Pali High Teacher Offers Photography Camp

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Looking to learn a new skill this summer? Palisades Charter High School photo instructor Rick Steil is hosting a five-day photography camp, which will be held the week of July 13 for anyone ages 12 to 90 years old.

“I love the different ages of the campers,” Steil, who is teaching the camp for the fifth time this year, explained. “The mix of adults and teenagers is awesome. They discover that they can really learn things from each other, despite their age differences. I also enjoy how excited the campers get when they see what they can create once they learn the basic camera functions.”

Attendees are invited to “join a collaborative and stimulating online and in-person community, where students will create stunning images while learning about lighting, photographic techniques, camera functions, visual awareness as well as basic Photoshop,” according to Steil.

The camp will be online for three days on Zoom and in-person two of the days, with a location to be determined and social distance measures adhered to.

Sessions will be limited to a small number of students, and digital shooting assignments will be individually reviewed, with students learning from each other during classwide critiques.

“I have the ability to share my screen with students to critique their images and deliver new content for the class,” Steil shared about the online sessions. “Students will be able to see each other’s images and discuss how they were created. This interaction is key to the success of the campers to progress as photographers.”

Steil explained that some campers will have DSLR cameras and others will be shooting on iPhones. He will work with individuals and their cameras to help them progress to the next photographic level, learning how to get the most from their specific cameras.

“Students will learn about camera techniques, including shutter speeds and aperture,” Steil explained. “Students will learn how to create better images by just being aware of some compositional tools. The camp will take students from their level of photography and make them better photographers no matter where they start.”

Morning (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and afternoon (1:30-4:30 p.m.) sessions are available. Students may attend either session with advance notice.

“Over the past five years, many students have delighted in my Photo Camp,” Steil said. “This year will be different, as we will engage virtually as well as in person. But I am confident that students will benefit and enjoy learning digital photography.”

For more information or to sign up, call 310-428-1160 or email rsteil@palihigh.org.