First recognized in 1987, May is celebrated as National Photography Month. In honor of the month, we asked Cherokee County high school students to share their photographs and what inspires them. We hope their work inspires you to take a moment to capture the world through the lens of a camera − no matter what kind of camera you use.
Emily Collins, Freshman – Etowah High
“This is my photo I took in downtown Woodstock. I decided to take this photo because we were stopping for burgers at Canyons, and the lights on the trees looked too pretty not to take a picture. The atmosphere in downtown Woodstock at night is just so beautiful, I could take photos all day and night! Being in downtown gives me so much inspiration to take pictures of things I love and people I love!”
Jaxon Meeks, Junior – River Ridge High
“Looking through the lens of a camera opens up a whole new world through fresh eyes. I think that we should be out and about exploring every inch of our cities, suburbs, countrysides, and the untamed wilderness. We live on this planet, why not venture out into it?”
Caroline Alcott, Senior – Cherokee High
“What inspires my photography is everyday life. From the different types of cars I see on the road, to the sound of barking dogs in the distance, all spark my creativity. It’s the natural patterns and coincidences that make creating a photograph so seamless.”
Meredith Rice, Sophomore – Cherokee High
“I love using nature to emphasize my subject. Just using the natural surroundings to send a message. I love how natural lighting can impact a photo.”
Allison Himiob, Junior – River Ridge High
“When I take pictures, I take them to express my joy, confusion, excitement, anything I’m feeling. My inspiration is me. My pictures are me.”
Morgan Guion, Junior – Cherokee High
“Photography is something I love because I can go out, and what most people would likely overlook, I can bring out the beauty. Everyone sees anything and everything differently, and I love being able to show the way I see things. I love being able to speak through my pictures. Photography is something so beautiful that has unlimited boundaries for you to express any way possible.”
Maddalena Lorae, Junior – Cherokee High
“Earth inspires my photography! Photography is like a power; any image that you take tells a story in its own way. Messing with photoshop and different styles of cropping and coloring can make a world’s difference in your photography. You can take a picture of anything and make it beautiful! Beauty lies within the person.”
Emma Snyder, Sophomore – Cherokee High
“I love photography. I am always taking pictures of different life. I love the way you can see someone through the camera. You can catch a person’s mood and opinions just with the way you convey light in your photographs.”
Jenna Watson, Sophomore – Cherokee High
“What inspires me to take photography is the ability to capture moments that remind me of something when I am traveling. I like the different textures of photos and circumstances of where I am traveling to!”
Brooklyn Butterworth, Junior – Cherokee High
“My photography is inspired by the beauty in everyday life. I love to take pictures of people and capture what makes them who they are. In this picture, the subject was just working on welding, something that he is passionate about. Welding is a skill that will shape his life and change who he is. We all have our own things, big or small, that make us unique.”
Tori Kershaw, Sophomore – River Ridge High
“This photo was taken at the Skydeck in Chicago of my beautiful family friend who tends to model for me often. The bright colors of her eyes, hair, and the city below her are my favorite part. I had so much fun trying different angles in the two minutes I was able to be standing on the glass during my turn. Photography is amazing to me, because it lets me remember the best moments of my life, and make it art.”
Kathleen (Kathy) Tjim, Junior – Cherokee High
“I’m inspired by photography because I’m able to capture moments that allow you to look back and relive those specific events. Photography makes you look in a different perspective to capture your view of the world. It allows you to be creative with your work and show your talent to an audience.”
Phoebe Offenberg, Sophomore – Sequoyah High
“Travel inspires my photography by providing a creative outlet as well as letting me see the world through the lens of my camera. I love travelling and I enjoy seeing the world from new perspectives and angles. Photography also allows me to capture moments and views of my travels, so I can cherish and remember the beauty of all the places I visit.”
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