My school opened in 2004, and twelve years later there is still excitement when the school year begins. Every student matters and every teacher cares.
The students who attend my elementary school are kind of children you find most anywhere in America, with hope, dreams, curiosity, energy, and a great capacity for learning.
And yes, they like to have fun as well. While they represent many backgrounds, they almost all come from suburban and rural areas of northwest Georgia. And like any elementary school, some of the students at my school have special talents in music and a desire to make their voice heard. That's where I come in.
Even though I am the music teacher at Woodstation, I really sharing my interest in traditional film photography. I shoot film regularly for the school yearbook, and several students have expressed interest in learning how to shoot and develop film so that they also can shoot for the yearbook. So, this project is all about getting the film, developing chemicals, and equipment so that they can learn the process for themselves.
My Project
Ever since I began bringing my film cameras to school and using them to take photos for the school yearbook, I have had a number of curious students ask me about analog photography and express an interest in learning how to use a film camera and develop the film themselves. To satisfy these students' curiosity, I have formed the Woodstation Film Photography Club. Some very kind people have already donated cameras for my students to use, but now we need a supply of film and developing tools.
Students will be given a camera and a roll of film to take home and shoot as they please, but they will have some guidelines to help them make better photographs.
Then, we will develop their film using a monobath developer (which I will supply), scan their negatives, print their best photos, and display them in a hallway. Plans also include an evening gallery showing at the school for parents and the community. Finally, these students will become student members of the Yearbook Team and be asked to shoot photographs to be used in the yearbook.
Film photography is a process worthy of study by young students because it exists at the intersection of science and art. Through this club, students will be introduced to the art of capturing light and recording moments in photographs, while at the same time they learn about the science of light-sensitive materials and chemistry. Some students may choose to apply their compositional skills to digital photography, while others may choose to continue to shoot film and process their photos at home or at a lab. Either way, they will be able to experience the joy of photography as a hobby, a passion, or even a career.
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
Kentmere 400 ASA Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll Film, 100' Roll)
• Amazon Business
$59.95
1
$59.95
Kentmere 100 ASA Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll Film, 100' Roll)
• Amazon Business
$59.95
1
$59.95
A4 Portable LED Light Box Trace, Zecti USB Power LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad Light Box 6 Level Brightness for Artists Drawing Sketching Animation X-rayViewing
• Amazon Business
$38.99
1
$38.99
Paterson Universal tank and 2 reels-#115
• Amazon Business
$31.79
1
$31.79
Archival 35mm Size Negative Pages Holds Seven Strips of Six Frames, Pack of 100
• Amazon Business
$26.96
1
$26.96
Darkroom Bag Film Changing Bag - 23.3"x23.3" Thick Cotton Fabric Anti-Static Material for Film Changing Film Developing Pro Photography Supplies
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Instant Read Digital Food Thermometer with Bright Backlight LCD Screen, Kitchen Smart Waterproof Cooking Meat Thermometer By Bestmo (Black)
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Materials cost
$261.62
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$18.05
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.92
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$313.59
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$55.34
Total project goal
$368.93
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$368.93
12 Donors
-$340.52
Donations toward project cost
-$313.59
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. Lane and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
