A Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) program that began with just 17 students in 2016 has grown into a dynamic photography course helping teens discover new skills, earn credits, and even consider career paths.
JoEllen Sevcenko, who teaches the PCI photography program, says it’s grown substantially since its humble beginnings nearly a decade ago.
“Our program started in 2016. We started with, I think, we had 17 kids in the first class, and now we’re running a full program,” says Sevcenko. “We have two teachers who are teaching the program. We teach everything from Grade 9 to 12, and the kids can take up to nine credits.”
Students in the program work on a wide variety of photography styles, including product, sports and team photography. Their work often appears in the school’s yearbook, and they’re actively involved in shooting events both in and outside the school.
“They get to use studio lighting, they work throughout the school and just become a part of the community,” she says. “They’ve photographed school dances for junior high schools and have been really involved. It’s pretty great to see.”
A taste of the professional world
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program, Sevcenko says, is watching students take their skills beyond the classroom.
“It’s just a great opportunity to be creative in a way that you might not get the opportunity to,” she notes. “We provide all of the equipment for kids, so they get to have a taste of what being a professional photographer looks like.”
Several students are already getting real-world experience. One student, Matthew, has been asked to do family photography this summer, and another student, Ronin, has taken photos for the local school board.
“I’ve definitely seen kids go out and use their skills, maybe not as full-time photographers, but in their jobs—whether it’s through social media, family sessions, or as a side job,” Sevcenko adds.
In Ronin’s case, the experience is sparking interest in a unique career direction.
Building career paths with creativity
Prior to 2016, the photography program existed only as a club. Sevcenko says it became a class after she was approached by a school administrator.
“I’ve had a photography business since 2008, and Pam Garnham—who was an admin at the time—asked if I’d like to run it as a class,” she says. “We went from one class to eight full blocks the next year. It was pretty exciting.”
The school recently introduced a new dual diploma option for photography students. While not an accredited program like automotive or hairstyling, it offers students a well-rounded start.
“This is the first year we’ve had a dual diploma program,” says Sevcenko. “They can graduate with two diplomas after completing eight credits. They leave as though they’ve got a level one, and they could go out and be a photographer with those nine credits.”
Capturing the moments and sharing the journey
Sevcenko encourages anyone interested in seeing what the students are up to to follow the class Instagram account, where they post daily updates and student work.
“Our Instagram is @PCIphotography, and we’re sharing what we do every day,” she says. “It’s a great place to check out the students’ photos.”
Those who want to get in touch or request larger photo files for media or promotional purposes can contact Sevcenko at joellen.sevcenko@plpsd.net.
Students in the program are also speaking up about the impact it’s had on them—and what they’ve gained from being a part of the class.
Matthew Nicholls, a Grade 11 student, says he’s been part of the program since Grade 10.
“I couldn’t get a chance to do it in Grade 9, so I’ve been here for three years,” he says. “I like just taking the photos and being able to have a creative vision and being able to execute it on a photo.”
When asked if he sees photography as a career path, Nicholls says he’s open to the idea.
“I’m just thinking about it,” he says. “Either something to do with cameras or videography or in photography in general. That’s for me.”
Grade 12 student Ethan Moroz has also been involved since Grade 9 and says the environment makes all the difference.
“I really enjoy the program because it’s very welcoming. Ms. Sevcenko is a very awesome teacher,” he says. “I do also hope this could be a part of my career someday, but as a smaller part of it.”
When asked what he likes most, Moroz says it’s the full process.
“I’d say also like setting up the photos, taking them—just the whole process I find enjoyable.”
Both students had encouraging words for others who might be curious about joining the class.
“I’d tell them that it’s a very safe space,” says Moroz. “There’s a ton of room for error and Ms. Sevcenko will help guide you along your journey if you’re willing to make the effort.”
Nicholls adds, “What I would say is just go for it. Photography isn’t that hard once you get to know all the basic fundamentals of the camera.”
He says that while cameras can feel intimidating at first, it all comes together with a bit of practice.
“You look at a camera, and if you haven’t been shown some things, you’re like, what are all these buttons?” he says. “I definitely felt that. But I agree with Ethan—once you know the fundamentals, it’s very easy to do.”
Sevcenko adds the class is thrilled to have received some display backgrounds gifted to them from the former Manitoba Developmental Centre. They're for display of the student's works nwhich they will use next year in a show. The panels value in the thousands of dollars.
"That's a huge cost from our worries," she notes.