Content creation is becoming more and more polarized with young adults, not only through the popular breakout methods such as TikTok and YouTube, but also through more traditional routes like photography. Lake Highland has had an influx of student photographers in recent years, specifically Reily Green, grade 12, and Sean Dishman, grade 10. They have both worked to earn credibility as photographers on the field and social media. Their social media platforms, notably Instagram, have an impressively large and growing following of 1,000-plus followers. Through their accounts, they both showcase their work and find new opportunities. These opportunities could be anything from professional teams, high school teams, or players reaching out to them for potential bookings. Sean and Reily are the most notable student photographers on campus, but not the only ones. These photographers have built a network at Lake Highland and beyond.
(Above) Sean’s been taking photos for a little over a year and explained that, “My mom has always loved photography as a hobby.” That inspired him to take the photography class offered at LHP. Learning the basics made him fall, “In love with it.” (Sean Dishman)(Above) Sean is now taking photos at multiple LHP athletic events. His mom and the photography teacher, Ms. Kathryn Tucker, taught him a lot, “And then I started teaching myself new things about my camera by experimenting with it and watching, and learning from others.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Sean also learned more by simply just, “Asking people questions,” which helps him make connections too. (Sean Dishman)(Above) Sean built connections not only by asking questions but also by simply introducing himself to other photographers. (Emily Cypher)(Above) When Sean started taking photos, he chose to focus mainly on sports photography because, “Sports photography keeps me close to sports while doing something I love.” (Sean Dishman)(Above) Sean’s taken photos for LHP basketball for players such as RJ Ingram, grade 12, and he’s also accomplished a lot outside of school, he worked with the 13th-ranked team in the country for high school basketball. He explained “They posted my photos all over their social media for the next couple weeks.” (Sean Dishman)(Above) Sean, like most student photographers, uses social media to share and showcase his work. He said, “Instagram is basically your portfolio nowadays because Instagram is what everyone is on and where you can display your art for the world.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Sean explained that, “People may not like your work,” but it’ important to keep working. (Sean Dishman)(Above) Sean will continue taking photos in high school, but after that he isn’t sure where it’ll lead. (Sean Dishman)(Above) Reily started, “Doing videography and photography for just about two years now,” showcasing his work online. (Emily Cypher)(Above) Reily started taking photos with a, “Nikon Coolpix P600.” He explained that his, “Mom got it for me.” (Reily Green)(Above) After making edits for a while, Reily explained he wants to start practicing, “With my own photos.” (Reily Green)(Above) When Reily was younger, he learned about photography and practiced, “When I borrowed my friend’s camera.” (Reily Green)(Above) In those two years, one of Reily’s biggest accomplishments as a photographer is, “Probably working for NFL athletes, and making connections with many college athletes from the University of Alabama and Central Florida,” which will follow him into college. (Reily Green)(Above) Reily met other photographers at LHP. He explained, “Connecting with others is super important because it can create more opportunities, the more people you know, because photographers always need help.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Reily chose to focus on sports because, he explained, “As an athlete myself, it was always super cool to get photos, and I wanted to create that experience for fellow athletes.” He explained that, “Recently I’ve worked on commercials, real estate, and brand deals.” (Reily Green)(Above) Reily’s been able to find clients through his friends at school, and on Social media he gained, “More clients and draw in attention from many companies.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Reily plans, “On shooting in college for the University of Alabama’s media team.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Reily explained, “Stay consistent; it’s not about being the best or not the best.” (Emily Cypher)(Above) Reily emphasized that, “Someone can become good at photography,” with consistency alone. (Reily Green)(Above) The most important advice Reily said a new photographer should take is to, “Stick to it.” (Emily Cypher)
Emily Cypher, grade 12, is the Managing Editor of Lake Highland Preparatory School’s award-winning Upper School newspaper, the Twice-Told Tale. Emily is passionate about her role in the community as the President and founder of Crafts of Service, the club she created her Sophomore year to serve different parts of the community. As this is her fourth and final year on staff, her goal for the year is to continue to help developing her peers and creating the best issue yet. Her passion for sports and marketing is what drives her to think outside the box when she approaches her leadership role and inspired her to become the Social Media Manager for three varsity sports on campus: basketball, football, and volleyball. In the future, Emily wishes to continue to pursue her love for marketing at Rollins College and through real-world experiences.
Reily Green is the founder of his Instagram and business 1shot. He has been a professional photographer and videographer for the last two years. Additionally, he is the president of multiple clubs and has a nationally recognized award for community service. Reily has been a student at Lake Highland since Kindergarten and has been an athlete all his life. He was a varsity athlete for football and also participated in basketball. When not at school, Reily enjoys working on his portfolio for camera work and playing basketball. Reily looks forward to his last semester and to providing articles on many different topics.
