Wantagh Middle School eighth grade students are learning to look at the world from a different perspective through the lens of a digital camera and to tell a story through the images they shoot. Teacher Jaclyn Gentilesco said that the half-year elective has been so successful that even she has become inspired by her students’ photography.

“The students are learning to observe texture, light and contrast and to see the beauty around them,” Ms. Gentilesco said.

Digital Photography is one of several new electives being offered to eighth grade students during the 2020-2021 school year. The middle school is also offering Fit for Life, Robotics, Ultimate Chef and Animation. The digital photography class teaches students to photograph images and scenes from their cellphone cameras and to edit the shots taken. Through editing, they are learning how to change the focus on an area that they want people to see, Ms. Gentilesco explained. Additionally, students are learning to take photos from different viewpoints, such as a bird’s eye view from up above the subject and a worm’s eye view, a shot taken from low on the ground.    

“The results have been amazing,” Ms. Gentilesco said.