As young as age 12, junior Laurel Willis has considered herself a photographer. Once she started Mitty, her passion grew into an unwavering desire for creative expression. Throughout these last few years, she has dedicated her high school career to capturing images of nature, the Mitty community, and her personal favorite subject, trees. Enjoy this brief insight to her photography: how she got her start, the gear she uses, her personal style, and goals for the future.
How did you get into photography/how long have you been doing this?
My start in photography began in middle school when I joined my eighth grade yearbook staff. It was the first time I really got into and explored journalism. Before then, I’d always wanted to take photos because of my appreciation for nature, but I hadn’t had the opportunity.
What inspired you? Was it a particular moment, a series of events, or something else?
I was in Amsterdam with my parents the summer before I started sixth grade, and I took a photo of a canal using my dad’s phone. Simply put, my parents thought it was actually really good. My dad sometimes takes credit for it, since it’s on his phone.
What gear do you use?
I started off taking pictures with my phone, and then I borrowed my friend’s mom’s camera at one point, and that was kind of my first step into it. I was kind of like, “oh, using a DSLR is really cool.” Then, when I went to Mitty, I started using a Rebel T7, and that was how I actually first started to learn how to use a camera, along with my parent’s old Nikon D40, which I used at home.
If you could describe your style in three words, what would they be?
Whimsical, colorful, simplistic.
Do you have a favorite location/thing/concept you like to shoot?
I really like trees. There’s something interesting about leaves and different types of wood bark. Nature is different everywhere you go, even if you find the same tree somewhere else it’ll look slightly different because it’s faced different circumstances, like natural disasters.
What sets your work apart from others?
Since I started taking photos before I even had Instagram, I kind of started my own journey. I think my work is unique because I have a passion for it. I like to perfect photos and I’m always interested in taking a photo no matter what and seeing if I can edit it a certain way, or add it to a collage, or just find something to do with it.
What’s your goal with photography? Where do you want to take this hobby?
I would like to major in marketing, advertising, maybe graphic design, or journalism. Somewhere in that area, maybe even social media.
What skills are you still working on/what challenges do you face?
I am currently working on finding a new camera because my Nikon D40 does not take great quality photos at nighttime. It takes perfect photos with great lighting or even on a cloudy day, but never after sunset.
If we want to see more of your work, where can we go to do so?
I have an art instagram account, @laurel.and.lens. At Mitty, I am an editor for The Muse, where I also submit my work. Also, I am on yearbook where you can find my photos of performing arts and sports. Here are some of my favorite pieces!
