while avoiding harsh shadows.
Interaction: Creating an environment where kids felt at ease, using playful prompts like jingling bells or festive jokes.
Organization: The Backbone of the Project
This wasn’t just about taking pictures—it was a full-scale operation. My students had to:
Set up the studio: They chose backdrops, arranged props, and experimented with lighting setups to ensure everything felt festive and professional.
Coordinate schedules: We worked with elementary and middle school teachers to allocate times for their classes to visit the studio. This required excellent communication and time management.
Manage sessions: Students practiced guiding younger children into poses and capturing their attention, ensuring each shot captured the holiday spirit.
The Collaborative Website
Once all the photos were taken, my students created a website to feature the pictures. It served as a digital gallery for teachers, parents, and students to view and download their favorites. Designing the site gave my students a taste of professional workflow, including editing, uploading, and organizing their work into themed collections.
Here you can check the results for the Elementary School
Holiday Cheer for Everyone
The project brought smiles to everyone involved. The kids were overjoyed, wearing Santa hats and holding Christmas props like candy canes and ornaments. Their laughter filled the studio, making it a heartwarming experience for all. Seeing the final postcards—complete with festive borders and cheerful messages—made the younger students beam with pride. They couldn’t wait to take their photos home and share them with their families.
For my high school students, the project was both rewarding and inspiring. They saw their hard work come to life, gained hands-on experience, and created something that brought happiness to the entire school community.
PBL: The Christmas Photoshoot Collaborative Project
Driving Question
How can we, as high school photography students, create a collaborative holiday photoshoot that captures the magic of Christmas and brings joy to our school community?
Project Description
Students will design, organize, and execute a Christmas photoshoot project, inviting younger students to participate in festive portraits. This includes setting up a photography studio, coordinating schedules, capturing and editing photos, and creating a digital gallery to showcase the final images.
Goals and Objectives
Develop technical photography skills, including lighting, composition, and post-production.
Learn professional organization and communication skills by managing schedules and studio setups.
Explore the potential of photography as a career field, especially in family and group photography.
Create a meaningful, collaborative project that fosters school spirit and holiday cheer.
Timeline
Week 1: Introduction to holiday photography concepts and planning sessions.
Week 2: Studio setup and practice shoots.
Week 3: Photoshoot sessions with elementary and middle school students.
Week 4: Post-production and website creation.
Week 5: Website launch and postcard distribution.
Resources/Materials
Cameras (DSLR or smartphones)
Holiday props (Santa hats, reindeer antlers, ornaments, etc.)
Backdrops and lighting equipment
Computers for editing and website design (Canva, Wix, or WordPress)
Scheduling tools
Assessment Criteria
Quality of photographs: Lighting, composition, and creativity.
Organization and execution of the photoshoot schedule.
Effectiveness of the website in showcasing and organizing the photos.
Reflection on personal growth and the overall project impact.
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