Every tournament tells a different story, one that ultimately comes down to the triumph of one team and the loss of another. Sports photographers are there to capture the highs and lows of each match, and to photograph special moments from each game. The preservation of landmark moments in sport history is often overlooked, and many never acknowledge the people behind the camera.
While the sports photography club serves as an outlet for student photographers to practice their craft, the club also shines a light on student athletes who wouldn’t have been photographed otherwise. Co-founder Clara Barnes, ‘25, points out that “varsity teams are usually the only ones that get photographed, but other people who do the same sport should get the same appreciation,” like junior varsity teams. Typically, JV players would have to recruit their own photographers if they wanted to have pictures of themselves taken, while varsity players would be photographed regardless. This inconvenience inspired the sports photography club’s creation, in order to fill in the vacancy and to do good by JV athletes. With the sports photography club, a mutually-beneficial relationship is struck.
With the recent introduction of the Sports Photography club to MHS, the unique crossroad between sports and art is being presented to students whose niche interests and talents otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Co-founder Grace Luessi, ‘25, highlighted the club’s ability to nurture student photographers because of its unique opportunities, stating that “it allows them to practice photography skills,” especially as they are able to use school cameras they might otherwise not have access to.
Additionally, the club’s advisor Rebecca Marks noted how the club gives students a glimpse into freelance photography, emphasizing the importance of real world experience. “It’s nice to give the photography students a chance to have their real life experience.” She says that it’s very different taking a photo in class than “being out there with all this other stuff going on when you’re taking photos,” and that it’s very “authentic to what types of freelance jobs exist in the real world.” Clubs like this one shape MHS in ways many will never recognize. If you would like to get involved, the sports photography club meets every other Thursday at 2:45 in room 2300.
