See the Phoenix High Photo Class Website here: http://phoenixhighphotoclass.wordpress.com/

Hey guys,

Some of you may not know, but I am teaching a digital photography class to a high-school class of 25. The school is located in Los Angeles (near Venice) and is called “Phoenix High.” The majority of the students are from lower socio-economic status neighborhoods and under-privileged backgrounds, and struggling to make it through school. Although their lives are tough, they find a lot of inspiration and joy in photography. Therefore, I am currently trying to get donations for old point and shoot cameras (11 to be specific) for the students to use.

What is this photo class all about?

When I was a student at UCLA studying sociology, I did research at Phoenix High as an intern. Over the time of a few months, I got to know the students and the teachers very well on a personal level. The teachers knew about my love of photography, so a teacher by the name of Monica Fiello asked if I wanted to teach a photography class after graduating. I was very enthusiastic about it, and upon graduating, started teaching the class.

I absolutely love the students here to death, and teaching them photography has been bringing a lot of joy to my life (as well to theirs). It always inspires me to see how creative they are with their photography, and they catch me off-guard about their insight about photography as well. Although most of the students are beginners, they are enthusistic about learning photography and show a great passion for it.

There is nothing that touches my heart more than when students come up to me personally after class and thank me for helping them learn photography. It is seriously one of the high points of my week.

So what can I do about it?

The school had enough budgets to purchase 8 cameras, but we are still shy of 11 cameras. Right now we have 19 students, so currently there is more than 2 kids on each camera–which prevents each student from truly grasping and understanding photography.

I am asking for donations for digital point and shoot cameras in working condition (doesn’t matter the quality). We currently need 11 more cameras, and if you could find it in your heart to donate your old cameras to help these students learn photography, you will truly be making a positive effect in these students’ lives. Also if possible we would highly appreciate if memory cards are included as well. If you cannot, please just send the camera :)

Awesome! I have an old point and shoot lying around and I’d love to donate! Where can I send the cameras to?

If you are interested in donating to this noble cause, please send your cameras/memory cards to:

Eric Kim

2025 Barry Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Also if you plan on sending a camera, please leave a comment below letting me know! This way when I get the cameras, I can give you credit and link back to your site!

But I don’t have an old point and shoot camera, how can I help?

Please spread the word by posting this blog post to your Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr and ask your friends to donate their old point and shoot cameras! Every little bit helps :) If you would like to offer a monetary donation, please donate below. Your donation will be used to purchase Canon PowerShot A3100ISs, which some of the students are using.

I want to learn more about the Phoenix High Photo Class!

If you want to learn more about what I have been doing with this class, check out our class website as well as our class Flickr.

Interviews with the students:

Tyler

Jose

Ashley

Donations:

I will be using this area to document all of the donations I have received, and give public thanks to those who have.

1. Jason Paul Roberts:

Jason was the first person kind enough to donate an old Fuji MX-1200. Thanks a ton Jason for your generously and support. He is an amazing photographer–check out his work on  Facebook!