Hello
I am changing the focus of this web site!
From now on, it will no longer be advertising my media literacy consulting business for public schools.
The focus now will be on my gallery work and efforts in the documentary art photography.
I hope you will continue to visit the site as I pursue this aspect of my career.
Best
p
I am a Fine Art Photographer exploring social commentary and the expression of the human archetype. I am also a Professor at Georgian College in Barrie Ontario teaching digital photography in the School of Visual Arts & Design. I am still a professional stills photographer working in the motion picture industry.
Friday, 7 January, 2011
Monday, 9 June, 2008
New Presentations Prove a Hit at Our Lady of Lourdes School!
Our Lady of Lourdes School in Elmvale posed me a challenge. Could we adapt the presentation so that it would appeal to children in Grades 1, 2 and 3?
I tightened up the content and added images from personalities that the children could identify with, like Daniel Cook and Emily Yeung and the children were thrilled. The session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was deemed a great success.
I was also able to work with the other Grades 4 through 8, for a very full day.
Another milestone was passed in that this was the first time I have worked for the Catholic School Board. It confirms that the material is relevant throughout the Canadian school system, regardless of denomination.
I would like to share some of the class feedback from the presentation with special thanks to Teacher-Librarian Kelly Kurtz for her enthusiastic support and for taking the time to gather the quotes.
" I really enjoyed Mr. Stranks' presentation. I found it interesting that he was a diver because my dad is one also. I liked what he told us about photographers and the equipment they use to make images so clear and interesting. I found it interesting that he has met and taken photographs of famous people and pictures for magazines, advertising and nature. I found all of his photographs excellent. I was happy that he told us about the equipment because I like taking pictures too. I liked that there were simple pictures too, like the one with three of his family members in the pool. Overall I really enjoyed his presentation and I was happy he got us involved with activities too. (Waterfall) Thank you Mr. Stranks." Gr. 8 student
" I liked that we got to participate in your presentation. Thank you for coming." Gr. 8 student
" I was surprised that it took him so many years to figure out he wanted to be a photographer. I really liked the interactive games we played. Also the pictures he showed us. I like how he showed and told us all about his life." Kyla, Gr. 8 student
And from the other teachers:
"The presentation captivated our grade 6 and 7 classes. Peter's easy-going story telling accentuated the photo presentation and highlighted many key messages regarding media literacy. By allowing us a glimpse behind the scenes, Peter helped to unlock some of the glamorous, yet mysterious machinations of the world of media. Thank you for an enjoyable, informative presentation." Cathy Barry, Gr. 5/6 teacher
"The visit to our school was very worthwhile and interesting. He is a very talented person and an inspiration to others. Thanks for sharing with us."
Debbie Kennedy, Gr 2/3 and Literacy Support teacher
"Peter's interactive presentations were very well received by staff and students in grades 1 through 8. Meeting a photographer who works in the media industry greatly enriched students' understanding of media literacy. Students came away with many positive messages: find work you enjoy, expensive equipment is not needed to take good pictures, famous people are real people too, and a good photo speaks volumes. Many students hoped for Peter to return to our school. Thank you Peter." Kelly Kurtz, Teacher-Librarian
I tightened up the content and added images from personalities that the children could identify with, like Daniel Cook and Emily Yeung and the children were thrilled. The session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was deemed a great success.
I was also able to work with the other Grades 4 through 8, for a very full day.
Another milestone was passed in that this was the first time I have worked for the Catholic School Board. It confirms that the material is relevant throughout the Canadian school system, regardless of denomination.
I would like to share some of the class feedback from the presentation with special thanks to Teacher-Librarian Kelly Kurtz for her enthusiastic support and for taking the time to gather the quotes.
" I really enjoyed Mr. Stranks' presentation. I found it interesting that he was a diver because my dad is one also. I liked what he told us about photographers and the equipment they use to make images so clear and interesting. I found it interesting that he has met and taken photographs of famous people and pictures for magazines, advertising and nature. I found all of his photographs excellent. I was happy that he told us about the equipment because I like taking pictures too. I liked that there were simple pictures too, like the one with three of his family members in the pool. Overall I really enjoyed his presentation and I was happy he got us involved with activities too. (Waterfall) Thank you Mr. Stranks." Gr. 8 student
" I liked that we got to participate in your presentation. Thank you for coming." Gr. 8 student
" I was surprised that it took him so many years to figure out he wanted to be a photographer. I really liked the interactive games we played. Also the pictures he showed us. I like how he showed and told us all about his life." Kyla, Gr. 8 student
And from the other teachers:
"The presentation captivated our grade 6 and 7 classes. Peter's easy-going story telling accentuated the photo presentation and highlighted many key messages regarding media literacy. By allowing us a glimpse behind the scenes, Peter helped to unlock some of the glamorous, yet mysterious machinations of the world of media. Thank you for an enjoyable, informative presentation." Cathy Barry, Gr. 5/6 teacher
"The visit to our school was very worthwhile and interesting. He is a very talented person and an inspiration to others. Thanks for sharing with us."
