News | 18 May 2026

Year 9 Students Explore Identity Through Portrait Photography

Students in Year 9 have spent the term mastering the art of composition and lighting under the guidance of their art teacher, Mr Beyene. Their hard work culminated in a professional portrait photography exhibition held at the school today.

The art department recently challenged our Year 9 students to step behind the lens. The project focused on portrait photography, where students worked in pairs to capture their peers, focusing specifically on how composition and framing can tell a story.

Under the mentorship of art teacher Mr Beyene, students learned the technical aspects of photography while exploring the creative depths of portraiture. The project encouraged students to show grit and patience as they experimented with different angles and lighting to achieve their desired results.

The exhibition, which opened today, showcased a diverse range of styles. From candid shots to carefully staged compositions, the collection reflects the international and creative spirit of our school.

"It was inspiring to see how the students took ownership of the project," said Mr Beyene. "They didn't just take photos; they considered the emotion and the structure of every frame."

Key highlights of the project included:

• Collaborative Learning: Students worked together to set up shots, acting as both photographer and subject.

• Technical Skill: A focus on manual camera settings and the rule of thirds.

• Creative Expression: Each student produced a final piece that represented their unique artistic vision.