For many students, photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about telling stories, capturing emotions, and seeing the world in a new way. Whether it’s taking photos at a football game, the details of nature, or the excitement of senior year, every photo has a story.
Hunter Durbin, 10, first got into photography after taking a class about communications. What started for them as class, quickly turned into something they were passionate about.
“I met Mrs. Manning and her passion for photography made me more passionate about it,” Durbin said. “What keeps me motivated is the story behind the lens. I like going to games and taking photos because there’s always a story there.”
Durbin said their favorite photos are from football games because there’s so much happening from the players and band to the crowd.
Taylor Sherron, 10, first started taking photos for 4-H and entered them in contests. After winning several ribbons, photography became something they truly enjoyed.
“I like capturing moments and being able to look back at them,” Sherron said. “It’s cool to take a moment in time and keep it forever.”
Sherron said one of their proudest photos was a close-up of a rooster’s eye that won at both the county and state fairs.
“Don’t be afraid if your photo doesn’t turn out great,” they said. “It’s a learning process. Just go after what you love.”
Madi Brown, 12, said that photography helps them enjoy events while also staying focused on something they love.
“When I’m taking photos, I can just be at events without worrying about who to talk to,” they said. “I like capturing happy
moments in people’s lives.”
Brown said running the boys soccer team’s social media account was one of their favorite projects.
Madison Cook, 10, started taking photos in middle school for yearbook and now runs a faith-based photography business.
“I love freezing memories because each one matters,” Cook said. “My business is based on glorifying God and showing the beauty of having Christ in your life.”
Cook said their favorite shoot was photographing a wedding for close friends.
“I captured the rawness of the love surrounding them,” Cook said.
Each student collectively shares a message that photography is about passion, not perfection.
“If you’re passionate about living in the moment and giving joy to others, then photography might just be for you.” Cook said.
No matter how they started their photography journeys, each of these photographers found something special in taking photos. Photography gives them a way to express themselves, tell stories, and share their perspectives with others. For them, it’s a way to see the world differently and keep the moments that matter most.
