Strangers No More: Photography Class Highlights the Power of Storytelling

Reported by Jaden Forsyth

Photographed by Luci Lettau

Last semester, George Fox University (GFU) students in a Beginner Photography class  were assigned a final project to photograph strangers. While the task may sound unconventional, it fostered connections between students and local community members.

The course, taught by Professor Adam Long, focuses on strengthening photography skills for elective students and those minoring in photography. For their final project, students were tasked with photographing strangers, engaging with them, and learning their stories.

“We’re not just taking pictures of strangers; we’re trying to get to know them as people,” said Luci Lettau, a freshman in Professor Long’s class. “I got paired with a person named Calvin, who was actually looking at colleges. Through my project, I got to hang out with him and even gave him a tour of Fox.” Calvin, a high school senior considering GFU, left the experience with a stronger connection to the campus community.

With Professor Long’s assistance, the final photographs are showcased in the art gallery at Northside Community Church. The gallery now serves as a space for the community to engage with the stories captured through these images.