Photo & Video Fusion summer class empowers students to be come active media creators
Students in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) are participating in the Photo & Video Fusion class as part of the Summer School program. Taught by CTE Media Arts Teacher Tim Kennedy, students learn a wide range of skills -from operating cameras and retouching images to producing videos. Additionally, students develop media literacy - an understanding of how media is created and its influence on society. These skills empower students to become active creators rather than passive consumers of media, fostering creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. Thanks to this class, students are developing essential technical and creative skills that are highly relevant in today’s digital world.
The Photo & Video Fusion class is offered in partnership with LWSD, Riverview School District (RSD) and WANIC (Washington Network for Innovative Careers) Skill Center. Over three weeks, students engage in an intensive, seven-hours-a-day learning experience. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to digital media, combining hands-on practice with real-world applications.
Kennedy explained that the course is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of both photography and videography. “On the photography side, students learn how to operate a camera in manual exposure mode, making their photographs more interesting and expressive. They also work with industry-standard tools to process and manipulate their images,” said Kennedy. Starting with toy planes as subjects, students then progress to more complex subjects, such as a pony and a model, expanding their creative horizons.
On the videography front, students acquire skills in camera operation, capturing footage and editing. They practice live production by creating their own 30-second commercials, developing storytelling and technical skills simultaneously. Audio production is also covered, enabling students to add sound effects and music to their projects.
The culminating experience of the course is a live streaming webcast on the final day, where students showcase their newfound skills. Kennedy highlighted the transformative nature of this event, “Students serve as producers, directors and crew members, running the entire show themselves. It’s stressful and chaotic at first, but by the time they go live, they’re confident and in control. Watching students go from overwhelmed beginners to confident broadcasters is truly inspiring.”
He emphasized the educational value of this experience, “Most people are everyday media consumers when they scroll on their phone. When students learn how to create their own media, it empowers them. It increases media literacy and provides a skill set they can carry into their personal lives or future careers.”
“Many students who complete the course pursue careers in media-related fields,” said Kennedy. “This includes photography, video, film, animation or sound design.” However, he noted that even students not aiming for media careers can benefit from these skills. “Media production skills are highly useful across many professions. Understanding how media is made helps students become more critical consumers and effective communicators,” he explained.
Kennedy also shared insights into the intense, sometimes chaotic moments leading up to the live webcast. “When it’s showtime, technology can be cranky, and students realize they’re missing something or need to troubleshoot quickly. It’s bedlam - running around, fixing problems, shouting instructions. But once the show starts, everything flows. It’s all because of them. They create something they once thought impossible, now possible, and the pride and joy are incredible.”
“At the end, students celebrate their success with high-fives and victory walks,” added Kennedy “They realize they’ve accomplished something that once seemed overwhelming - transforming stress into empowerment and creativity.”
The WANIC Photo & Video Fusion class exemplifies how innovative summer programs can inspire students, build essential skills and foster confidence - preparing them for a future where media literacy and production are more important than ever.
