Warrior Word

by Sahana Rattan 

Do you want to learn how to take beautiful photos? If so, the EWHS Photo and Film club is one of the best places for learning about photography. We also watch films and gain footage of school events. Every year, the club is in the Futurewave Jury for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) and presents awards in March. If you have taken a CTE class at any time or are a Running Start student, you are eligible to join us (refer to the bottom of the article for a list of CTE courses). As the club president, I can personally vouch for the validity of this club. We provide the opportunity to analyze film and take high-quality photos with a professional camera. Additionally, members have the opportunity to take pictures for assemblies, school functions, and sports. 

Every week, our club hosts photography and film challenges that provide members with more experience in using various camera techniques, including lighting, contrast, shadows, and film composition. My involvement in the club taught me how to analyze plot elements, transitions, and character dynamics. Working with a camera is more engaging and far easier than people expect, which is one of the greatest things about photography. 

While members participate in the weekly photo challenges year-round, there’s a unique opportunity in January. Imagine being the first people to watch new films no one has ever seen and choose an award winner. Club members become part of a high school panel of judges who analyze movies competing in the Seattle International Film Festival. This is an extremely prestigious event for filmmakers with an acceptance rate of less than 1%, testifying to the selectivity. Every year, the club is provided access to a list of debuting films and selects the Wavemaker Award Winner* after watching the movies together during meetings.

If you are someone with a busy schedule, this is a perfect way to become more involved and strengthen the school community. It is low-commitment but makes resumés and college applications look impressive because it is unique to Seattle and has international prestige.  There is also no work or assignments outside club time. This is a major difference from the photography classes. As a full IB student, I can attest that this is the perfect low-stress way to get CAS hours, build my resumé, and unwind after classes. 

For more insights, here is the transcript from an interview conducted with our Treasurer Ariana Mohandeson and Co-Vice President Brendan Andersen: 

Q: What motivated you to pursue a leadership position within the club?

Ariana:  I was told that there was a treasurer position open, and so I thought it’d be great to get some leadership experience. Since I love Photo Club, I thought I would give it a try.

Brendan: In freshman year, I wanted to get more involved with our school. I saw this club was opening up and I came to the first meeting with Liam. We both decided to go for a leadership position, and he became the secretary. [He is the other Co-Vice now.]

Q: What makes Photo Club different from other clubs on campus?

Ariana: Photo club actually gives you experience with a new skill that you can use in many parts of life. 

Brendan: I think there’s a lot more freedom than in other clubs. We can give you a camera and then the time to do what you want to do.

Q: What photography styles or themes are your personal favorites?

Ariana: So far, my favorite theme of the year was the horror film, which allowed me to both act and work on photography skills at the same time. It was a great exercise.

Brendan: Personally, I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures of birds. I find trying to capture them in mid-air a fun challenge.

Q: What’s your favorite photo you’ve taken, and why?

Ariana: My favorite photo that I’ve taken is when I got in the cafeteria, and it was kind of dark. There was some light coming in from the windows. It was just very ethereal and beautiful.

Brendan: My favorite photo was a photo that I took of my dad in front of our state capitol building. It was on a trip that me and him took, and I think that photo represented the trip and the good time we had together.

Q: Why do you think photography is an important part of school culture? 

Ariana: Photography is an important part of school culture because it gives us the opportunity to try out something new and also to just capture the moments on campus that would go unnoticed if it weren’t for our club. 

Brendan: I believe it allows us to interact with a lot of people. For example, Spooky Street was just this last October. We were able to interact with a lot of families while raising money.

Q: What advice would you give to students thinking about joining the Photo and Film Club?

Ariana: You should just join the club. It’s very accessible, and you can just jump in and learn how to use a camera. I joined this year and have already gotten a leadership role and learned to take a variety of photo types.

Brendan: If you’re determined to try to learn more about photography, my advice would be to go and dive in headfirst. Everyone is super friendly and excited for you to learn!

Have you decided to join yet? Come to our meetings in January every Wednesday from 2-3 pm in A208. No experience needed! To confirm your eligibility, please refer to this link with CTE courses. (Look at the subtabs and scroll down to see the course names): https://ewhs.edmonds.wednet.edu/counseling/ewregistrationguide/courses/careen-and-technical-education-clone-clone  

Check out our Instagram page for news, updates, and photos from school events: @ewhs_photoandfilmclub  

Additionally, here is our donation link. We would love your support!: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML8890W59AD8S/checkout/EUB75GEYX5SCVPYAPHBHRO22 

If you have any questions for me, feel free to email: rattasah000@edmonds15.org