In light of John Dewey High School’s phone ban, and recent cultural trends, teens in NYC have turned to cameras to capture their daily lives.
Digital cameras have made a resurgence in popularity following the trend of early 2000’s culture. The handheld devices, while less accessible than the average smart phone camera, have given teens in New York City a vintage twist on creative photography.
The memories students make in high school are often their first priority. “…as a senior, I have a lot of people that sit here and they tell me that it’s their last moments in high school and that is something that they don’t want to miss out on.” said senior Karen Lin.
Even so, it’s not just students who understand the value of these handheld devices. “this ban has kind of forced myself as a teacher to like to sit down and really understand the functions of a digital camera so that I could teach” said Ms. Escalera, Dewey’s Photography teacher.
From the standpoint of many JDHS students, the statewide phone ban has hurt the creation of memories. Still, students advocate for their preservation of their days of youth.
”But the raw feeling of wait guys, let the camera focus, let me go home and transfer these photos’, gives you control over your life, your self expression, and binds you to your loved ones.” said senior Alena Tahir.
This new medium of picture taking is often valued because of its emphasis on the integrity of a photographer. Instead of a quick trendy pic on Instagram. “All camera users must understand permission and how to avoid violating privacy…..You can’t upload anything immediately with digital cameras whereas you are 2 clicks away from sharing something on a phone.” said Mr. Barkley, Social Studies teacher.
“Phones would be more practical because your phone and all your pictures will be stored in one place,” said Kai Simpson, a student at John Dewey High School. Students must learn carefully which method of photography suits them best. With something as personal as your memories, they must fit all your needs.”