Alexis Bailey
Co-Editor in Chief of Wando Photography
Embedded Files
"Photography should reflect the rich tapestry of humanity, capturing not just faces, but stories and perspectives from every corner of the globe."
-Susan Sontag
My photography lives up to this quote and I strive every day I hold a camera to share another story that has yet to be told no matter where they come from or what they represent. Everyone has a story.
Dear Judges,
My name is Alexis Bailey I am truly grateful for the opportunity to apply for Photojournalist of the Year. I've found my purpose through student media at Wando High School and I have been given the opportunity to help other students find there purpose through my photos sharing each students unique story.
Being present is the bare minimum—anyone can show up, but it’s the storyteller who makes a difference. The click of a shutter freezes a moment in time, a fraction of a second that tells a story beyond words. Some stories beg to be spoken, others demand to be seen. I want others to look at my work and see a story worth a thousand words. Photography journalism is a passion of mine, a light that I do not want to extinguish. I am interested in speaking for those who can not, at times emotion can not be displayed through words but viewers need to see emotion to understand it.
My interest started when I was only a freshman in high school, terrified to try anything new but I had one goal when coming to high school: to make a mark, I wanted to spark change within my school and community. Once I started photography everything changed, I voiced my opinions through the camera whether to shoot high or low or to come up close or shoot from far away. I had a new sense of freedom that allowed me to capture memories and express ideas.
Another reason I am passionate about photojournalism is the motivation to uncover hidden truths. Today misinformation spreads fast and through a photograph not only is the truth displayed but a photograph represents an unfiltered reality, no one can change ones story with a photo to prove it. In my work I want to provide the unfiltered truth and I believe it is the most important factor in journalism.
Ultimately, my passion for photojournalism comes from being present in the moment and capturing the raw emotion of a situation. Knowing my work shines light on students who are not recognized and tells a story pushes me to want to learn more about photojournalism and improve my work. I carry my camera with a purpose. Journalism, for me, is more than a passion- it is a responsibility. And I am ready to take the shot.
Thank you for your consideration for the Photojournalist of the Year award.I hope to continue sharing stories of others and improving my craft, furthermore I am grateful for the chance to share my work and our story as the new generation with a larger audience.
Sincerely,
Alexis Bailey
NSPA Portfolio
NSPA Portfolio
No.1 [Unbelievable!]
No.1 [Unbelievable!]
Caption: Hyping up his friends, Bryson Vail leads the cheer and riles up the crowd during the football win over Lucy Beckham. "When I'm chopping with my friends, I feel like I'm on top of the world. Ready to conquer all that God wants to throw at me," Vail said.
Description: In the first picture, I was training the incoming photography staff on how to get close and capture raw emotions. At times I even got overwhelmed due to the large crowd and how close I truly was but this experience was where I was able to share the story about a student who believes football games are more then just a night out but a way to express freedom and show support for his school. This image is a reflection of how passionate our generation is and how students feel a newfound control over their lives.
No. 2 [Ready, Sunset, Go]
No. 2 [Ready, Sunset, Go]
Caption: Addison Hewitt sees the value in putting in extra work throughout the year, even as the sun goes down. She is often found on the Wando track even on weekends.
Description: In this picture, this was the first time where I had to capture an intense emotion from an athlete. Before every meet, the track athletes shared how performing is all about keeping a positive and focused mindset. This athlete embodies the mindset that athletes feel before every meet. The lighting of the sun resting symbolizes the calm before the storm and how right before you run you rest then burst everything you have at your opponent.
No.3 [One at a Time]
No.3 [One at a Time]
Caption: An MUSC registered nurse checks a local senior citizen’s blood pressure while promoting a healthy lifestyle at local Soda City Market in Columbia, something that the market works to share every Saturday.
Description: In picture number three, to describe what I was feeling, all I can say is shock. While taking photos during the Soda City Market in Columbia South Carolina, I saw that one of the most popular booths was a free blood pressure check station, there was always a line. This experience opened my eyes to how important health care is to everyone and the accessibility of health care in lower economic areas. The MUSC nurse working this booth never dropped her smile while working with guests and happily promoted the value of maintaining a healthy life. I saw those who interacted with this nurse leave inspired and confident about their lives. Furthermore, This photo symbolizes the dedication of nurses and our responsibility to uphold this same dedication.
No.4 [No fear]
No.4 [No fear]
Caption: Kaden Manigault hits soccer ball with head to fight for a score while Zyaire Champayne springs into the air to assist him.
Description: In the fourth picture, taken at a home boys varsity soccer match, the players fought hard to score for their team meaning putting in full effort in every aspect. Wando (black jerseys) never gave up on getting control of the ball and through seeing the emotion of the parents and the players effort, their story gets shared through this picture. The players were not afraid of getting injured or injuring someone else they had one goal in mind which was to gain the ball for the greater good of the team.
No.5 [Forever]
No.5 [Forever]
Caption: Brittney Taylor, graduate, takes a moment during the 2024 prom to take a selfie and capture the moment.
Description: In this picture, I saw one of the most fun events of the year for seniors which was Wando Prom. For most, this is a night out with your friends before leaving for a new chapter, but through the lens of my camera I captured students wanting to make this moment last forever and see true joy through taking pictures with friends. This photo symbolizes how alike we all are to one another; no one wants a good memory to go away.
Awards & Achievements
SIPA 2024
Best Overall, TOP Competition
2nd Place, First-Year Student Photo
SIPA 2025
Best Overall, TOP Competition
1st Place, Student Life Photo
2nd Place, Environmental Photo
2nd Place, Student Life Photo
2nd Place, Photo Photography Portfolio
SCSPA 2025
1st Place, Sports Feature
Quill & Scroll WVM 2025
1st Place, Photo Slideshow
Honorable Mention, Sports Reaction
Contact
Contact
alexis.lee.bailey101@gmail.com
843-981-2012
Advisor: Philip Caston
phillip_caston@charleston.k12.sc.us
Wando High School
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