Northampton Through Their Lens

Following their October photography trip to Northampton, Massachusetts, Suffield Academy photography students moved from shooting in the field to developing, editing, and presenting their final work. They displayed their completed film photographs and participated in a group critique that highlighted the many ways one city can be seen and interpreted.

Students worked in both black-and-white and color film, applying concepts they studied earlier in the term including contrast, shadow, symmetry, framing, and perspective. Viewing their classmates’ work side by side allowed students to see how shared spaces and moments could be transformed through individual points of view. From quiet, easily overlooked details to bold compositions filled with color, the collection reflected both technical growth and intentional storytelling.

This critique also marked the first time students used the newly installed metal critique walls in the photography space. These helped cleanly magnet prints for display. Max Depelteau ’28 explored the overlooked and everyday in his black-and-white series, focusing on objects and moments that often fade into the background of daily life. “Through looking at the mundane, I was able to find things that can be easily overlooked when rushing through life,” he shared, noting that the limitations of black-and-white film pushed him to think more deeply about perspective and narrative. His images highlight the subtle beauty found within Northampton’s constant movement.

In contrast, Max Huang ’28 approached the city through color, capturing scenes defined by vibrant combinations of sky, greenery, and architecture. “I realized the city’s unique diversity is exemplified in its dashing hues,” he said. By using color film Max aimed to preserve the energy and atmosphere of Northampton, creating images that would lose their impact if rendered in monochrome.

The critique offered students an opportunity not only to reflect on their own work, but also engage with the artistic choices of their peers. The photographs revealed Northampton as both a shared experience and a deeply personal one—seen through many lenses that told different stories.