Steamgraphic produces free photography field study workshops for children and their parents (both must attend), where they learn about various S.T.E.A.M. fields of study as they are encountered. Workshops are held at parks and public outdoor spaces where birds, insects, flowers & plants, art, people, sports, and other subjects of interest are found. We have guest speakers occasionally, to offer insights into their work. For safety, we practice social distancing and wear masks: which offers an opportunity to learn about the science of disease control.
We start by learning the basics of photography and how to use the camera. Students are issued loaner DSLR camera’s and start capturing images immediately. They take the cameras home with them to practice, one camera per family, however, when we have extra cameras, parents can use one during the workshop. There are no fees or deposits. It is absolutely free. We walk and practice, discussing techniques, the science and math behind photography, the subjects we are photographing, and the story they are trying to tell with their photos. This helps students improve and their best work is posted here in each student’s gallery page.
We continually plant the seeds of the love of science and education, as well as planning for college and possible careers in various S.T.E.A.M. Fields. When a student discovers an as yet unidentified (to them) species, they are encouraged to look it up and we will post their research with the picture. It is truly inspiring to hear the “Wow” of students expressing delight when they see an amazing animal or plant under high magnification!
Enjoy these talented student photographers’ work and if you or someone you know would like to join us, please send us a message at the email link above.
Parks where we have held weekly field study workshops, Summer 2020:
The Albany Bulb, on San Francisco Bay, 3X
The Oakland Rose Garden, 1X
Lake Merritt Gardens, 6X
UC Berkeley Campus, 2X
Lafayette Reservoir, 1X
Guest Speakers have included:
Darryl Starr, Virtual Reality Game Developer and Educator
Elijah Butterfield, Mobile Game Developer, Virtual Reality App Developer, Educator, Environmental Researcher