A foreign concept to me was the art of taking photographs with the "Red Nikon" during my freshman year. Debuting as a rookie photographer just a few years ago, my passion and talent for taking photos has grown and unconventionally costed me hundreds of dollars in gas money, and I would not want it any other way.

     Once I had mastered the controls of the most elementary camera that the journalism program possessed, I challenged myself to utilize more complex tools to enhance my photographs. I have used things from tripods to selfie-sticks in order to get good shots. While I believe these were the epitome of my rookie attempts to capture the greatest photo possible, I now recognize my attempts as tireless dedication to putting the best photos in each publication.

     I learned quickly that a photograph is not just a photograph and I am not just in charge of getting photos so that my yearbook spread looks nice. I was contributing to something bigger than myself. I was assisting in the creation of a scholastic artifact. I realized that I, as an up-and-coming photographer, was crucial to the progression of the yearbook and the journalism program as a whole and this epiphany has resonated for years. I am not taking photos. I am telling stories that words cannot quite describe. Photos are moments captured, intended to invoke an emotional response. I capture those moments.

     My photography skills have grown and evolved to encompass sports action, eccentric learning, recreational activities, school events, senior casuals, etc. These are some of my personal favorites.