Student photographers balance college and part-time careers
Photo courtesy of Reily Anderson.
Trying to balance the workload of college, maintaining a social life and adding a job to the mix can be a lot to handle. For these Lee University students, photography has not only become their passion, but their profession as photographer hired by the university.
Junior public relations major Reily Anderson has been pursuing photography for almost a year. Originally, her intent for photography was simply to make a hobby out of it—a pastime to explore with friends. However, this changed after coming to Lee.
“I felt like something was pushing me to get my camera out,” Anderson said. “I had never done much photography before, but there was just something telling me to start shooting. I felt like life at Lee wasn’t complete, and now I have found what I want to do for a career.”
Anderson works with a Lee photography team as one of the head photographers. She helps with training student workers that join the team and sees this as an opportunity to teach management.
“I participate in certain sports on campus, and this can sometimes conflict with my photography schedule. In these circumstances, I have to make the most of the limited time I have to shoot,” Anderson said. “But, I am glad I can teach my students workers the importance of using every moment you have to the fullest.”
Photo by Sydney Pressley.
Sophomore visual arts and graphic design major Andrew Land has been snapping pictures for almost nine years. His passion began on paper.
“I used to sketch and paint as a hobby, but I discovered that photography was an easier, more effective way to capture what I was seeing,” Land said.
To Land, the people who are not afraid to jump in headfirst are the ones who will really thrive in photography.
“It took me three or four years to really get into it. A lot of that was because I held back and was nervous,” Land said. “I’ve seen a lot of people grow just by jumping headfirst into the ocean of photography. You can’t be afraid to dedicate the time. Learning is a huge part of the experience.”
Photo by Taylor Baker.
Senior studio production major Carly Smoltz sees photography as its own art form and a challenge she enjoys taking on.
“I often am eager to take on so many projects because I love the challenge and creative outlet,” Smoltz said. “But, you must be willing to adapt to other outlets as well and be balanced. Without a balanced lifestyle, your work will suffer.”
While the work these students are producing can oftentimes become a balancing act, the payoff in the end of seeing their photography be displayed on social media or within news articles shows the dedication and work ethic they have put into this platform.
