Senior delves into new-found interest in photography January 18, 2022 — by Christina Chang Photo by Cary ChenSenior Cary Chen took this sunset photo at a friend’s house on Dec. 23. Aside from being the head yearbook photographer, Cary Chen has also received some commissions from friends for various purposes such as Winter Formal.Senior Cary Chen inhaled the crisp evening air two hours after school as he surveyed the view at Skyline, a viewpoint about 20 minutes down Highway 35. Vibrant hues of oranges, pinks and purples painted the sky as the sun began to sink below the horizon. Scanning the scenery, Chen set up his tripod and camera and, with a whir and a click, captured the breathtaking view. “Being able to go to landscape spots at sunset is relaxing and definitely motivates me to continue photography,” Chen said. “Photography gives me a reason to go out more and explore different parts of the world, starting from the Bay Area.” Following every photoshoot, Chen said he spends three to five hours editing photos, and he frequently goes back to the same locations to recompose shots in the hope of achieving better results with each trip. For example, he drives to Skyline two to three times a week due to its accessibility and its many viewpoints to explore. Chen’s interest in photography stemmed from taking the Media Arts Program (MAP) class as a freshman, but it wasn’t until his senior year that he decided to more seriously pursue the art form by signing up as a head photographer for the school yearbook staff. When he first started, he borrowed his dad’s Canon Rebel XT camera ($200). Since then, he has upgraded to a used Canon 6D Mark II camera body ($800) with a 24-105 mm f4 lens ($500), both of which he bought with his own savings. Chen also contacts local photographers — such as Monta Vista senior Matvery Jenssen (@matt_photography on Instagram) and SHS senior Ethan Chang — to meet up for peer-to-peer workshop events in hopes of improving his photography skills. During these photoshoots, he and other photographers discuss what they want to capture and how they plan to do so, comparing camera settings, composition techniques and post-production styles. More recently, Jenssen, Chang and Chen have challenged themselves to explore street photography, visiting spots in San Francisco. Though Chen said he sometimes feels “very awkward” when he walks in front of other cars to take photos in the streets of San Francisco, he said he’s excited to learn a new style of photography. “Photography has helped me destress a lot and avoid burnout, especially during college applications,” Chen said. While he said there has been a learning curve, Chen often seeks advice from Chang — a photographer well-known in the Bay Area whose Instagram account (@selmshots) has 11.2k followers — for questions and advice. “Cary is one of those people who’s not afraid to ask questions, step out of his comfort zone and try something new,” Chang said. “I’m really stoked to see him progress and see what he does in the future.” Chen’s friends have been big supporters of his passion for photography, often interacting with his Instagram photography account, @potatocary. Some have even asked for photoshoots for social media posts, couple anniversaries and school dances — Chen said these occasions have created some of his best memories. Though Chen is currently doing photoshoots just as favors for close friends, some insist on paying him for his work anyway. Recently, he received two commissions for Winter Formal, and spent around an hour at each of the pre-formal locations. Moving forward, Chen plans to continue to foster his passion for photography as a side hobby. While he enjoys photography for its artistic value, he said the ability to capture his experiences with other people is even more rewarding. “I use photography to record parts of my life I wouldn’t normally be able to,” Chen said. “I want to be able to capture the special moments with friends and family so I can look back at these pictures and be reminded of the fun times we shared together.” 6 views this weekAbout the contributorsChristina ChangChristina Chang, Class of 2023, is an Editor-In-Chief of the '22-'23 Falcon staff. Previously, she served as a Sports Editor and local events beat writer for the '21-'22 staff and a Reporter and Layout Artist for the '20-'21 staff. During her time with The Falcon, she covered community news like the breakdown of city budget allocations and the first Blossom Festival post-COVID; wrote a series addressing mental health; profiled teacher friendships amid the pandemic; reported on the return of in-person learning and sports after shelter-in-place; and authored a narrative reflecting on her own basketball journey of eight years. Christina was named one of four finalists for Youth Journalism International's 2023 Student Journalist of the Year and one of seven finalists for the National Scholastic Press Association's 2022 Writer of the Year. She has received 23 journalism awards at the international, national and regional levels; her works have been recognized by Youth Journalism International, National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association of Northern California, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Santa Clara University. To further her journalism experience, she attended workshops during summer 2022 hosted by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, California Scholastic Press Association and Stanford Daily. She will fondly remember The Falcon as a highlight of her high school years, and will forever cherish the memories created during monthly deadline nights, enjoying catered food and chatting with fellow staff members while rushing to finish each print edition. Outside of the J-room, she enjoys getting involved in the community through volunteering with local nonprofits and school clubs as well as exploring her interests and creativity through art.