A Journey Through Photography with Aaliyah

Transcript

It’s time to meet Aaliyah. She recently graduated from Fullerton College with an associate’s degree in the arts with plans to go back and obtain a second degree in communications. She’s here to tell us how photography changed her life and what the future holds for her at Fullerton College. Aaliyah, take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. Senior of high school, I had no clue where to go to college, let alone my major. As amazing as the school is, I came here, because I didn’t know where else to go. Little did I know that Fullerton College was gonna impact my life in amazing ways. I come from an art-centered family, but before I was a photographer, I grew up as an athlete, so when I picked out my first camera, I knew sports was gonna be my focus. Here at Fullerton, our photography professors really prepare you for the industry of your choosing, because they value your growth and push you to explore new skills. Photography’s an art that takes no fear. Yet, as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, it can be intimidating. Whenever I feel scared, I remember it’s my job to inspire people, to capture individual stories in my own artistic way, to show their talents and who they are as a person. It’s a lot of fun, but a lot of work. Balance is important, so when I’m not shooting or editing, I’m most likely with my friends. We love a group hangout, whether that’s the beach, a courtyard on campus, or multiple rounds of competitive UNO, we just love being together. Fullerton Photography Department has given me experience working with models, doing location shoots, portfolio building, and teaching me how to shoot in its two full studios and state-of-the-art printing lab. Learn the rules like a professional, so you can break them like an artist. I’ve learned my own sense of style, incorporating my creativity in everything that I shoot while sustaining the important rules of what it takes to be a progressing photographer. At Fullerton College, you’ll learn to do both. Back to you, Alex.

– Amazing, Aaliyah. With resources like the photography studio and printing lab, students like you are getting great hands-on experience and it sounds like your professors are there every step of the way. Stay creative, Aaliyah, and thanks for sharing your story.