Sometimes, going to the extremes to take a picture is necessary to produce both the desired effect on the viewer and desired impression of the subject. I always try to embrace this idea when taking pictures, not caring about how high to the sky or low to the ground I have to get to capture the image in my head. However, this all happens in private, on a secluded hilltop with a beautiful view or in someone’s house for an interview. In public, especially in larger crowds, I get uncomfortable with going full out when taking picture. Since the start of my senior year, though, I’ve had the chance to experiment with photography and am gradually starting to get used to taking pictures in the middle of big crowds without feeling self-conscious of my presence, a huge camera slung around my neck. I even competed in a photography contest in the JEA/NSPC convention in Anaheim in 2019. Even though my photo didn't win, the feedback I received was immensely helpful and allowed me to realize what it was I had to work on. Although I’m constantly learning to improve my photography skills, looking back at my photos from beginning journalism and comparing them to my current photos, I feel like I’ve grown more than I’ve ever thought possible, both as a photographer and a journalist, and hope to continue doing so in the future.