According to Mary Meeker’s annual Internet Trends report, people from around the world take an average of 1.8 billion photos per day. This does not even include the 87 million snapchats sent out each day by users around the world. As humans, we use our photography skills every day, but some students take their skills to the next level.

One of these students is Andrew Schmidt, ‘22. He was first inspired by a friend, who served as a role model for him a couple of years ago. Schmidt is the first in his family to explore photography, so he wants to be his best and make them proud by sharing his talent.

“I love to photograph nature because it can always be something different and is always a new experience,” Schmidt said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a photo of a bird, tree, or water. Photography always helps me realize that I can grow.”

Although Schmidt is self-taught, he has received additional guidance from his current photography teacher, Mrs. Sarah Conlon. Mrs. Conlon sees something different in Andrew when he is taking pictures in her Intro to Digital Photography class.

Conlon explains, “Andrew has a good eye for composition and has experience working with a digital single-lens reflex camera. Students often collaborate in Intro to Digital Photo, and Andrew patiently assists other students who may not be as experienced in photography as he is.”

Not only does Mrs. Conlon see talent in Schmidt, but also in Gavin Hamilton, ‘20. Hamilton has never had Conlon as a teacher, but Conlon had the opportunity to witness his passion for photography on the Teton Science School trip. She described how Hamilton’s curiosity is a big part of what makes him an effective photographer.

Hamilton said, “The hardest thing for me, personally, to photograph is the night sky. Images are produced from a sensor in the camera capturing light. Unless your sensor is powerfully clean, or you have a lens to capture more light, it is extremely difficult to produce a quality image.”

In contrast, another talented photographer, Erin Scott, ‘20, finds sports to be the hardest thing to photograph due to the constant movement. Scott enjoys photographing people, fashion, and landscapes. Many describe her style of photography as having  a modern aesthetic.

Scott said, “I got into photography in middle school. I was greatly influenced by my dad since he was also interested in it. In addition to my dad, I also got inspiration from magazines and other photographers within the Dubuque area.”

These are just a few of many artistic individuals who pursue photography as a hobby. Their photos are magnificent, but the fact that they are almost all self-taught is even more impressive. If you are ever looking for a conversation-starter with these students, ask them to share their favorite photographs; you will be impressed!