“What shutter speed do I use to shoot on the streets?” a question posed by my Gen Z student last week. Despite numerous lectures, the exposure triangle seems elusive to many. Educating photography to students in their late teens to mid-twenties, I’ve witnessed some of the toughest aspects of educating the next generation of photographers.
Shifting from ‘How’ to ‘Why’: Addressing Educational Challenges
With eight years in photography and critique, I’m here to bridge education and practical skills. Teaching media students the fundamentals and complex theories of narrative building and ethics has been my goal. Yet, a common challenge arises: they ask “how” but seldom “why” an image is important.
Communicating with these students who are visually fluent, having grown up in an image-saturated world, remains difficult. Yet, translating this fluency into genuine appreciation is a persistent challenge. Iconic photos, like Harold Edgar’s Bullet and Apple, often evoke less response than trivial images. It’s been difficult to translate that fluency into appreciation, all that matters is getting their marks and moving on, much like Instagram’s instant dopamine hits.
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The Few Who Pursue Photography Seriously
In a class of seventy, about four or five are interested in pursuing the craft with any real seriousness. The curriculum skews towards media studies, including marketing and writing, which often overshadow photography. Teaching such a diverse curriculum can be difficult as marketing gets them a job, content creation makes them famous, and writing can make them researchers or critics, pulling attention from photography.
Yet, my focus is on those few who remain dedicated. Even if they shift to filmmaking or content creation, I hope my teachings instill a lasting appreciation for the art.
Photography as a Reflex Rather Than Choice
Photography’s ubiquity, thanks to smartphones, has stripped it of awe. It’s no longer a deliberate choice but a reflexive act for social media validation. Students aim for viral success, prioritizing effects over genuine exploration. Some mimic film photography’s aesthetics without understanding the depth behind it.
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While content creation has its place, it often dilutes artistic integrity, pushing individuals to conform rather than explore identity and intent. Tackling this concept remains essential.
The Future of Photography in Gen Z Hands
The future of photography with Gen Z remains uncertain. While some students excel in articulating vision through imagery, teaching others who are yet to engage deeply is ongoing. Change may come by shifting education from technical skills to observational insight. Inspiring students with compelling photography could reignite the curiosity so frequently reserved for online scrolling.
Source: thephoblographer.com
Frequently asked questions
What has been a challenge in teaching photography to Gen Z?
A common challenge is that students ask ‘how’ but seldom ‘why’ an image is important, indicating a lack of genuine appreciation for photography.
How does technology influence today’s photography education?
Technology, similar to platforms like Instagram, reshapes artistic perception and expression, impacting how students perceive and value photographic art.
What are the career interests of media students?
Media students’ curriculum skews towards marketing, content creation, and writing because these areas promise jobs, fame, and research opportunities, often overshadowing photography.