Photo Club is purchasing a drone to explore new areas of interest and pursue new projects. 

Reaching the midpoint in  the second semester, the Photo Club continues to add new developments to their club resume. Most noticeable, they are in the process of buying a drone. In the words of junior co-president, Alma Insignares,” It’s totally new territory for us and I’m excited to be a part of it.” 

Acquiring a drone will compliment the goals of the Photo Club by allowing it a new perspective to their work and finishing the last leg of the school year with something uniquely novel. Earlier this year Photo Club’s projects have included working closely with the Drama Club and playing a primary role in the photographing of fall and winter sports. 

“We have had a pretty good year so far and I’m ready to explore new possibilities with the drone,” Insignares said. 

These new possibilities include the upcoming variety show and especially spring sports. One of the main goals of purchasing the drone is to have a closer working partnership with the sports teams. 

“The main reason we want the drone is to use it for promotional content and get more students and people to go to the game,” Insignares said. “We hope that the drone will bring more personal relationships with the sports teams.” 

Furthermore, Photo Club members said they also hope the drone will bring more notoriety to the club throughout the school and get more students involved who have passion for photography. 

“It’s just the kids; it’s the best part to see them get involved and interested in photography,”  said Matt Gawlik, photography teacher at Hinsdale Central and sponsor of Photo Club.

Special conditions have made the drone acquisition possible. Most importantly is that although the demand is considerable, the cost of high quality drones has gone down due to technological developments and the streamlining of the manufacturing process. 

“Over the last few years the price has dropped enough where [Photo Club] can seriously consider buying one,” Gawlik said.

Also, new models of drone have developments that have a handy new feature: They know where they are in relation to the operator. This feature is useful because the drone won’t fly out of wifi distance and will fly back if it flies past the outer boundary. According to Gawlik, this is particularly useful because with such an expensive purchase, you wouldn’t want it just flying away. 

Also, the Photo Club is planning on acquiring a licensing system to keep track of who and who can’t use the drone. 

 “It’s an expensive prince of high tech equipment,” Insignares said. “And an official class to teach us how to use it is, in my eyes, very valuable.”

Moreover, training on drone operation will take place in the field house on the school campus. 

“I know we are going to practice with it in the field house,” said Elyse Empamano, another member of Photo Club. 

Also, according to Gawlik, there will be a formal training course on how to operate the drone safely. This is another aspect that they have considered when looking at what model to buy. The photo club is made up of a group of high school students who share an interest in photography and make up for their small size in the energy and passion for their work. 

Gawlik has been interested in film and photography since childhood and moved to Hinsdale Central after his preferred position opened after teaching photography and South. 

 “There is no one better to show you why a picture is worth a thousand words than Gawlik,” Insignares said. 

Looking forward to tomorrow, Photo club members say they are energetic about getting to explore the new possible application of the drone. One which can serve the purpose of videography and capturing still lifes. Overall, closer working relationships with athletics and a notoriety around school is where the Photo club is going.