Coming to an end: A semester in review

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A horse drawn carriage strolls through downtown Cincinnati, OH.

The red carpet tent at Epic Rocks.

A portion of a water fountain at Fountain Square in Ciincinnati.

 I have been lucky and honored to have taken part in numerous photography related events this semester. Events that have not just inspired and helped me grow as a photographer and a person, but have strengthened bonds with fellow students and instructors, as well as created new friendships.

•  The Epic Fashion Show: an event to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. As well as a chance to celebrate local survivors of the disease.
• Owens’ Halloween Alternative: Owens giving the public a safe environment to celebrate Halloween. Being one of the student photographers from Owens’ Photo Club at the event I was able to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents as we presented them with a photo to remember that night.
•  SPE conference in Cincinnati, OH: It was moving and inspirational to hear of experiences and view work from other photographers there that are so passionate about their craft. SPE also offered an opportunity to watch vendors showcase the latest tools, equipment and technology on the market.
•  PPNO Saturday workshop: “three different approaches to getting the right lighting” and “creating quick and easy webpages using Wordpress”
• A day of shooting with Scott Hall: 11 photographers, on a Sunday in mid-October, both students and professionals (members of PPNO), exploring the back roads and into Temperance, MI. As we discovered locations Scott Hall found interesting we pulled over to the side of the road, pulled out our cameras and captured the moment.
•  Owens’ Raising Awareness Club’s annual Father/Daughter dance. This was the first year the Photo Club provided a photo booth and captured candid moments of the two night event for those in attendance. 
• Help Portrait Toledo: This is the fourth year Help Portrait Toledo has brought together local photographers and volunteers, to give something back to the community.   

     Not only have these events strengthened my skills as a photographer but they have also shown me the importance of giving back to the community and re-affirm the belief that photography has the strength and ability to change a persons life. 

Vanessa Farris holds her daughter Journie as they make their way through the lines at the Halloween Alternative. 

Families make their way from station to station at the Owens Halloween event.