do something BIG!
Meet Karen
Karen is a passionate photographer who took a Graphic Arts course at iD Tech Camps summer camps in Texas. She had never used Photoshop® before camp, but immediately recognized it as an essential tool and enjoyed learning all of the valuable program functions. Back in school, Karen’s technical expertise helped her step into a leadership position as the literary magazine’s Art Chief. She now leads her own team in selecting and editing photos, and even fields all Photoshop questions – her photography teacher admits that Karen knows the program better than she does. Karen plans to pursue a photojournalism career and will keep using Photoshop and her iD Tech Camps skills for the rest of her life.
iD: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? What are your hobbies?
Karen: My name is Karen, I’m 14 years old and originally from Honduras. My hobby is photography and everything that revolves around it – that includes regularly using editing software like Photoshop. I can’t imagine not having Photoshop as a tool!
iD: What courses did you take at iD Tech Camps?
K: In the summer of 2009, I took a Graphic Arts course at iD Tech Camps. I learned Photoshop and the amazing things you can do with it once you know the program. I also got experience with Illustrator® and learned design concepts for things like logos, all of which has been helpful for projects at school.
iD: What opportunities did iD Tech Camps give you that you otherwise wouldn’t have had? Did you have a lot of exposure to technology before iD Tech Camps?
K: My exposure to technology was limited before iD Tech Camps, especially in terms of photo software such as Photoshop. Now I’m really familiar with Photoshop and I can do everything from editing images to creating original artwork. My tech skills allowed for many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise, like being the Art Chief of my school’s literary magazine, Inkblot.
iD: How have you used what you’ve learned with iD Tech Camps?
K: I use the skills I learned at iD Tech Camps often – every day, even! As I mentioned, I was promoted to Art Chief of my school’s literary magazine because of my Photoshop expertise. As the Art Chief, I lead my team in selecting individual photos and drawings to be featured in our magazine. I then Photoshop each individual photo to fit size specifications and make sure that they’re perfect before publication.
I also really enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with my classmates at school. It’s a lot of fun to be known as the class expert – my Photography teacher says I’m more skilled at Photoshop than she is, so she always tells other students to come to me with their Photoshop questions!
My photography skills have also improved as a result of my Photoshop knowledge. I’m currently taking Photography 2, and since becoming so involved in the editing and post-shooting phases of photography, I know what things to look out for while taking pictures. I’m planning on pursuing my interest in photography for the rest of my life.
iD: What do you plan to do with this knowledge in the future? (Attend college, pursue a certain career?)
K: When I grow up, I really want to be a photojournalist. I love travelling, but most of all I love photography. The Photoshop skills I learned at iD Tech Camps and my resulting leadership experience as Art Chief will help me get started with this career.
iD: Did coming to iD help you improve in other aspects of your life besides technology? Can you explain?
K: Yes, iD Tech Camps really helped my communication skills. Everyone at camp is extremely friendly so it makes it easy to put yourself out there. And I know that this will help with my photojournalist career too – success is not just about your technical skills, it’s about how you network and interact with your peers. I feel like my camp experience was important because it helped me work on both areas.
iD: How was daily life at camp? What’s your funniest memory?
K: Wow, where to begin? Every day was a new adventure and I was always excited to come back for the next day. I loved the counselors’ introductions on the first day because they were so outgoing and funny. I also loved the little things like goofing off with my friends during lunch. Daily life was just fun, and class was always intriguing.
iD: Any advice for future iD Tech campers?
K: Keep practicing the skills you learn in class so you can get even better. You can create limitless opportunities for yourself, and the skills you acquire will follow you throughout your life!
Check out some of the cool courses Karen mentioned. Register early and do something BIG with iD this summer!
