At Shrub Oak International School, our photography club offers a unique and enriching experience for our students. Photography, as an art form, holds significant importance for autistic individuals, providing a medium for self-expression, communication, and personal growth. Our club fosters these benefits by creating a supportive environment where students can explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills.
Photography club engages in diverse types of photography, allowing our students to explore various themes and techniques. They capture the beauty of the natural world through nature photography, highlighting landscapes, flora, and fauna. City photography provides an opportunity to document urban environments, focusing on bustling streets and unique cityscapes. Architectural photography enables students to appreciate and portray the intricate details and grandeur of buildings and structures. Additionally, portrait photography helps them capture the essence and emotions of individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of human expression. This variety not only enhances their technical skills but also broadens their artistic horizons. Our photography club was gifted gently used, high quality cameras, allowing our students to take incredibly beautiful, professional-grade photographs. In fact, the picture featured in the headline of this article was taken by one of our own, very talented students in photography club!
Photography allows autistic individuals to express themselves in ways that might be challenging through traditional verbal communication. The visual nature of photography can help bridge the gap between internal experiences and external expression. For many autistic individuals, expressing thoughts and feelings through words can be difficult, but through the lens of a camera, they can capture and convey their perspectives, emotions, and stories. This form of self-expression is particularly empowering as it validates their unique viewpoints and allows them to share their world with others in a tangible, impactful way.
Participating in the photography club at Shrub Oak International School also helps students develop crucial life skills. Photography involves planning, attention to detail, and patience. These skills are not only essential for creating compelling images but also translate into other areas of life, enhancing academic performance and social interactions. The process of composing a photograph—considering light, angle, and composition—encourages students to think critically and creatively. Moreover, the technical aspects of using a camera, such as adjusting settings and understanding exposure, provide a hands-on learning experience that can boost problem-solving abilities and technological literacy.
The photography club also serves as a platform for social engagement and collaboration. While photography can be a solitary activity, our club emphasizes group projects and shared experiences. Students learn to give and receive constructive feedback, work together on photo shoots, and exhibit their work collectively. These interactions promote teamwork, communication, and mutual respect, helping students build meaningful relationships and improve their social skills. The supportive atmosphere of the club ensures that every student feels valued and included, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Furthermore, showcasing their work in exhibitions and school publications, like our recent Spring Showcase and monthly newsletters, provides students with a sense of accomplishment and recognition. Seeing their photographs displayed publicly reinforces their self-esteem and motivates them to continue pursuing their interests. It also gives them the opportunity to educate others about autism and their unique perspectives, promoting awareness and understanding within the broader community.
The therapeutic benefits of photography should not be overlooked. Engaging in this art form can have a calming and focusing effect, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. The act of taking photographs can serve as a mindful practice, encouraging students to be present in the moment and observe their surroundings more closely. This mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for autistic individuals, who may experience sensory overload or heightened anxiety. By providing a structured yet creative outlet, the photography club at Shrub Oak International School helps students manage their emotions and find joy in their artistic pursuits.