Debbie Kennedy, Gr 2/3 and Literacy Support teacher
"Peter's interactive presentations were very well received by staff and students in grades 1 through 8. Meeting a photographer who works in the media industry greatly enriched students' understanding of media literacy. Students came away with many positive messages: find work you enjoy, expensive equipment is not needed to take good pictures, famous people are real people too, and a good photo speaks volumes. Many students hoped for Peter to return to our school. Thank you Peter." Kelly Kurtz, Teacher-Librarian
Monday, 4 February, 2008
"...A Great Presentation at the OLA Super Conference!"
"Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for your great presentation at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference today!
You have put together a very informative and thought-provoking session.
In an ever growing media-blitzed society, it is through attending workshops like yours that our students, teachers and librarians can be better informed on how to "read" the world of advertising and visual cues. I was very pleased to meet you and to have learned so much that will help with my library and teaching, as did the people who attended today.
Wishing you much success in your future endeavours!"
Sincerely,
Gianna
Gianna Dassios
Teacher-Librarian
Chine Drive Public School, TDSB
The first image shows Peter Stranks with co-presenter Joanne Webster. Joanne spoke after Peter and presented methods of introducing media literacy concepts into the curriculum.
The second image shows Peter warming up the crowd for some group participation.
The third image shows the session joining in the warm up exercise. It may look like a religious revival but in fact was just a fun opportunity to shout with glee!
All photos © Gianna Dassios
Sunday, 13 January, 2008
Group size, Scheduling and Fee
Participants
Peter’s workshop is hugely interactive and has greatest impact when the group can engage in good conversations. For this reason, it is best suited to groups of 35 or less. If this doesn’t meet your need, please let us know and Peter will do his best to accommodate. The workshop is designed for students in Grades 6 through 11.
Investment
Peter can deliver two and occasionally three, presentations per day, depending on the group size. We do not accept half-day bookings or travel between schools, however if you wish, you can have two schools meet at one location.
Peter’s per diem is $650.
Bookings please call 705 323 9687
or email peter@stranks.com
Thursday, 10 January, 2008
Peter Stranks-Photography, Advertising and the Secret Language
Overview
Do your students tune out as soon as they hear the words “career talk”? Maybe it’s because they’re sick and tired of being lectured to – maybe you need a new approach to an old problem?
This one and a half hour, highly interactive workshop unravels some of the preconceptions around this daunting and over-asked question: What will I be when I grow up? Presented by acclaimed photographer Peter H Stranks, this is an action-packed, off-the-wall and often hilarious journey into his own transformation.
“Peter’s samples and frank
discussion held students and staff spellbound!”
Description/Learning Objectives
Peter talks about advertising using students’ heroes from today’s media. He asks us who is really educating our children today. According to Dr. P. DeBenedittis “…kids are watching between 3-4 hours of television a day...they will see 500,000 commercials by the time they reach 18.” Bombardment by modern imagery, music, language and advertising has reached such sophisticated levels that to not educate students about media influence shows a lack of responsibility and leaves them unprotected.
The subtle and powerful techniques that advertisers use are shown and group participation spontaneously occurs as the group guesses how images could be used in different forms of media and advertising. Students leave the presentation with new awareness. They are challenged to consider this insight into advertising as an opportunity to question rather than accept what is presented to them daily.
Methodology
Peter uses a mixed media presentation via LCD projector and interactive debate woven seamlessly through his own unique storytelling style. Students listen, challenge and conceptually apply their new knowledge with him.
Bookings please call 705 323 9687
or email peter@stranks.com
Do your students tune out as soon as they hear the words “career talk”? Maybe it’s because they’re sick and tired of being lectured to – maybe you need a new approach to an old problem?
This one and a half hour, highly interactive workshop unravels some of the preconceptions around this daunting and over-asked question: What will I be when I grow up? Presented by acclaimed photographer Peter H Stranks, this is an action-packed, off-the-wall and often hilarious journey into his own transformation.
“Peter’s samples and frank
discussion held students and staff spellbound!”
Description/Learning Objectives
Peter talks about advertising using students’ heroes from today’s media. He asks us who is really educating our children today. According to Dr. P. DeBenedittis “…kids are watching between 3-4 hours of television a day...they will see 500,000 commercials by the time they reach 18.” Bombardment by modern imagery, music, language and advertising has reached such sophisticated levels that to not educate students about media influence shows a lack of responsibility and leaves them unprotected.
The subtle and powerful techniques that advertisers use are shown and group participation spontaneously occurs as the group guesses how images could be used in different forms of media and advertising. Students leave the presentation with new awareness. They are challenged to consider this insight into advertising as an opportunity to question rather than accept what is presented to them daily.
Methodology
Peter uses a mixed media presentation via LCD projector and interactive debate woven seamlessly through his own unique storytelling style. Students listen, challenge and conceptually apply their new knowledge with him.
Bookings please call 705 323 9687
or email peter@stranks.com
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