Published: July 23, 2009 01:30 pm      

Picture this | JHS photography students to exhibit classwork

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

When Jonathon Waronek signed up for a photography class, he was looking to gain extra credit toward his core courses while attending “Summer in the City” classes at Greater Johnstown High School.

What he discovered was that instead of learning to snap photographs, he is mastering the art of photography.

The class is part of a Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center initiative in cooperation with the school district to expand students’ horizons beyond the normal math and science classes.

Early indications are that the class is fulfilling.

“It’s refreshing to be able to tell a story through pictures,” said Jonathon, who will be a sophomore this fall.

“I might even take a shot at getting on the yearbook staff when I come back to school.”

Directing the class is Holly Lees and assisting her is Marcedes Minana, both of whom represent the Bottle Works.

The photography class, which meets each Monday during the session, started with 20 students on June 15.

The class soon dwindled when many fell by the wayside because they did not meet the requirements to take the elective class.

“We have five students who are dedicated to learning about what it takes to make art,” Lees said.

“That was not our original intent, but because of our small class size, it has developed into something wonderful that no one envisioned.”

The class will culminate with a special exhibit of the students’ photographs during the first Artwork’s Art and Music Festival on Aug. 21 at 413 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The class exhibit, which may include four or five of the best photographs from each student, will be one element of the many things that will be going on during the festival, including artists’ booths, live music performances, performance art and children’s activities.

“The students’ photos will be on display through the Labor Day weekend,” Lees said.

“We will have an opening reception from 5 to 9 (p.m.) Aug. 21.”

But before the show is curated, students will work to hone their skills and select the best photographs.

That effort is being directed by Lees, who insists that students critique each other’s work.

During the course of the class, she has each student select their favorites from among a collection of photos that were taken with point-and-shoot cameras.

“I ask them what they like about a photo and what makes it interesting to them,” Lees said.

Ironically, once the photographer chose the three pictures he or she thought were the best, the remainder of the class selected others that they found more interesting.

The students learn the value of cropping a photo to make it more appealing.

“When you view the pattern and shades of a subject in a photo, cropping often can create a different view that is acceptable,” Lees said.

Soon-to-be sophomore Faith Krzysko, daughter of John Krzysko of the 8th Ward and Victoria Krzysko of Somerset, presented a photo of three colorful bandanas she placed around her dog to capture the moment.

“I’m one who holds my emotions inside, but taking photos has let me express my emotions,” she said.

Faith explained her thoughts about her photo project in the most basic terms, but what she was describing was color, contrast, dimension and form, as Lees explained to the class.

“Sometimes the best things in art and photography are results of mistakes, so don’t be afraid to experiment,” Lees told the class.

Of all the photos submitted, many of the subjects were classified as the students’ favorite things.

Each student also is required to do a self-portrait and submit a personal profile.

Stephanie Beppler, daughter of Robert Beppler of Johnstown’s West End, complimented Faith’s use of colors and how she framed her head in neon lights for her self-portrait.

Other students in the class are Janaye and Kira Schroll, sisters who will be a freshman and sophomore, respectively, daughters of Lanee Haselrig and James Schroll of the West End.

“I like the concept of how we should frame a photo and how to use light,” Kira said.

Lees said the class has already produced a sense of accomplishment in her students.

“They are getting things done, building self-esteem, learning responsibility, but most of all they’re having fun,” Lees said.