Capturing Creativity: New Photography Elective Inspires RMS Students

This year, students at Richfield Middle School have the opportunity to explore the art of photography through a new elective taught by Melvin Willis. Designed as an introduction to photography, the class dives into the history of photography, the evolution of cameras and the fundamentals of composition. Students operate DSLR cameras and learn how to use various functions such as adjusting shutter speed, aperture and ISO. They also experiment with various modes, from manual and portrait to action and landscape, gaining hands-on experience in capturing different subjects and lighting conditions.

Beyond technical skills, students also explore the deeper meaning behind photography, learning how composition, perspective and storytelling can transform a simple image into a powerful visual narrative. Through guided exercises, assignments and personal projects, they develop an eye for detail, emotion and context, helping them see photography as more than just taking pictures but as a way to communicate ideas and feelings. Although middle school students don’t select individual courses, they do get to rank their elective preferences–and in the first semester, photography was a hit! 

“It’s been great to see students really enjoying the process of learning how to use the equipment,” Mr. Willis shared. “By the end of the semester, they gain confidence in their skills. I’ve had students come back and tell me stories like, ‘At my cousin’s birthday party, no one knew how to use the camera, so I took the photos–and I actually knew what I was doing!’”

One assignment that Mr. Willis enjoys assigning is the Career Opportunities project. For this activity, students choose a future career and take photographs as if they were already working in that field.

“We saw students capturing images as if they were in professional sports, taking pictures of food as chefs, animals from a student with an interest in veterinary technology, and even fashion,” Mr. Willis explained. “They had to get creative, using different parts of the school–going to FACS for food photography, the gym for sports shots, and collaborating with their peers to get a fashion shot. They put a lot of effort into researching their chosen fields, and the results were impressive.”

Beyond photography, the course also introduces students to videography and cinematography, which the students loved learning about. For their final project, students choose between creating a photo series or a short video.

“The final projects were incredible,” Mr. Willis said. “Some students explored sports and workout routines, while others told visual stories in creative ways. The amount of thought and originality they put into their work was amazing.”

With hands-on learning, real-world applications and a chance to express their creativity, the Photography elective is an inspiring addition to the RMS curriculum. As students continue to develop their technical skills and artistic vision, they’re not just taking pictures–they’re capturing moments, telling stories and seeing the world through a whole new lens.

Below you will find a few examples of student work from this year, as well as a peek into the classroom!