Student photographers at Lee: a snapshot

Not only are professionals being made within the Lee University classrooms, but photography has been a booming outside industry throughout campus, derived from students' creativity and desire to step back from the chaos of life and capture the beauty of moments.

Kendall Lane, a senior communications and advertising major, is one of many students who have caught photography fever. Originally from Atlanta, Lane ' a self-proclaimed professional coffee sipper, super smash bros extraordinaire and adventure seeker ' began his photography journey in high school.

'I sucked when I first started taking pictures,' Lane said. 'But as I took more and more photos, I started seeing photography as more than just pictures, but as an art form that could tell stories and speak to people in ways that go beyond word or thought.'

Adventure is part of every photo shoot with Lane. Whether he finds it exploring Cleveland and searching for any kind of green (tree branches, bushes, leaves), or taking an engagement shoot while traveling through Europe, Lane utilizes the adventure around him.

Lane specializes in portrait photography, but he also shoots weddings, engagements and events. Check out more of his work on his website, his Facebook page, or follow him on Instagram @Kendallelane.

Aubrey Crawford, senior public relations major ,also known as AubzPhotogz, described herself as a photography fanatic.

'I don't remember a time in my life where I didn't have a camera in my hand,' Crawford said.

Crawford said photography is not only the best way to express herself, but has also impacted her spiritual life.

'It helps and challenges me to seek out the beauty in the people, places, and things around me, despite my current circumstances,' Crawford said.

Crawford focuses her photography on moments taken for granted. Last summer, she drove to Mountain View Inn every day to watch the sunset and capture its image in photos.

'It became a spiritual journey for me,' Crawford said. 'I asked myself, 'What have I done since the last time the sun set to make a difference for the kingdom of Heaven?' '

Crawford practices several types of photography, as she doesn't like to be limited to any one type, but her favorite is landscape photography. View more of her work here or on Instagram @aubzphotogz.

Senior Jessica Penniman, psychology major with a minor in missions, enjoys showing people how pretty they are through pictures, and has been captivated by capturing joy in pictures ever since she was a child with her first camera.

'I want to bring light to God's beautiful creation."

Penniman subsequently branded her photography 'ONE: 31 Photography.'

Penniman combined her passion for photography with her passion to share the gospel in missions. Three summers ago, she did a summer missions internship in Thailand, working with Thrive Rescue Homes in the red light district, and built one of her most cherished friendships with a 14-year-old girl rescued from the red light district three years earlier.

'She allowed me to capture her beauty in a photo and the moment I snapped the picture of her laughing and showed her, she was able to see herself for the first time in the light that Christ saw her in ' and it was beyond beautiful,' Penniman said.

Penniman specializes in couples photography, weddings, engagements, senior portraits, newborn and family photography. Check out her work on her website website, Facebook page, or Instagram @jrpenniman.

Junior Hannah Morgan, advertising major from Cincinnati, Ohio, is obsessed with light, road trips, staying up past her bedtime, and is currently pursuing photography on the side.

Morgan began her pursuit of photography in high school while shooting with film, but her career took off in college working for Lee as a photographer in the Office of Publications for two years.

'I've fallen in love with photography because of the relationships that have been created through my photography,' Morgan said.

Morgan's favorite shoots always involve finding new places. One of her many adventures involved flying out to California to shoot a wedding with Kendall Lane.

'My favorite photo shoots are just going out and finding something that feels magical and surreal with a few people,' Morgan said. 'It can be so calming and exciting all at the same time.'

Morgan specializes in event photography, such as shooting in chaotic, high energy situations like weddings or concerts, but is also is experienced in portrait and stock photography. If interested in Hannah's work, you can contact her via email (hannahmorganphotos@gmail.com) or follow her on Instagram @hmoggie.