Seeing the World Through a Lens

A Beginner’s Guide to Photography & Videography at ASCEND

At the ASCEND Day Program, creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about communication, confidence, and real-world job skills. Photography and videography are powerful tools that help our participants tell stories, express ideas, and even prepare for careers in media, marketing, social content creation, and beyond.

This guide isn’t about becoming a professional overnight. It’s about learning how to see, how to frame, and how to share moments with intention.

Why Photography & Videography Matter

A camera does more than take pictures—it gives you a voice.

Photography and videography help build:

• Attention to detail

• Creative decision-making

• Technical skills

• Confidence in self-expression

• Teamwork and communication

  
  

Whether someone is documenting a volunteer day, creating content for our café project, or building a personal portfolio, these skills translate directly into workplace opportunities.

The Camera Is a Tool — You Are the Artist

You don’t need the most expensive camera to create something meaningful. Phones, tablets, and basic digital cameras are all powerful tools when used intentionally.

What matters most:

• What are you trying to show?

• Why does this moment matter?

• Where do you want the viewer’s eyes to go?

Once you start thinking this way, every photo and video becomes a choice—not an accident.

Photography Basics: Capturing a Moment

1. Composition: Where Things Go

Composition is how objects are arranged in your photo.

A simple rule to start with is the Rule of Thirds:

• Imagine your screen divided into a 3×3 grid

• Place your subject slightly off-center

• This creates balance and visual interest

  
  

Other helpful tips:

• Keep backgrounds clean

• Don’t cut off heads or important details

• Get closer instead of zooming too much

  
  

2. Lighting: The Secret Ingredient

Lighting can make or break a photo.

Beginner-friendly tips:

• Natural light is your best friend

• Face your subject toward a window

• Avoid strong light directly behind the subject

• Soft light = softer shadows and clearer faces

  
  

Good lighting often matters more than camera quality.

3. Focus: What Should Be Sharp?

Ask yourself:

“What is the most important part of this image?”

Make sure that part is in focus. Blurry backgrounds can look artistic—but blurry subjects usually look accidental.

Videography Basics: Telling a Story in Motion

Video is photography that moves—and that means planning matters more.

1. Stability: Keep It Steady

Shaky video can distract viewers.

Try:

• Holding the camera with two hands

• Resting your arms on a table or wall

• Using a tripod or stable surface

• Moving slowly and intentionally

  
  

Smooth video feels more professional instantly.

2. Framing: Think Like a Director

Before pressing record, pause and look:

• Is the subject centered or intentionally off-center?

• Is there too much empty space?

• Is anything distracting in the background?

  
  

Small adjustments make a big difference.

3. Sound Matters More Than You Think

People will forgive slightly blurry video—but not bad audio.

Tips:

• Film in quieter spaces

• Avoid wind when possible

• Stand closer to the speaker

• Listen before recording

  
  

Clear sound builds trust with your audience.

Planning Before You Shoot

Great photos and videos often start before the camera turns on.

Ask:

• What is the goal of this photo or video?

• Who is it for?

• What should the viewer feel?

  
  

Even a simple plan—like a short list of shots—can turn a random recording into a story.

Editing: Where the Story Comes Together

Editing is not about fixing mistakes—it’s about making choices.

Basic editing skills include:

• Trimming clips

• Adjusting brightness

• Choosing the best take

• Adding simple titles or music

  
  

Editing teaches patience, organization, and problem-solving—skills valued in many jobs.

Photography & Videography as Job Skills

These skills can lead to opportunities in:

• Social media support

• Content creation

• Marketing assistance

• Documentation and archiving

• Creative freelancing

  
  

At ASCEND, we focus on building confidence first, knowing that skills grow with practice.

Final Thought: Practice Makes Perspective

You don’t need to be perfect. Every photo teaches you something. Every video improves your eye.

Photography and videography aren’t just about cameras—they’re about learning how to notice the world, one frame at a time.

And at ASCEND, every new skill is a step toward independence, creativity, and opportunity.