I think that photography is one of the most important tools journalists can use to report and tell stories. One of my goals as a leader in The Tower staff has been to encourage others to experiment with photography and encourage higher quality content.
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Senior Year
Web Editor in Chief
Vol.91 Issue 16 - Feb. 6, 2019
This exhibit on Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood simply lent itself to a photo story. No matter what information I could collect, I wouldn't be able to convey the powerful visual appeal of the exhibit without photos. I enjoyed using my photos not only to enhance the story, but tell it in a way that appeals to readers.
I wrote a column persuading voters to pass a bond for much needed repairs in our school. These photos of specific things in need of repair around the school served as powerful reminders that we needed the bond to pass.
Junior Year
Entertainment Section Editor
Vol 90 Issue 10 - Nov. 15, 2017
This photo story is one of my favorites because it shows the importance of some artistic flair in storytelling. These photos are unique and well composed, but they also capture the "vibe" of Sister Pie and every aspect of the business. I received a first place at the 2018 MIPA Spring Conference for this photo story.
I love shooting fashion, especially when it revolves around a certain theme. Shooting this holiday style story was a lot of fun because I had the perfect setting right in my own school. Photos are obviously an important part of any style-related story, not only because they show the reader what you're talking about, but because they draw the reader into reading the cutlines in the first place.
Vol. 90 Issue 7 - Oct. 25, 2017
Shooting this photo story was a challenge due to the lighting. I relied heavily on my knowledge of manual setting for these photos, and I think the low light quality added to the story the photos tell. I like this photo story because it not only shows the reader what I'm talking about in the story, but captures the ambience of The Pink Flamingo, which is a huge part of why I wrote such a positive review.
Vol. 90 Issue 4 - Oct. 4, 2017
When the people that were supposed to model bailed, I had to get creative. I decided to try out flat-lays because it would be a cool way to showcase the full outfits and some details. Although they weren't what I was planning on for a fall fashion spread, I'm really happy with how they turned out and I think they showcase my ability to adapt and think creatively.
Rather than writing a review, I tackled this opinion piece by sharing information and what I learned from a unique experience. This story, along with the photos published with it online, is one of my favorite of all time. A huge component of the performance I wrote about was super visual. These photos capture the detail and beauty of the performance, which was really difficult in the dark auditorium. I think the visual element is really what makes the column powerful. They're beautiful and make the imagery in the column come to life.
Vol 89 Issue 22 - Apr. 19, 2017
These review briefs were all about glimpses of different neighborhoods. My goal was to capture details I felt represented the businesses. I like these photos because they do what photos are meant to do: draw the reader to the writing on the page, giving them some background before they even begin reading.
Vol. 89 Issue 14 - Dec. 21, 2016
The goal of these photos was to capture a little bit of each business on the page, to draw the reader to the writing next to them. The photos serve their purpose well, showing a bit of personality, something the reader can easily connect the briefs to.
In one of my earliest photo stories, I reported on a unique art installation in The Fisher Building. I not only attended the event, but got to go behind the scenes and see the artists painting the half-pipe. The photos illustrate what the column describes as the mission of the project. Together, the photos I took before and during the event show the hard work that went into it and how it brought people from all over the city together.
Vol. 89 Issue 11 - Nov. 16, 2016
I loved this piece because I saw so many people around school buying and wearing vintage style clothes without even realizing it. These photos mostly feature pieces from my own closet, but some of my fellow staffers helped me out by contacting friends and bringing in their own clothes as well. I like the photos because they highlight the personality in the clothes as well as the people wearing them. I shot at South, knowing that readers would recognize their school, and be able to connect the styles to a familiar environment.