Photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with how you see them. ~ Elliot Erwitt, Photographer
This year I was asked to take over the photography program at my school.
I have 155 Photography students ranging from 9th - 12th grades. These students come from a variety of economic backgrounds. Some have families that can afford a good camera with lenses and all the features they need to learn the skills of today's photographers. Unfortunately, the majority of my students do not have access to such a camera which does not give them an equal learning opportunity. Our school does not have the funding to provide cameras for our students. However, most of my students own cell phones with cameras. In the Photography class, I will be teaching them how to use manual controls to create a variety of photo techniques. Usually cell phone cameras have limited control. With the use of lens attachments, tripods, and other accessories, my students will be able to use their cell phones to do all that an expensive camera can do at a fraction of the cost.
My Project
In this course we teach our students to use manual settings on their cameras and then create artistic photography by taking great photos. Students will be learning to take photos with greater and shallow depth of field. They need to be able to control their shutter speed and aperture to get good motion and frozen motion shots.
A good DSLR camera (a camera that allows the user to control different settings) would cost the school about $600 plus additional cost for lenses. If our school could purchase lens kits at a significantly lower cost, we could get enough kits for our students to check out and use on their cell phones to allow them to practice the skills they would use on a DSLR camera.
We would be able to look at photography as fine art photos instead of "selfies", "photo-bombing" and snapshots. My students will not be limited in their photography skills because they are unable to provide a DSLR camera for themselves. These kits will convert smart phones into great cameras!
On the first day of class, I let my students know that they will need to have access to a good DSLR camera.
Most do not even know what that means so after a short discussion on different types of cameras, I saw a sense of dread fill the majority of their faces. "How will I find a camera like that? I can't afford something that fancy. My parents don't have a camera that nice. . ." With the donations for these lens kits, my students can convert their cell phones into DSLR-like cameras.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
YOPO® iPhone 6 / 6 Plus / 5S / 5 Camera Lens Kit Incl.12x Aluminum Telephoto Manual Focus Lens / Fish Eye Lens / 2 in 1 Macro Lens & Wide Angle Lens/ Mini Aluminum Tripod/One Universal Phone Holder/ Telephoto Lens Holder Ring/ Hard Cases for iPhone 6/ 6 Plus / 5/ 5s /One YOPO®Velvet Phone Bag/ Microfiber Cleaning Cloth-Awesome Photography Accessories -1 Year Warranty (Silvery)
• Amazon Business
$39.96
10
$399.60
Universal 3 in 1 Camera Lens Kit for Smart phones (including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Motorola and More), Tablets, iPad, and Laptops includes One Fish Eye Lens / One 2 in 1 Macro Lens and Wide Angle Lens / One Universal Clip / One Microfiber Carrying Bag / with Camkix® Retail Packaging (Silver)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
6
$107.94
CamKix Universal 3 in 1 Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit for Smartphones including - Fish Eye Lens / 2 in 1 Macro Lens & Wide Angle Lens / Universal Clip / Carry Pouch / Microfiber Cleaning Cloth(blue)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
6
$107.94
CamKix Universal 3 in 1 Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit for Smartphones including - Fish Eye Lens / 2 in 1 Macro Lens & Wide Angle Lens / Universal Clip / Carry Pouch / Microfiber Cleaning Cloth(red)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
6
$107.94
Universal 3 in 1 Camera Lens Kit for Smart phones (including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Motorola and More), Tablets, iPad, and Laptops includes One Fish Eye Lens / One 2 in 1 Macro Lens and Wide Angle Lens / One Universal Clip / One Microfiber Carrying Bag / with Camkix Retail Packaging (Gold)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
6
$107.94
Blovess Octopus Style Flexible and Adjustable Tripod Stand Mount for Cellphone iPhone, Samsung, HTC, Noika and Camera+3 Cable Organizer
• Amazon Business
$6.99
15
$104.85
CamKix Wireless Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control for Smartphones - Create Amazing Photos and Selfies - Compatible with all IOS and Android Devices with Bluetooth / Including Wrist Strap
• Amazon Business
$7.99
5
$39.95
Materials cost
$976.16
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$14.64
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,020.80
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$180.14
Total project goal
$1,200.94
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,200.94
3 Donors
-$1,200.94
Donations toward project cost
-$1,020.80
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Proud and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
