Urban Photography & Cultural Documentation
Use photography to capture and share your city’s cultural diversity. This journey takes you through different neighborhoods and cultural sites, helping you develop photography skills while documenting the stories and artistic expression that make your community unique.
One of my favourite skills I developed was during my Silver Award, I was learning how to take aerial photos and videos with my drone. I learned everything from planning my flight to conducting shoots to photo and video editing. More than a year later, I have taken this passion to the next level and have started my own drone photography business, Floato.
Ian, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award HolderBuilding your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Photography journey through diverse neighborhoods, capturing cultural landmarks, street scenes, and community life.
Example Team Goal: Our team will photograph at least 5 different cultural neighborhoods, capture 50+ images that tell a story, interview 3 local residents or business owners, and create a photo essay showcasing our city’s diversity.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Teacher, Award Leader, or photography club advisor
Example SMART Goal: I want to build running fitness to keep up with urban exploration. My plan is to run three times a week for 13 weeks, working toward completing a 5K without stopping.
Example Assessor: Gym teacher, running coach, or recreation center staff
Example Log: Ran 2.5 km today with only one walking break. The interval training is really helping – my recovery time between runs is getting shorter. Aiming for 3 km straight next week.
Example SMART Goal: Photography is how I’ll document my journey! For 13 weeks, I’m spending an hour each week learning techniques – composition, lighting, and editing. Goal: create a portfolio of 20 strong images.
Example Assessor: Photography teacher, media arts instructor, or camera club advisor
Example Log: Experimented with long exposure today, capturing light trails from cars at night. The results were better than expected! Learning that patience and planning make a huge difference. Trying portrait photography next.
Example SMART Goal: Photography can help others! I’m leading our afterschool photography club for 13 weeks, teaching younger students basic techniques and creative expression.
Example Assessor: Photography teacher, club supervising teacher, or school activities coordinator
Example Log: Taught composition basics today using the rule of thirds. One student’s photo of their pet using the technique was amazing! Learning to explain concepts in simpler ways. Planning a photo walk field trip next week.
