An example of the work done in the AP Photography class, by Alexandra Levinson.
BY ARIEL SMILOWITZ
When one walks into the main office, the first thing that catches the eye is the miraculous wall on the right. Bold, thought-provoking, and intense, the incredibly masterful photographs- courtesy of the students in CCHS’ AP Photography class- are a treat to gaze upon. Ranging from the dark spirals that erupt out of junior Alexandra Madar’s back to the puckered lips of junior Kayla Lokeinsky, each photo has a different, and engaging story to tell.
Six extremely talented photographers are part of the very exclusive AP Photography course at CCHS. The group of students working with photography includes senior John Cohen and juniors Madar, Lokeinsky, Alexandra Levinson, Kaylee Oberfield, and Lauren Trancoso. In actuality, the course is really AP Studio Art 2-D; however, students are allowed to concentrate specifically in photography. They are also offered the opportunity to combine photography with painting, graphic design, illustration, or printmaking.
“I had friends in Photo I and II who told me about the class,” Levinson said.
Levinson focuses not only on photography, but on drawing as well. As a result, there is a decent amount of interaction among the other students that aren’t involved in photography.
“The group is really intimate, but I still work with other kids in the class,” Levinson said.
The class lasts all year, during which students study breadth, where they gain proficiency with several different materials and techniques like color photography, black & white photography, experimental photography, pinhole photography, and photograms.
“During the first semester students develop a breadth of disciplines,” AP Studio Art teacher Ms. Sharpe said. “Then during the second semester they become independent thinkers and work on their concentration, which is an exploration of some visual idea.”
Although there are no prerequisites to enroll in the class, a background in photography is strongly recommended.
“I direct students to what course they should sign up for based on their experience,” Ms. Sharpe said. “AP is usually the next step after Photo II, so if they’re confident already with their equipment and are aiming for proficiency, then I’ll take the emerging student.”
In other words, amateurs shouldn’t consider studying photography on a college-level. Even for those who have a background in photography, the course is anything but easy. In May, the students take the AP test, which consists of a portfolio complete with 24 pieces, 12 concerned with breadth and 12 concerned with each student’s concentration. As a result, the class is difficult in a different way, as they can’t prepare for the test by studying notes and memorizing facts. Instead, they have to rely on the AP grader’s own perception of what art is.
“The class is very challenging, but it’s a challenge that I enjoy doing,” Cohen said. “There are three different days for me: one day I might spend the period doing an on campus photo shoot while another day I might do research on fine art. I might also spend a day editing on Photoshop.”
Nonetheless, the students in AP Photography are incredibly accomplished artists.
“Their work is so unique and well done that I always find myself shaking my head,” Ms. Sharpe said.
Even the students at CCHS can’t help but rave about the photos displayed around the school.
“The kids in AP Photography are pretty much on a professional level; they take photos that come alive, so that moment seems to be playing out right in front of you. Their pictures are fantastic, and not many people realize how difficult it is to achieve that,” senior Sophie Sutker said.
AP Photography is a challenging and enriching class where anyone with a passion for photography can express it.
“During my freshmen year, my friend showed me the darkroom and that was it,” Cohen said. “I never used to do anything creative, but now that I do, I truly enjoy it.”
