Teen Photo Walk Series: Patience, Photography, and New Friendships
- by Camelia Clinciu
The blue heron is getting ready for dinner. Partially covered by the vibrant green cattail leaves, it patiently preened its feathers, seemingly oblivious to the lens focused on it. Nearby, a group of ducks drifted slowly, rippling the calm water. Suddenly, a chorus of bird calls echoed through the marsh, prompting everyone to look up. The observers turn their heads, exchanging excited looks with every step.
These quiet, focused observers were the talented ARCS teen photographers from our community, gathered for their second photo walk of the summer.
The excursion followed a highly successful first outing at the local botanical garden. During that lovely stroll, the teens focused their lenses on the vibrant world of flora, capturing flowers of every imaginable color, texture, and shape.
Now, they traded flower petals for feathers as they set out to discover the rich fauna of Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland.
Known for its thriving wetlands and accessible boardwalks, Juanita Bay Park proved to be the perfect classroom for budding wildlife photographers. Unlike the stationary subjects of a botanical garden, the park’s residents required a whole new set of skills: patience, precision, and observation.
But look a little closer, and you’ll realize this walk was about much more than just photography.
The patience required for wildlife photography naturally created space for connection. While waiting for the perfect frame or for a hidden bird to reveal itself, the camera lenses lowered, and conversations began.
During these moments of stillness, the teens shared their personal and academic successes from the past school year. Even more exciting, they exchanged ideas for future endeavors. You can practically see the seeds of creativity being sown in the marshlands; don’t be surprised if you see some incredible collaborative group projects growing from these planted ideas in the months to come.
The patience required for wildlife photography naturally creates space for connection.
Stay tuned for the stunning wildlife gallery these creative teens captured from the bay!
We are deeply grateful to every teenager who joined us for this Photo Walk, and to the parents who encouraged them to come. We cannot wait to see where the next Photo Walk takes us!