Wenn Harold , an art teacher at Albert Harris Elementary School, has published his first book, Every Picture Tells a Story: Stories Behind the Lens and Tips for Creatives, a project he describes as both a guide for aspiring creators and a tribute to the teachers who helped shape his path.
The self-published book, more than a year and a half in the making, reflects Harold’s journey into filmmaking and photography, and the educators who encouraged his creativity along the way.
"None of this started without some amazing teachers,” Harold said. “This book is a heartfelt thank you to the teachers who took the time, who didn’t just brush aside my curiosity but nurtured it and showed me what was possible.”
In addition to teaching at Albert Harris Elementary, Harold works for local news station BTW21 and owns his own photography and media business. He said he wrote this book in part to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers and creatives.
"I've heard a lot of kids, including some of my students, saying they wanted to create videos or become content creators, but they feel like they can’t because they don’t have the right equipment,” Harold said. “I want them to know that creativity doesn’t start with expensive tools. I made some of my first videos in high school on my flip phone. I want them to see that all they need is curiosity and effort, and they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to.”
Harold's interest in media began in high school. Unable to enroll in an art class because it was already full, his advisor suggested his take TV Production instead. That suggestion changed his trajectory.
"That class opened the door for me,” Harold said. “I started watching and analyzing films. The way our teacher would explain things and teach us the different techniques, I was hooked immediately.”
Harold then then took a class in career exploration and asked his teacher for that course to add a tv and film module to the curriculum. The teacher agreed.
"That's when I started making movies,” he said. The first was a spoof of Mortal Kombat. The 2-month production involved the whole class, and the result impressed his teacher, and several of his classmates as well.
"It hooked all of us,” Harold said. “Three of us from that class went into media. If it hadn’t been for those classes, and those teachers, I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing right now.”
Harold continued building on that foundation in college, where he launched his own photography and media business. His art professor helped him design his logo.
Today, as an educator himself, Harold said he strives to provide that same encouragement to his own students.
"My book mentions all the teachers who inspired me and why, what they did to help me and keep my dream alive. Some of those teachers are still in the classrooms today. As teachers, we have the chance to shape what students think is possible for themselves. I want my students to feel supported and inspired the same way I was.”
Every Picture Tells a Story: Stories Behind the Lens and Tips for Creatives is available in hardback, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon.
Congratulations, Mr. Wenn! We know your teachers would be proud of you!