WESTPORT — Neophyte shutterbugs spread out amid the terrain, utilizing their senses in pursuit of prey that's captured with their glass eyes.
The Westport Central High School students were taking part in a combined photo and science project initiated by Elizabeth Lee, through a Adirondack Arts in Education Partnership grant, to photograph patterns in nature.
"Now I am more able to see what our surroundings are like," Anna Funicane said as she focused on a camel's ear spreading its fuzzy green foliage. "It's fun getting different perspectives and angles that most people don't see."
NEW INTEREST
Student Nancy Armitage said she likes nature and likes taking pictures.
"This is helping me to gain a greater knowledge about patterns in the environment," she added.
While many of the students were relying on the wizardry of digital cameras and computers, some captured images with the seemingly ancient alchemy of film's silver halides.
Bo McKinley said he was interested in developing his own film.
"Previously, I didn't give a second thought about patterns in nature, but I have come to realize everything is a pattern," he said.
"I like to learn about what's in our world," said Morgan Robare. "I discovered you can't see patterns from far away, but if you look closely, there are tons and tons of patterns."
Perched on a log traversing a stream and manually focusing a single-lens-reflex camera that outdates him, 10th-grader Cooper Sayward said he preferred to use black and white film.
"I really like to focus on erosion over time and see the forces of nature. I also like to do the darkroom work."
RECORDING DATA
As the students photographed their inspirations for the project, they took precise notes on the species, where photographed, light conditions, date, time of day, shutter speed, camera speed and lens opening.
Lee wrote the grant and accompanied the students during three field trips, as well as classroom lessons and critiques. She was assisted by technology/photography teacher Paul Mudie and science teacher Jason Fiegl, both from Westport Central School.
The project, which began in February, involved three field visits to different habitats and covered the annual progression of plant life.
The students generally worked in teams of two, pairing environmental studies students with those taking a photography class. The resulting 10-image portfolios included information on the species or scientific process being illustrated.
'TOTAL SUCCESS'
In addressing the students at the conclusion of the endeavor, Lee said: "You connected the dots, and the exhibit was a total success. You covered many of our goals, which were to realize the beauty of patterns, to communicate and realize the potentials of photography."
"You don't always appreciate what is around you," Mudie added. "This project made you really take a look at things that you see every day. After this project, you will probably notice things more."
Fiegl said that sometimes people are in a rush, "but you have noticed other things, such as rusting garbage and plants growing through it. As you were taking photos, conversations happened."
Discussing his feelings about the project, student Alan Ware said: "It's really easy to take this area for granted. I will be going to New York City to school, but when I come back I plan on going for walks and will see things from a different perspective."
Classmate Emily Wing also learned from the exercise.
"I think the project opened my eyes to different patterns. I never thought about patterns being in nature, but now I can really begin to see how many patterns exist."
E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
