Upper Campus photography students were released into the City of Ojai recently to act as tourists, looking for creative ways to display the icons and landmarks of Ojai in their own tourism brochures.
Photography teacher John Boyd launched the project last year to create an active experience in which the photography students could take part.
“It teaches a photographer to look at something with fresh eyes,” said Mr. Boyd, explaining the importance of the project to the photography program.
The project created a way for the students to get out of their comfort zones and experience Ojai in a new way.
Junior Amanda Webb took photos of famous Ojai landmarks including its Mission-style arcade and post office, which is topped with a four-story Spanish-style bell tower built in 1917.
Amanda said she wanted to expose Ojai’s iconic structures from unique perspectives.
“I thought it was fun and exciting to be able to get off campus and explore Ojai’s history,” she said.
Students also got a chance to expose what they love about Ojai.
Senior Michael Huang chose the Ojai bell tower as his main focus. His intrigue with the buildings of Ojai showed in his process for putting together his brochure.
“The architecture of the town really interested me,” Michael said. “It gave me a new view.”
The project allowed Mr. Boyd to give the students the tools to improve their photography, and to practice their layout and Photoshop skills in assembling their tourism brochures.
“They have to use their techniques to take the best pictures they can,” Mr. Boyd said. “It teaches them the power of a good photo.”
By Nick Giannetti, Class of 2014