As a first-year photojournalist for The Feather, I have learned many valuable lessons throughout the year. I didn’t want to join The Feather at first, but it has turned into one of the biggest blessings and greatest learning experiences of my life. 

I got my first digital camera for Christmas when I was nine years old. It was nothing special – all you had to do was point and shoot – but it meant the world to me. I took the camera everywhere, shooting every flower, building and person in sight. 

I had an instant connection to photography, but zero knowledge of cameras, lighting or editing until my sophomore year of high school when I joined The Feather. 

In August 2020, we received our schedules for the school year and I was not happy with the outcome. I had been placed in a class that I had no desire to take, and my only alternative was to join The Feather as a photojournalist. 

We started school online due to COVID-19 and had afternoon cohorts for some classes. The first in-person Feather meeting was about camera settings and equipment. After that class, my camera knowledge rapidly grew to make me the photographer I am today. 

I could not be more grateful for the support, memories, and family aspect of The Feather. Though the whole year was a blast, it was not all easy. I learned valuable lessons such as the importance of taking care of equipment and how to properly write articles. 

I feel the knowledge I have gained this year goes beyond high school and The Feather lab. I can now apply these skills in college and my future career, hopefully as a photographer.  

I would like to thank my teachers, Kori James and Greg Stobbe, for leading me through this year and having so much patience and understanding. 

James has always taken the time to guide me through each project, applying new lessons every day. Stobbe has taught me so much about writing and hard work to achieve my goals and secure my future. 

I would also like to thank Bella Johns, ‘22, for not only being a good mentor through the year but also a loyal friend. 

In the slideshow below, there are a variety of images demonstrating my growth in photography throughout the year. In order: proudest photo, first photos (2-3), headshot, group photo, action shot, black and white, and landscape. 

I can not wait to expand my knowledge in photojournalism even more in the years to come. 

If you are interested in joining The Feather, talk to Kori James.

For more photos, visit the media page.

For more articles, read 

My growth in photography throughout the year.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Vernal Falls, Yosemite, April 15.