Two students stand out in the field of roses as a deafening silence fills the air. Both await the moment they hear the sound of the camera’s shutter. The first student stands in front of a backdrop of white, pink, and yellow daisies, making sure to smile as perfectly as possible. The second stands just a few feet away, fiddling with the settings on the camera while trying to capture the beauty of the moment. Then the sound finally follows. 3…2…1…click.
Coming into high school, many students find their way into various extracurricular hobbies. Sports, dance, theater, etcetera. But recently, a different hobby is gaining traction as many students have found an interest in photography.
Senior Josie Weihe began her passion for taking pictures with a friend, but has since grown into the role of creating those beautiful pictures by herself.
“So far I’ve been doing this for four months, so not very long. It started with my friend wanting to take pictures, so we bought a camera. She wasn’t really interested, so I made it a business,” Weihe said.
Coming back from summer break, Weihe’s interest grew. As many seniors look for people to take their senior photos, it becomes apparent to these students that hiring a photographer can be expensive. Weihe aims to provide a fair service, with a business model that’s based on affordability.
“I was inspired by the idea of being able to provide affordable senior pictures for everyone, because a lot of people can’t afford to pay for them on their own,” Weihe said.
As it turns out, reaching these goals has come with some sacrifice. Weihe has found that there are issues with juggling this newfound hobby and other aspects of her life.
”I usually try to get in about two sessions per week. Because of my school schedule I haven’t been able to get a lot scheduled, but during breaks my schedule opens up a lot,” Weihe said.
Despite the problems a photographer can face, Weihe maintains that the end product is worth it.
“My favorite part has got to be giving the pictures to my clients and watching how happy it makes them feel,” Weihe said.
According to Weihe, photography is a great way to spread joyful services to those around you.
”I think it can be a great way to go out and do things,” Weihe said. ”I’ve made a lot of people happy because of my pictures and the affordable price.”
For some, getting into photography might seem like an enormous mountain that’s impossible to climb. But according to NHS Teacher Samantha Dean, a common misconception about photography is that you need a high-end camera to get into the hobby.
“I always tell my students that the best camera you have is the one in your hands,” Dean said. “You don’t need an expensive camera to take good pictures.”
However, the work required to become a photographer can seem insurmountable to students. As impossible as the process may seem, with enough patience anyone can become a good photographer, according to Weihe.
“Just keep going. It’s a lot of trial and error, and it even took me a couple of months to just get one picture I liked,” Weihe said. “You’re going to mess up, and if you don’t mess up you’re probably doing it wrong.”
Another student who has taken on photography is junior Addie Thompson. Thompson, an ambitious photographer, is no stranger to this art form.
“I’ve been taking pictures since I was a little kid. I would take pictures of family, [and] things outside” Thompson said.
Photography has always served as a personal aspiration for Thompson. She says that photography is a tool to ground her, savoring the important moments of her life that will likely stick with her forever.
“When I was younger, I took pictures at my aunt’s funeral to try and capture the sadness that I felt,” Thompson said.
To Thompson, photography is an artistic hobby like drawing or painting. Like these other art forms, Thompson says, photography can be used as a form of self-expression.
“I really use photography as my voice. I can capture and express how I feel through photography,” Thompson said. “Photography serves as a way to express my emotions through symbolism and imagery.”
One of the many things that brings Thompson back to the cameras is how fulfilling she says it can feel. The joy that comes along with every click of the camera never gets old.
“My favorite moments are when I get a picture, and I know that it’s finally the right shot. It’s a really satisfying feeling,” Thompson said.
Through her years of experience, Thompson has learned a lot about photography. However, Thompson’s biggest piece of advice to others is a piece that has helped her in both the photography world and in general life.
“Don’t be scared to try things you think are weird. I’ve taken a lot of weird pictures, and sometimes those are the pictures you go back to the most later,” Thompson said. “When you feel inspired, let it hit you. Don’t be scared of taking those risks.”
