Teaching Visual Design to high school students can be challenging and rewarding because students see the world differently than most adults. One of my favorite activities each school year is getting students involved in an image competition through the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), an affiliate of Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

A key reason to get students involved in image competitions is to get them to see how experts in the field of photography see their work. It is also the perfect way for students to think about creating an image. It's essential to help students distinguish between taking a picture (snapshot) and making an image. 

The best reference to establish understanding is to have students look through their phones and find their favorite image and have them apply the 12 Elements of a Merit Image as applied by the VPPA and PPA during imaging competitions. When you engage students in image competitions, they can focus their creativity on developing an idea into an impactful story. Students also have the unique talent of creating thought-provoking images that can bring an experienced juror to tears because of the depth of raw emotion as told by a student.

This was the case during the 2022 PhotoConnect image competition hosted by the VPPA in Newport News, Virginia. Landstown High School senior Dominic S. created an image based on how he felt during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He couldn't leave the house and missed the social interaction of a typical school day. Dominic wanted to tell the story of how he felt like he was losing himself, something millions of American students are saying happened during the pandemic. 

It's also vital for teachers to remember that students adapt differently to situations. The same is true when creating an image students want to tell their stories, and creating an image enables them to express themselves in a safe environment. The opportunity to take a field trip to meet professional photographers is a highlight of their school year. Students learn so much by watching judges evaluate images and talk about the photo during challenges to the image rating. 

The Visual Design program I was able to create for Landstown Governor's STEM Academy offers three courses: Communication Systems, Video & Media Technology, and Graphic Communications. From these courses, students focus most of their education on using Adobe Creative Cloud programs. As a Photojournalist, Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Videographer, Web Designer, Certified Professional Photographer, and Photographic Craftsman, I've discovered that understanding Adobe software is extremely important if a student intends to pursue a visual design career. 

In Communications Systems, students learn basic photography, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator to gain the industry-recognized certification Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design, validating their expertise in creating digital aesthetics. Most professions use visual methods to promote events or get information disseminated internally and externally. As a result, students who gain professional certifications differentiate themselves from their competitors for jobs and college applications. 

During their second year, students take Video & Media Technology learning video production and Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects to gain the industry-recognized certification Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design, validating their expertise in creating and editing videos. Students also build on their Photoshop and Illustrator skills when producing various projects. Students become interested in entrepreneurship opportunities to make money and stand out when applying to college programs. Since most applicants still need their certifications proving their experience. 

Finally, during the students' third year, they learn about project management, marketing, and Adobe Dreamweaver to gain their industry-recognized certification as Adobe Certified Professional in Web Design, validating their expertise in designing and building web pages. Additionally, students spend the bulk of the year developing an end-of-the-year showcase highlighting their professional work in photography, motion graphics, Graphic Design, Podcasting, and video production at a student showcase to which potential employers are invited. 

The program aims to develop workforce-ready students and prepare them to excel in their chosen college program. Teaching is a challenge, but each year, I am invigorated by the creativity and proud of seeing student progress. Of course, the best part of teaching is hearing from former students who are excited to share stories of success and achievements in college and their careers. 

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