Tyler Weiss

 I took my first photography class this year. I had obviously taken a picture before. I knew what a good photo looked like, and I understood the general idea of how to take one. Eventually, the class became more difficult once the developing process was introduced. The first photo I developed took a lot of trial and error, but the more I did it, the more fun it became.

During high school, many teens enter a relationship for the first time. Society, much like it does with everything else, establishes many different ideals and expectations for relationships: specific boundaries, common standards, and stereotypical dynamics. It is important to know that each relationship is its own, and every person has their own perspectives. The more communication regarding personal boundaries and emotions, the easier it is to develop a relationship and make it overall healthier and easier to navigate. Being in a new relationship is blissful, but it can also be enveloping.

Photography is very similar. I loved taking the time to work with photos, so much so that I prioritized it over other important subjects. I’d catch myself falling behind in classes, but I have been learning about mundane core subjects since I was put into school, so, naturally, they started to get a little boring. 

Although your friendships may lack the excitement of something new, it is important to remember your friends and family who have been there for you. Similar to your core classes, they are essentially a foundation, and they will be there for you, so long as you maintain a healthy balance within your relationships. 

The more time you put into a photo, the more you will get out of it. 

Being present is one of the simplest but utmost signs of respect. Not only does it show that you respect them as a person, but that you respect the relationship you share with them. While spending time with someone, being off of your phone will always build a deeper connection than one that can be found through social media. 

If I simply set an aperture, time and filter, my photo will most likely look less than ideal. In order for my final print to be clear and in focus, I have to see how the photo responds to each of my adjustments throughout a process of trial and error. 

Being present is not the same as having a conversation. A skill that I think many teens, and even adults, need to work on is making a conversation two-sided. There are introverts, and there are extroverts, but everyone has an opinion worth being heard. When spending time with someone, or anyone, in your life, make sure questions are asked, connections are made and both thoughts are being shared. A great way to do this is to speak of similar topics of interest. While your friends are someone to go to for advice or a listening ear, those topics only relate to one person.

A final print is always so rewarding because I get something beautiful out of the effort and attention that I put into it; I start from nothing but a roll of film and turn it into an evoking image. 

At the end of the day people just want to feel appreciated and loved, not forgotten. 

Communication is key in any relationship. It is important to communicate your thoughts to the people that matter to you. Let your friends know that you value their friendship, not just through words but with your actions.