Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club offers students an immersive experience that blends the art of photography with personal development and community exploration. With opportunities to visit notable locations such as the scenic Peekskill waterfront, the iconic paths of New York City’s Central Park, and the captivating Katonah Museum of Art, students are encouraged to capture the beauty of their surroundings while learning foundational photography techniques. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School shares that these experiences foster independence, enhance creative expression and support the unique learning needs of autistic students.
Off-Campus Outings for Immersive Learning Experiences
The club’s off-campus outings serve as a gateway to new perspectives, giving students at Shrub Oak International School the chance to develop a unique view of their community while building essential skills. At the Peekskill waterfront, students practice framing and lighting techniques against a picturesque backdrop of the Hudson River and rolling hills, capturing reflections on the water, architectural details, and scenes from local life. These natural and urban elements create an ideal space for students to experiment with the interplay of light and shadow, enriching their understanding of composition.
Trips to Central Park offer students an expansive environment where they explore a wide range of photographic subjects, from lush landscapes and architectural bridges to the vibrant energy of park-goers. Under the guidance of Shrub Oak International School’s trained staff, students use Central Park’s unique mix of open spaces and cityscapes to experiment with perspective, close-up shots, and motion photography. For many students, capturing the swift movements of joggers, the reflective quality of the park’s ponds, or the textures of the foliage provides a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Visits to the Katonah Museum of Art allow students to examine and be inspired by various art forms, offering opportunities for them to broaden their aesthetic perspective and apply it to their own work. Here, Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School shares that students photograph sculptures, exhibits, and installations, practicing respectful photography techniques in a museum setting. The museum’s interactive exhibits provide a stimulating environment for students to experiment with capturing art in different contexts, allowing them to develop their unique style and discover new methods for visual storytelling.
The Value of Art for Autistic Students
Artistic endeavors like those undertaken by Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club offer autistic students a powerful way to connect with the world around them. Photography, in particular, encourages students to engage deeply with their surroundings, focusing their attention on details they might otherwise overlook. For many, photography is also a pathway to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a nonverbal medium. This visual self-expression is especially beneficial for students who find traditional forms of communication challenging, as it allows them to share their perspectives in a format that feels natural and intuitive.
Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club also helps students develop social skills by encouraging teamwork and group interaction. During outings and photo shoots, students work together to identify interesting subjects, discuss their approach to different shots, and even assist each other in learning new techniques. These collaborative efforts are guided by Shrub Oak International School’s transdisciplinary team, which includes educators, clinicians, and art specialists trained to support the diverse needs of autistic students. This level of involvement not only enhances students’ communication skills but also promotes a sense of community and shared achievement.
Creativity and Communication Through the Lens
Participation in Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club fosters communication skills, encouraging students to convey their unique perspectives visually. Photography offers them a controlled and accessible way to explore emotions and narratives, enabling them to experiment with different themes and styles. Whether it’s capturing a serene landscape or the energy of a bustling scene, each photo tells a story. For example, some students might focus on a single subject—such as a flower or a leaf—and explore its details from various angles, learning to capture subtleties like texture and color.
Shrub Oak International School’s transdisciplinary approach comes into play here, with teachers and clinicians collaborating to use photography as a communication tool. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School shares that staff members often work one-on-one with students to discuss the meaning behind their photographs, allowing students to reflect on what they have captured and why. This reflective process helps them articulate thoughts and feelings they may struggle to express verbally, making photography an effective bridge to self-awareness and emotional understanding.
The club’s collaborative projects also offer students opportunities to enhance their interpersonal skills. For instance, Shrub Oak’s recent photo series project, where students paired up to photograph each other’s favorite locations on campus, required active listening, patience, and cooperative decision-making. Through projects like these, students learn to communicate their vision and ideas to others, often resulting in photographs that reflect a shared creative journey.
Contributing to Shrub Oak International School’s Annual Yearbook
One of the highlights of participating in Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club is the opportunity it provides for contributing to the school’s annual yearbook. Throughout the school year, students document events, campus life, and personal milestones, creating a visual record of their experiences. Capturing candid shots during Field Day, taking the official yearbook portraits, and documenting seasonal events like apple picking and Halloween activities, gives students a direct hand in preserving these memories for their peers and the broader Shrub Oak International School community.
The yearbook project allows students to see their work come to life in print, reinforcing the value of their contributions and giving them a sense of pride in their artistic achievements. For many, the process of seeing their photos in the yearbook is both exciting and empowering, providing tangible proof of their growth as photographers. Teachers and staff carefully curate and guide students in selecting images that best represent their experiences, helping them recognize and celebrate their progress over the year.
A Transdisciplinary Approach to Photography Education
Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club exemplifies the school’s commitment to a transdisciplinary approach, integrating the expertise of teachers, clinicians, and art professionals to create a holistic learning environment. The staff leverages each student’s interests and strengths, encouraging them to push boundaries in their creative work while addressing specific developmental goals. This collaborative structure is key in supporting Shrub Oak students’ unique learning needs, as the transdisciplinary team actively tailors instruction to ensure each student gains confidence, independence, and creative skills.
The Photography Club’s approach is a testament to Shrub Oak International School’s dedication to individualized education, as students receive instruction that combines technical skills with therapeutic benefits. Students learn practical photography skills such as camera settings, editing software, and compositional techniques, while also receiving support for sensory needs, social interactions, and emotional growth. In this way, the club is more than just a recreational activity—it is a transformative program that nurtures both the technical and personal development of each student.
Training in Adobe and Developing Editing Skills
Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club also incorporates digital editing into its curriculum, equipping students with valuable technical skills in programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Under the guidance of Shrub Oak’s art specialists, students learn to refine their photos through editing techniques that adjust color balance, exposure, and composition, helping them bring their creative visions to life. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School emphasizes that by mastering digital editing tools, students can enhance their photos in ways that align with their artistic intent, whether by adding warmth to a sunset photo taken at the Peekskill waterfront or sharpening the details of sculptures from the Katonah Museum of Art. These skills not only elevate the quality of their work but also provide students with practical knowledge in industry-standard software, which can open doors to future vocational opportunities in the visual arts.
Fostering Lasting Impact Through Art
As students at Shrub Oak International School continue to explore photography, they are not only developing a valuable artistic skill but also gaining tools that support their personal growth and social engagement. The Photography Club’s emphasis on off-campus outings, collaborative projects, and yearbook contributions provides a dynamic learning experience that helps students build confidence, express themselves, and connect with others.
Through the lens of a camera, students are encouraged to see the world—and themselves—from new perspectives. Shrub Oak International School’s Photography Club, backed by the school’s transdisciplinary approach, thus stands as a powerful example of how art can be a bridge to greater understanding, self-expression, and community for autistic students.