Advanced Photography Shallow Depth of Field Project

Huntington High School students in Advanced Photography are taking their creative skills to the next level as they work on a shallow depth of field project, exploring how advanced camera techniques can transform ordinary subjects into extraordinary images.

By carefully controlling aperture, focusing techniques, and the relationship between the subject and background, students are learning to create photographs that draw the viewer’s attention, emphasize important details, and produce beautiful, professional-looking results.

Through hands-on experimentation and thoughtful composition, students are discovering how to use their cameras with greater precision and artistic intention. Their images demonstrate an impressive understanding of light, focus, and visual storytelling, resulting in photographs that are both technically strong and creatively captivating. The quality of their work reflects their dedication, growing confidence, and willingness to push their skills further.

Their progress is exciting to see, and their results are truly impressive. As their teacher, Pamela Piffard said she is “incredibly proud of the hard work, creativity, and commitment these students bring to the classroom. Watching them develop their individual artistic voices while producing photographs with such a polished, professional quality is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching Advanced Photography.”

Ms. Piffard studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, earning an associate’s degree in photography in 1996 and then obtained a B.A. in photography and a state teaching certificate at Parsons School of Design/New School University in 1998. She received a master’s in graphic design at Long Island University – C.W. Post College in 2003.

The faculty member’s love affair with photography started early in life. “I first took a class in middle school,” she said. “I wanted to do it because my sister had liked it. Immediately I knew it was a passion. By the time I was 14, I had my own darkroom and I spent every spare moment printing.”

By the time Ms. Piffard was 15, she was already shooting local bands and the following year as a 16-year old she was working for Under the Volcano fanzine and had done three albums.

What’s her advice to aspiring photographers? “To get started just shoot a lot and keep doing it,” Ms. Piffard said. “Network as much as you can and show your work to anyone who will look at it.”