The first time I realized how powerful a camera could be was when I looked back at a photo I had taken and noticed details I missed in the moment. That one picture showed movement, emotion, and a story that happened in just a split second. Seeing that opened the door to the understanding that photography and film are about more than just recording events. They’re ways to tell stories and share perspectives people might not notice otherwise.

Since then, I’ve become really interested in art, photography, and filmmaking as ways to express myself and capture moments that matter to me and others. What draws me to visual storytelling is how you can share feelings without always needing words. With photography and videography, I like to play around with angles, lighting, and timing to make images that feel dynamic and interesting. Art has helped me see the world differently by guiding me to notice small details, movement, and how light can change everything.

As a 10th grade student, I am still early in my journey as an artist, however I have been able to take my time with developing my skills for my future to be brighter. I spend time practicing photography, experimenting with composition and lighting, and learning more about editing and visual storytelling. Each project helps me improve and pushes me to think more creatively about how images can communicate a message. I also enjoy trying different creative ideas and learning from each project I complete. I have taken multiple Film and Photography classes at a non-profit organization called Sola Tech & Entrepreneurship Center, including their Film Intensive class to create short films. Other experiences I have been involved with include an Augmented Reality Project in collaboration with the Self Help Graphics & Art foundation, where we created an AR experience at Magic Johnson Park to highlight the environmental history of the Oil Fields on that land, and the effects on the community. Furthermore, I have taken the opportunities with multiple classes including animation, illustration, entrepreneurship, and 3D modeling with Sola Impact. Lastly, I was fortunate to spend a few weeks in the Snap Lens program with Otis, experiencing an amazing program with incredible instructors/teachers. Every time I take photos or work on a video, I discover new ways to improve and think more creatively to further my skills in becoming the best version of myself.

My goal as an artist is to continue developing my skills to tell stories through visual media. I am especially interested in photography and filmmaking because they combine creativity with technical skills to create work that captures real life moments, and allows people to see things from different perspectives. As I continue learning and improving, I hope to use my work to tell stories that people can connect with and remember.