Cougars 360 by Michele Eaglin and Paul Fontenot - CHS Image
Cougar's 360 will be a Student-Run 360 Photo Booth for Commercial Photography Curriculum

The "Cougar's 360" project seeks to establish a student-run 360 photo booth business within our commercial photography curriculum. This innovative endeavor aims to equip our photography students with cutting-edge skills and technology, enabling them to explore the rapidly growing field of 360 photography. The 360 photo booth will serve as a dynamic educational tool, fostering hands-on learning experiences and encouraging students' creativity while bolstering the reputation of our campus as a hub for photographic excellence.

Introduction:
The proposed project addresses a critical need to enhance the learning experience of commercial photography students at Crosby High School. Over the years, our school has witnessed a significant increase in student interest and enrollment in the photography program. Aspiring young photographers seek to acquire essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic industry that demands creativity, technical expertise, and adaptability. To meet these growing demands, we recognize the urgency to integrate cutting-edge technology into our curriculum. The acquisition of a 360 Photo Booth will be beneficial to providing hands-on experience in immersive photography, empowering our students to excel in the competitive world of commercial photography.

Demographic and Academic Trends:
Our high school serves a diverse student population from various socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting the dynamic fabric of our community. The interest in visual arts, particularly photography, has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years. Students have shown an interest in pursuing careers or further studies in photography-related fields. Moreover, our commercial photography program has seen an increase in enrollment over the past two years.

Survey Results and Student Feedback:
A survey conducted among commercial photography students highlighted the need for modernizing equipment and resources. Over 80% of respondents expressed a desire for exposure to innovative photography technologies, including 360-degree imaging and virtual tours. The absence of such tools could leave students feeling ill-equipped to meet industry demands.

Historical Data and Technological Advancements:
The photography industry has evolved rapidly over the past decade, with immersive and interactive photography gaining prominence in commercial applications. Companies in various sectors, including advertising, e-commerce, tourism, real estate, wedding and event venues have embraced 360-degree photography and virtual tours to engage their audiences effectively. Our current curriculum does not adequately cover these emerging trends, and without access to relevant technologies, our students risk falling behind their peers from schools that offer such resources.

Present State and Need for Change:
At present, our photography program has the necessary resources to provide students with limited hands-on experience in immersive photography. The absence of a 360 Photo Booth severely limits their creative expression and hampers their preparedness for real-world challenges. The current state of our program hinders our ability to offer comprehensive and relevant education, leaving our students at a disadvantage when entering the job market or pursuing higher education in photography-related fields.

Target Population and Beneficiaries
The target population for this project is Crosby High School's commercial photography and AV students, comprising approximately 150 aspiring photographers from diverse backgrounds. Through the acquisition of a 360 Photo Booth, these students will benefit from:

Enhanced Learning: Students will gain practical experience with cutting-edge technology, fostering creativity and technical proficiency.

Competitive Advantage: Equipped with immersive photography skills, students will have a competitive edge when seeking internships, scholarships, or employment opportunities.

Real-world Relevance: Exposure to industry-relevant technology will bridge the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the commercial photography field.

Career Opportunities: Graduates will be well-prepared for successful careers and possible business ownership in photography, contributing to the growth of the creative industry in our region.

Conclusion:
The acquisition of a 360 Photo Booth is a need for Crosby High School's commercial photography program. By addressing this need, we will empower our students to embrace the future of photography and build a solid foundation for their professional journeys. With the support of this project, we aim to create a transformative learning experience that equips our students with the skills, confidence, and adaptability necessary to succeed in the competitive world of commercial photography.

In our commercial photography classes, our approach wants to aim to equip our 100+ students not only with technical skills but also with the business skills required to run a successful venture. We want to focus on instilling essential entrepreneurial mindsets, customer service excellence, and effective time management, ensuring students are well-prepared for a thriving career in the photography industry. We want the community to take pride in hiring our students, and to give these students real-world experiences, and for their Cougar Pride to show when they can say they were apart of this project. We want Cougar's 360 to be a must have at local events, weddings school banquets..the list goes on and on. With your support in funding this grant, we believe we can help students to one day own their own business, or have work a side job while working thru college. We want to add another tool into their tool box for life.

Cougars 360 by Michele Eaglin and Paul Fontenot - CHS

Item #1037

$5,000

Value:

priceless