My first camera was a pink fisher price camera that my parents gave me when I was 2 years old. It was from that point on that I was taught that cameras are tools, tools that she could master. As I grew up, I was encouraged to experiment and learn not only photography using my father’s professional camera, but film making as well. When I was 12, I received my first point-and-shoot camera that also had video capability and started making videos. “Robot and a Cow” was made on the free program iMovie and continues to be a source of inspiration for her. (Sadly, this cinematic masterpiece is lost to time due to a computer crash.)
In High school I decided to take two classes on cinematography, the study of film. It was during this time I began to develop problem solving skills for media, motion graphic design and lighting design. I also learned the importance of editing and storytelling through analyzing film and online video. She started using professional grade software like Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Motion and Logic Pro.
When I entered college, I developed specific skills like Adobe creative cloud, screenwriting and live video production. Through my work with nonprofits’ media outreach she learned how to work well within groups and how to receive criticism as well as accurately give it. I also gained experience in expanding the reach of nonprofit organizations through an online presence.