Embedded Files
By Jack Thomas
Every person walks around with a camera in their pocket, which technically gives everyone the ability to be a photographer. Take one photo of beautiful clouds and people will declare themselves “experienced photographers.” However, some students have begun setting themselves apart. Passion drives students to achieve great things, but the ability to pursue that passion is how it is realized, and the photo classes at Nyack allow students to develop and hone in on that passion. This passion has led to a creative renaissance not just in photography, but in film and video classes, the drama club, and the music programs here at Nyack.
The importance of a strong foundation is why students have given so much credit to the teachers leading the photography program, specifically Mrs. Nelson (previously known as Ms. Klossner), who has taught photography for two years at the high school and began teaching in the district seven years ago. When asked about the photography program and its influence on the culture shift at Nyack High School, Mrs. Nelson said that what makes the photography program so unique is that her classes have a different feel than many other classes that exist in Nyack, with a more inviting and independent environment. Nelson acknowledged that she has an edge because she has taught most of her students in previous classes, making them more inclined to pick her elective and become immersed in photography.
Although she loves the program, she recognizes that, like any school program, it has its faults. Most importantly, she said, "We would value the access to resources and more funding over time, because as a class we are looking to develop an extensive collection of equipment." Yet even without extensive resources, the program has flourished. Nelson primarily attributes this to "social media and certain groups of students who created a lane of their own and furthering the culture."
Some of these standout students include seniors Eric Johnson and Jaidon Eisenpress, who have led a culture wave with Instagram pages centering around their work. When asked what she thought of the students, Nelson had nothing but good things to say. On Johnson, she said, "[He is] one of the most hardworking photographers I have ever had,” and she called Eisenpress "a great photographer when motivated."
But there are not just great photographers at the senior level. Nelson also gave a shout out to up-and-comers Franklin Ruballos, Eli Mor, Nate Hirsch, and Maritza Gonzalez. At the end of the day, for Nelson, regardless of age or skill, it is all about passion. Seeing her students create art they are passionate about hits close to home for her. She hopes to make her students aware that she will be there each step of the way to give as much advice as possible and put everything she knows out into the class.
Photography does not just originate in Nyack’s classrooms. Some students have been pursuing photography outside of class for years and have begun making a name for themselves. One such student is Jaidon Eisenpress, who has produced copious amounts of work within the three years he has pursued photography. I sat down with Eisenpress in his RCC photo class to understand his feelings about being an early pioneer of Nyack photography. Eisenpress began taking photos his freshman year because of, as he put it, "personal boredom." Through that boredom, he found passion in seeing the world through a unique perspective, and he valued being able to share that with the world.
He detailed his experiences with weddings, portraits, street photography, astrophotography, and landscapes, which he loves to share with the public on his Instagram page and in his portfolio. Eisenpress finds it “cool that so many people are joining photo classes” as he recognizes how much, looking back, he contributed to photography culture at Nyack. He welcomes the culture and is always trying to spread the message that “photography is cool, and you should try it.” h\He plans to major in photography in college and hopes to make an adequate amount of money as a photographer to have minimal stress in life. For now, he just wants to thank the people who support him in his photo journey.
Photo by Jaidon Eisenpress, Senior
Among Nyack’s standout photographers, one name is synonymous with natural talent and the ability to produce a product with a unique flare and distinct expressive tone: Eric Johnson. Johnson began taking photos during family trips and events as “the designated photographer,” because, even at seven years old, he had steady hands. Over time, he drifted away from photography but returned to it in May 2022, when he believed he found his true calling. Johnson and I spoke for about an hour, and he was able to give insight into the work he produces and how it has completely shifted his life.
When Johnson started in May, he was a rookie who had minimal experience with a film camera and no formal training. He spent the summer in the South and became well-versed in how to operate a digital camera. When he returned to Mrs. Nelson in the fall, he was ready to absorb anything he could to continue going in the right direction.
Starting photography class senior year, Johnson felt unsure of his future and whether it would involve film or photography. But after immersing himself in the class, he made the decision to pursue photography proudly. Mrs. Nelson’s guidance and expertise opened his eyes to what the world of photography could offer him. However, there is a degree of uncertainty in the photography world regarding job security, causing Johnson to question the specifics of where he wants to go with photography. Still, he is confident that he will major in photography in college and build up his business and portfolio along the way. Long term, Johnson would like to focus primarily on being a freelance photographer, but does not rule out working with businesses.
Johnson specializes in portraits, black and white, and landscapes that show the beauty of the earth. The young photographer describes his style as “sharp, artistic, and versatile.” On a deeper level, photography is significant to Johnson because it is how he will leave his footprint on the world. The drive to be a successful photographer who leaves a mark is the primary motivator for him. “Thinking about where my life can go motivates me. With that, I also say my future is what scares me,” he said.
Johnson is also the first to admit that his secondary motivator is competition. When he sees other photographers creating a product he believes he can represent better, he instinctually grabs his camera and tries to recreate it. Johnson recognizes that his main sources of competition are developing within the school: Jaidon Eisenpress and Franklin Ruballos. While Johnson respects both for their phenomenal photography and contributions to the new culture wave, he views himself as the photographer of Nyack because of his devotion to the art.
Recently, Johnson was accepted into the Soho Photo Gallery, prompting him to react by “jumping out of his seat and being overtaken with emotion.” Although he knows that this is the start of something great, he also understands that he should not get cocky.
Photo by Eric Johnson, selected for the Soho Photo Gallery
He does not doubt that photography is what he loves, and he encourages everyone else to find what they love and do it well enough to turn it into a profitable career. For those pursuing photography specifically, he urges them to make time for it. Photography is an art, and you should dedicate yourself to it as such. Playing around with the settings on the camera and getting used to editing on Lightroom are both crucial, but at the same time, the most important thing is getting out and shooting. Even if that means shooting on the phone camera, go out and try to make it work as best you can. Passion is what drives students to achieve great things.
Johnson believes that the photography trend will continue in Nyack with young students creating Instagram accounts and pursuing this field, and he hopes that it will be everlasting.
Johnson is gracious to all who got him to the place he is now. His neighbor provided him with his first camera and allowed him to start and further his ability without needing to rely on school cameras. He is thankful for all teachers at Nyack, specifically his Consumer Math teacher, Mr. Allen, whom Johnson holds in high regard as one of the best teachers he has ever had. Next, Johnson gave special thanks to all his friends who have supported him on the journey, especially his best friend, who has been there since day one. Finally, he is grateful for his biggest fan, who has undoubtedly supported him every step of the journey: His mom.
The emergence of photography in this school is undeniable, and I chose to research it because a wave of creativity like this is incredibly rare to witness firsthand. When you see people mastering their domain, it is hard to not want to sit back and watch them formulate something amazing. Having the ability to sit down and talk with three people who are, in their own ways, pioneers of an incredible culture shift transpiring in the school taught me so much about photography and what it means to the individuals who pursue it. The importance of pursuing your passion was the main sentiment I heard from all three photograms, and although pursuing it might be intimidating, Johnson mentioned a quote that got him through that intimidation:
“If you can’t beat the fear just do it scared” - Glennon Doyle Melton
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse