Hachinohe Photo Exhibit and Workshop 2018

Scholars Make Global Connections Through Photography with Sister City Hachinohe, Japan

  • Federal Way, Wash. - Forty Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) scholars enrolled in a photography course at four high schools are learning more about photography and making global connections as part of the “Hidden Gems: Sister City 25th Anniversary Photo Exhibit” project.

    This project is in partnership with the sister cities of Federal Way, WA and Hachinohe, Japan, and the photo exhibit in Federal Way will showcase photos from Hachinohe residents. The photo exhibit will be on display from November 29-December 5, 2018 at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center (PAEC).

    Another exciting part of this project includes FWPS scholars taking photos that show the culture and spirit of Federal Way.  To build upon this art experience, these 40 scholars are invited to attend a workshop in December where they will embellish their photo and a photo of Hachinohe in a technique called “Deko Photo.” The scholars’ decorated art will then be brought back to Japan to be put on display. After the exhibit in Hachinohe,  photos taken by FWPS scholars will be put on display at Federal Way City Hall.

    What to know more about what this experience has meant to two FWPS scholars? See Q&A below:

     

Scholar Spotlight: Madalyn

Madeline

  • How long have you lived in Federal Way?
    I have lived in Federal Way for about 5-7 years. 

    What draws you to photography?
    I can capture things I see, I can capture emotions, and tell a story about life. Photography is really a place for me to be stress free, and to open my mind. People’s opinions or comments, good or bad, keep me striving for improvement. It’s what draws me to photography. 

    Why did you choose these photos for this photo exchange project?
    I chose these photos because they have attitude, and the photos have a story/background. These photos are what I think makes up Federal Way or what Federal Way is to me.

    Was there any special circumstance involved when you decided to take this photo?
    Almost all the pictures were taken on very cloudy days so it really brings out the attitude of the image. 

    What do you like about the photo you chose? 
    I love the composition, the mood it gives off, and the mix of colors 

    How does your photo capture the spirit of your city?
    My photos do not capture what other people might first see in Federal Way. My photos have the spirit of my city, with the different places, the memories that were made and things I value.

    What about your photo shows the uniqueness of your city?
    The photos I took aren't like the ordinary normal city picture. My photos are more unique because they are the things I see that makes up my city. 

    What do you hope the viewer will learn about your city from your photo?
    That there is a story behind the photo. 

    Why is it important for people in [Federal Way/Hachinohe] to know this about your city?
    It's important to learn about different places and different things like the environment, sites, buildings, and the people here.

Scholar Spotlight: Henry

Henry

  • How long have you lived in Federal Way?

    I’ve lived in Federal Way for 17 years.

    What draws you into photography?

    The biggest reason why photography draws me in, is the fact that I have the ability to capture and convey emotion through a single image and express raw feeling that one might not be able to get from a book or imagination alone.

    Why did you choose this photo for this photo exchange project?

    The reason why I chose this photo was because of the raw feeling that the model conveys within the photo, evoking a relaxed, yet curious emotion to the audience.

    Was there any specific circumstance involved when you decided to take this photo? (your mood at the moment, time of day, whatever was going on around).

    While my model and I were walking around the city at around dusk, we stumbled across this neon sign and I got inspired to take a photo right then and there. The sign was pretty high up so taking the picture itself was a slight struggle, but the end result looked amazing.

    What did you like about the photo you chose?

    What I really enjoyed about the photo was the journey my model and I took to get it. It was quite tedious to take but after editing the photo, the outcome was incredible.

    How does your photo capture the spirit of your city?

    When I think of Federal Way, Washington, I imagine a place with an atmosphere of acceptance, inclusivity, and diversity, in not only skin color but with a variety of different outlooks on lifestyles and cultures.

    What about your photo shows the uniqueness of your city?

    In my opinion, this photo represents the melting pot that is Federal Way, showing that everyone who lives here all has the same equal opportunity to succeed with their aspirations.

    What do you hope the viewer will learn about your city from your photo?

    I hope that when people look at my photo, they think about the diversity and acceptance that my city has to offer to anyone who decides to journey here.

    Why is it important for people in [Federal Way/Hachinohe] to know this about your city?

    It’s important for people to know that throughout the world, everywhere you go won’t be the exact same as the place you came from. Within Federal Way, I feel that there is no city like ours considering the amount of diversity we have to offer isn't comparable to other places within the United States, or even throughout the world. Inclusivity, diversity, and opportunities, are very valuable attributes that every city should aspire to have, and I feel lucky that I get to live in a city that has a mixture of the above.

Scholars attend photo workshop highlighting cultural exchange and Japanese photography techniques

  • Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) scholars from four high schools attended a photo workshop highlighting cultural exchange and Japanese photography techniques. This workshop was part of the Hidden Gems: Sister City 25th Anniversary Project that showcases the Sister City relationship between Federal Way and Hachinohe, Japan.

    Representatives from Hachinohe led the workshop, teaching scholars a technique popular in Japan called “Deko Photo”. The technique uses decorative elements like rhinestones and sequins to embellish different aspects of a photograph. Scholars then decorated two photos including the photo they contributed to the exhibit and a photo taken by a Hachinohe resident.

    “It’s cool to experience something new and to experience a different culture,” said Federal Way High School student, Ashlynn Sterling, about the experience.

    At the end of the workshop, scholars were invited to share their finished projects and engage in a conversation about how the photos made them feel.

    “It’s nice to see and speak with people that come from a different place. And to see all of the photos of where they’re from and how they have expressed themselves through those photos,” said Thomas Jefferson High School scholar, Angeles Perez.

    These decorated pieces will be brought back to Japan for an exhibit in January. Following the Hachinohe exhibit, the photos taken by FWPS scholars will be brought back to be displayed at Federal Way City Hall.

    This opportunity aligns with the district’s strategic plan Goal 3, Active Leaners: Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers.