CHS Students Showcase Photography

The following article appeared in the February 2010 edition of The Columbian, the student newspaper of Columbia High School. It was written by CHS senior Briana DeFreitas.

Whether it's the colorful murals on the walls, unique art in the gallery, or abstract photos on display, students at Columbia High School are constantly showcasing their talents and abilities.

This year, a group of students participated in a three-week photography showcase at the Pingry School in Short Hills. Participating students were chosen through a hand-selected process by Jon Fisher, the photography teacher at CHS. The student participants included: Jaime Becker, '11, Caroline Ehinger, '10, Soleil Garneau, '10, Sonia Goldberg, '11, Rachel Gonzalez, '10, Kate Goodman, '11, Maclain Maier, '10, Briana McCalmon-Bailey, '10, Andrew Rigassio, '10, and Sedequa Simmonds, '10. Students were allowed to showcase a piece of work from their first semester of photography.

"There is a very different demographic of photos." said Fisher. "Schools from all over, especially from the west, send in photos for the display. It's a great opportunity."

Fisher met Miles Boyd, a professor at the Pingry School and organizer of the showcase, four and a half years ago. Boyd offered Fisher the opportunity to allow students to showcase their work at the school, which is how the idea was presented to the participants.

A great deal of hard work goes into the photo-making process, which is what made the experience exciting for the students. "I was really happy I got chosen to show my work. This was my first time ever taking photography, so I was really proud of myself," said Simmonds.

Another participant, Ehinger, said, "When Mr. Fisher told me he was entering my photo in the contest, I really didn't know what it was but I was flattered that it was chosen. I'm very proud of my work."

Selected students were awarded for their work; Goodman received an award for her photography. "I was very surprised. All of the work sent in was very good, not to mention the fact that so many other students from other schools with more experience than me had submitted work," said Goodman. "I was honored that the judges chose my photo for an award."

Pictured are photo of hand and trees by Kate Goodman, '11, and portrait photo by Sedequa Simmonds, '10.