• Raising Spirits! Raising Funds!
  Dress Up Day with Christopher McKie, Photographer
• The Friendship Project
  A Perfect and Creative Addition to Graduation!
• The Pinhole Project
  Learning and Fun to Last a Lifetime

Raising Spirits! Raising Funds!
Dress Up Day with Christopher McKie, Photographer

“I was amazed. We had a magician, a mad scientist, the chief engineer for Lamborghini, an archeologist, Miss Universe, a crazy barber, a pool shark, a Hawaiian dancer and a few doctors.” Chris McKie

The concept is beautifully simple. Kids are given the opportunity to dress up as their wildest fantasy -- how they see themselves in 15 to 20 years. Chris McKie takes a photograph of each child, and a copy is displayed in the school. Parents have the opportunity to purchase a copy too, with the proceeds going to the school for trips, uniforms or other projects.

Kids love the day, and the entire process. Especially during the doldrums of winter, the excitement is dynamite. Teachers love the day too, because the children flower during the process. Writing a journal about themselves in the future is something that unleashes children’s creativity and enthusiasm, and often teachers and staff become kids again and dress up themselves.

Dress Up Day can be fantasy or it can be serious. It can involve writing or merely discussion, possibly concerning careers. Teachers can structure it any way they wish and the actual photography takes only about half an hour per class.

Parents are the most enthusiastic of all, showing their appreciation by purchasing the photographs and thanking the school for coming up with such a wonderful day. Dress Up Day is a success for everyone!

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The Friendship Project
A Perfect and Creative Addition to Graduation!

“The two elements, photography and student writing, make a powerful blend that speaks volumes to young adolescents. As the kids help with the display, they are fascinated to see the pictures of themselves in black and white, a very revealing type of medium.” Chris McKie

Positive feedback is something everyone loves. A lasting, tactile and graphic record of the positive impression a child has made upon a friend is invaluable. The Friendship Project, combining luminous custom-printed black and white portraits with student writing is just that.

Grade Eight Graduation makes the perfect occasion. Chris McKie visits the class and takes a daylight black and white photograph of each child, producing superb 8 X 10 hand-made prints. Meanwhile, every child selects another child and writes his or her thoughts, memories and impressions of that person. No-one is left out, and ALL writing must be positive. In order that no one is missed, Chris returns for a second photographic visit, while the teachers organize the writing, and ensure that likewise everyone is included and ALL WRITING IS POSITIVE.

Kids delight in helping with the display -- it gives them a chance to see the photographs and read the writing. After graduation, the works become a treasured graduation memento for the child, the parents and relatives. . The photos are excellent, the feedback overwhelmingly excellent too

The Friendship Project helps kids appreciate one another and feel good about themselves, something that is very important in the work of photographer/teacher Chris McKie.

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The Pinhole Project
Learning and Fun to Last a Lifetime

“The first time I experienced this in my own darkroom, I was completely astounded by the effect. What else can kids learn and carry with them for their entire lives with just an apple juice can for equipment?” Chris McKie

Kids love to learn. Especially when there is fun and a great show for them to enjoy and participate in. The Pinhole Camera Project is a half day of learning that teaches children about light and images and the magic of photography.

This introduction to photography enables children to make their own cameras, take and develop pictures and achieve some surprising and captivating results. The Pinhole Project is a joy for all involved -- students are treated to a special presentation and teachers have the benefit of expert assistance with a subject that is part of the curriculum. Christopher McKie knows from his own experience as a teacher how kids learn. Kids become involved in this project, revel in it and remember it forever.

The Pinhole Project, by Chris McKie, is a chance to learn photographic secrets from a professional photographer, who imparts special tips for the budding enthusiasts. Kids win, teachers win and everyone has fun!

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