Students enrolled in the Digital Media Arts program at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center (CCCTC) recently made a visit to Parker Dam State Park. The purpose of their trip was a hands-on field experience focused on portrait photography. The group traveled from Penfield, Pennsylvania, to the lower Colorado River region to gain practical experience in an outdoor setting.
Before embarking on their trip to Parker Dam State Park, the students engaged in comprehensive classroom study. Their curriculum included detailed lessons on various aspects of portrait photography, such as the fundamentals of portrait posing, effective utilization of natural lighting conditions, techniques for proper framing of subjects, methods for achieving appropriate exposure in different environments, and principles of composition. This preparatory instruction provided them with the theoretical knowledge necessary for their practical application during the field trip.
During their time at Parker Dam State Park, the Digital Media Arts students were able to apply these studied skills directly. The outdoor environment of the park served as their studio, allowing them to practice photographing subjects. They specifically focused on leveraging the natural light available within the park and incorporating the surrounding landscape into their photographic compositions. This practical application allowed them to translate classroom learning into tangible, real-world experience.
The field trip itself offered a multifaceted educational benefit for the participating students. It presented a valuable opportunity to significantly strengthen their existing photography skills. By moving from theoretical classroom instruction to a real-world environment, the students could solidify their understanding and execution of photographic techniques. Furthermore, the experience was designed to foster and develop their creative abilities within the medium. The outcome of their efforts, captured in the photographs produced, showcased both their individual talent and the skills they are actively acquiring through the rigorous Digital Media Arts program at CCCTC.
The students participating in this educational excursion included a diverse group from various schools. In the front row, identified from left to right, were David Shirokey, an adult student; Ethan Lutchko, representing West Branch; Shayleigh Irvin, from Clearfield; Haley Lansberry, also from Clearfield; Emily Wriglesworth, from Philipsburg-Osceola; Leonna Lumadue, from Clearfield; and Isabella Burley, also from Philipsburg-Osceola. The back row of students, also identified from left to right, consisted of Aaden Williams, from Philipsburg-Osceola; Johathan Bertothy, another student from Philipsburg-Osceola; Torrin McCrillis, who is an adult student; Carter Knepp, from Clearfield; Logan Porter, from Clearfield; Nathan Flanagan, also from Clearfield; and Charles Ramsay, representing Moshannon Valley. These students collectively utilized the unique landscape of Parker Dam State Park to enhance their photographic prowess.