River Days at the Tridge I included these photos into my portfolio because shooting at the River Days Festival three summers ago was my first taste of what photojournalism was about. Looking back at some of my first steps into this style of photography, I can see how much I have grown as a photographer and as a journalist in general. I’ve become more comfortable behind my camera and around the people I must engage with as a journalist. These images and that experience remind me of the moment that love for photojournalism began.
The Running Dead
The Midland City Forest’s Zombie Run made everyone feel like they were in the middle of the apocalypse after stepping foot into the “combine”. After the zombies got lose, everything turned into fast motion; my finger was moving at rapid speed with a high shutter while the runners were moving even faster in attempts to escape their “deaths”. It was difficult for me to find and follow runners for shots after the race began.
Rise Again The upper right photo was chosen as the cover page for our October issue with the title, Rise Again after losing to cross-town rivals in hopes of rising up from last year’s first losing season in more than fifty years. Nearing the end of the season, it can be very difficult to pick up sharp images with such dim lighting in our stadium. Although shots may be difficult, being on the track getting to experience every second of nail-biting plays up close can make it all worth while.
Humans of Midland High Although action shots are often most appealing to the eye, portraits can go underappreciated in the world of photojournalism. Inspired by Humans of New York, I created Humans of MHS, an account run by the Focus Staff to share brief opinions, various moments or thoughts, and stories of our students. Each portrait has a different human and each human has a unique story to be told; they vary from the last time they laughed the hardest to the hardest thing they’ve had to face. Sometimes it’s difficult for me as journalist to approach a stranger with questions, but can be also rewarding in that people open up to me with personal thoughts. Humans of Midland High has opened our school up to new faces, one story at a time.
A Different Path of Passion
Freshman LeVale Walker is not like his three older brothers. While they are stars of the field and court, LeVale has chosen a different path of passion through his pursuit in drama. He took on one of the lead roles in MHS’s play, To Kill a Mockingbird. The most difficult aspect of getting this cover shot was working with stage lights. The theatre can be a problematic place to shoot in that lighting is dark and splotchy. With correct exposure and low f-stop, I was able to bring focus to LeVale into the spotlight on stage in contrast to his athletically dressed siblings behind him. This photo ran on our November issues cover with the title “Separate Ways.”
#siscostrong
Math teacher Jennifer Sisco passed away from breast cancer in 2014. Continuing with the tradition of Pink Out games to raise money for breast cancer research, our student section went above and beyond in honor of Mrs. Sisco and her loved ones. Technical challenges that are seen in this type of assignment are lighting and large amounts of motion. But with technical challenges comes an emotional reward when I saw my entire school come together in hard times and bring joy to the air, just as Mrs. Sisco would’ve wanted it.
Interaction with a Side of Passion I chose to include these photographs into my portfolio because this is the man, an astronomer, who reminded me why I love photography so much this past summer. MIPA at MSU was where I really began to challenge myself to approach and listen rather than just taking the photo. While occasionally snapping pictures of him, I took in each word he was saying rather than frantically adjusting my camera. We admired the sky together and I was reminded of how the human interaction side of photography can sometimes be more important than how the photo turns out.
Home of the Brave The student section is more than half the fun of attending the Friday night games at Midland High; I chose to include these photos because they portray the large amount of fun and pep that our school brings to the game. The wide-angles shots exemplify the exciting atmosphere that comes with participating in fun student section activities.
That’s a Rhap!
Rhapsody Rendezvous is Midland High’s annual talent show involving various singers, dancers, and bands. Our November issue of The Focus included a back page spread of a photo story involving some of the various acts that would be performing. I chose these photos because they separate themselves from a lot of the football and student section photos by being under the Arts and Entertainment section. Difficulties arose when the publication date was the same as Rhapsody; so I had to find time to shoot before their actual performance.
Not only is the MSU Dairy a popular place for students, but a popular place for Spartans in the making. Challenges that I faced while shooting in this on campus ice-cream shop were the cramped and busy spaces making for difficult angles to shoot. This cute family was happy to let me get some close up shots of their kiddos enjoying their favorite flavor, mint chocolate chip.
MSU Dairy
Friday Night Lights
For ten minutes at every game, the MHS
Marching Band and Pommers display their talents out on the field. I chose to include these photos, which are similar to the football photos, because they demonstrate different subjects and activities that are often overshadowed by the football team on Friday nights. Difficulties arise when aiming for certain shots of specific people but getting blocked almost instantly by another member; the movement never stops.
A Day at the Fair
The Fowlerville Fair was one of the Shoot like a Pro trips during the MIPA Summer workshop. During this trip, I was assigned to shoot photos of movement and various angles. I utilized the framing technique in the bottom left photograph. Michael Caterina and Ike Lea emphasized that we push ourselves and step out of our comfort zones, which is what I did through most of my week at MSU. I went out of my comfort zone by approaching new people and my work payed off through my portfolio, which went on to win the Spartan Award.