If promotional photos for local businesses happen to catch your eye, there’s a chance it’s the work of Fayetteville-Manlius High School students.
New this year, photography students have had the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience by partnering with six local small businesses – Manlius Cinema, Oliver’s Originals, Manlius Supply Co., Mrs. Kelder’s Cakes, A.W. Wander and The Station 603.
The partnerships are mutually beneficial and addresses the needs of students and local business owners, according to photography teacher and project coordinator Brittney Culican.
“Photography students need experience and opportunities to develop a professional portfolio,” said Culican. “At the same time, local businesses often need quality photography, but may lack the budget for professional services. This collaboration addresses both of those needs, providing students with a valuable learning experience and local businesses with visuals at no cost to them.”
Photo by Willow Fishman for Manlius Cinema
To prepare for the partnerships, students in Advanced Photography 4 investigated various photography techniques, styles, and the impact of visual storytelling on advertising. They researched successful advertising campaigns and analyzed how imagery influences consumer perceptions.
Students elected to work alone or in pairs and were tasked with arranging meetings with their new clients to help guide their work and develop concepts for their photo shoots. They experimented with different photography styles and directed their own shoots, allowing for personal creativity and expression.
Upon completion, students shared their best images with the businesses to be used for social media, websites, and marketing materials. Each student also created a set of notecards for their business owner that featured images they created of their business.
“A key component of photography is being able to engage and connect with others. Many students initially found this project challenging,” said Culican. “However, as their nerves subsided, they grew into more confident photographers. It empowered them to take charge of their image creation, improved their communication skills, and deepened their understanding of marketing strategies.”
As for future collaborations, Culican intends to continue providing this experience to students as long as local businesses are willing to participate. If business owners in Fayetteville or Manlius are interested, please contact Brittney Culican at bculican@fmschools.org.