PASSION TO SKILL
Years ago, I was filtering through old SD cards and stumbled upon a photo of myself taking a mirror selfie. Based on the surroundings and cross-referencing with other childhood pictures, I appeared to be around the age of four. I believe that moment ignited my passion for the art of photography.
I've always been fascinated with photography. Reflecting on long car rides or family vacations, I always felt the obligation to document the experience through photographs. Using my shallow knowledge of the rule of thirds and my iPhone, I composed images, experimenting with different angles and lighting techniques until I was satisfied with the result.
It wasn't until November of 2022 that I picked up my first DSLR. It was an old family camera purchased many years prior, sat unused, collecting dust in my bedroom closet. Initially, it was intimidating not knowing how to use such a sophisticated machine.
I persevered through hours of YouTube videos, forums, and articles to not only learn how to use the camera but also to deepen my photography knowledge. People are often impressed to hear that I am completely self-taught. Photography is a continuous learning experience, driven by my passion and a desire to improve continuously, I've never given up on myself to get to where I am today.
To me, a camera is one of my most valuable tools. Whether it's my DSLR or the camera on the back of my phone, the camera freezes a moment in time to create a timeless piece of art. With the precise combination of luck, skill, and knowledge, these images can remain as fragments of time, uniquely mine.
Hello reader, my name is Matthew Ramirez and I am a photographer.
I am 16 years old and a junior at Strath Haven High School. I am the Managing Editor of Web and a photographer for the student-led newspaper of Strath Haven High School, The Panther Press. Among other commitments at my high school, I am the photojournalist-in-chief for the 2024 Strath Haven Panther Marching Band season and a member of the Haven Yearbook.
I also work as a stringer photographer for The Swarthmorean.