Canon USA, Inc. is partnering with the Eastport-South Manor’s English Language Arts program to develop students’ creative writing skills while gaining insight into the process of becoming a professional author. Throughout this program, called the Future Authors Project, students are writing and compiling their personal stories, which will be illustrated by their own photographs taken with Canon cameras. Once completed, Canon will print and bind the collection in a book, which will be signed by the students and distributed to families and friends. 

Canon senior tech specialist Brandon Chin first held a photography tutorial with Junior-Senior High School students where they were introduced to the fundamentals of professional photography. They learned about the concepts of the rule of thirds, composition techniques and essential camera functions and reviewed and edited their photos to prepare them for inclusion in the final book. Mr. Chin also shared his experiences as an acclaimed photographer. His subject matter includes car racing and race cars, famous athletes and sports teams, and geographic features and tourist sites. Canon also supplied the elaborate kits consisting of powerful, state of the art professional cameras, long range lenses and accessories on loan from the company.  

"By equipping students with the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life, we are fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning," K-12 Director of ELA Lalaena Alfredsson said. "We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of nurturing young creative minds. We’re excited to see how the Future Authors Project will empower our students, allowing them to showcase their potential and demonstrate what they can achieve when given the right tools and guidance to succeed."

Click here to view the Jr.-Sr. High School Partners with Canon U.S.A., Inc on Future Authors Project slideshow.

Date Added: 10/3/2025