Photography is the art of taking and processing photographs, for the photo students of Wayne Hills, they finally had a chance to give the Photography program their well-deserved spotlight.

The photo students of WHHS were given the opportunity to bring their art to life at the first ever Wayne Hills Photo Gallery. Held in the commons, the students proudly displayed their work out to view. Legally, student artwork was not allowed to be purchased so the artwork was given to those that donated as a thank you gift.

Senior Isabelle Wilders is a fourth-year photo student that aspires to major in photography in college and then have her own freelance production company, Wilders was, in fact, the brains behind the operation and went to photo teacher Pam Stomel with her idea to host a photo gallery.

When asked how she came up with the idea Wilders replied with this, “One of my friends at camp had a photo gallery and I have been in love with this program since I stepped foot into the classroom, I talked to Ms. Stomel about it and she was totally for it.” Four years ago Wilders found herself accidentally placed into a photo class, and the rest is history.

Upon finding out the gallery was a go, both Stomel and her students shared the similar goals of wanting to get exposure for not only the photo program but the photographers themselves. Simply experiencing the gallery made a long-lasting impact on the students and viewers, walking into the room one could feel a sense of both pride and passion.

The night brought appreciation for all of the students and their unique art, and the program also received $1300 from donations and are putting it towards buying new equipment.

When talking to these students, it is evident that photography acts as a middle ground and truly is a one size fits all, the photographers just happen to wear things differently. Students were able to express their love for nature, capturing human emotion, or even the essence of fashion through their photographs.

Luca Varano is a junior at Wayne Hills and plans for his future to be in high fashion photography, “I love high fashion and I love brands and being able to take pictures of other peoples creations, working with other designers is like making my own art out of their art.”

This program acting as an outlet for the students to put their emotions into, and even for those not planning to be photographers will keep photography in their lives.

“Photo taught me how to be more creative and has made me more social,” said senior Jackie Anevski, “Now I talk about my work and get myself out there”

Anevski does not plan on majoring in photography but does plan on keeping the WHHS photo program close to her heart, either doing photography as a side job or keeping it as a hobby in her adult life. 

“My biggest inspiration to keep going is definitely Ms. Stomel,” Wilders said, “She has been through thick and thin with me, she has always helped me through absolutely everything and she is my role model”

Stomel is easily inspired in photography due to the tremendous talent of her students and a little push from mentors in her past. She began photography at WHHS when her mother criticized her pictures and told her to take a photo class, from there she fell in love.

“It started with Mr. Ryersen being my inspiration and just wanting to make him proud and now it’s my students,” said Stomel, “I look at the work my students produce and I’m just in awe, their passion, their creativity, they pour so much energy into creating outstanding images.”

The Mr. Ryersen Stomel refers to was her photography teacher when she attended Wayne Hills and also the reason she quit her corporate job. Ryersen sadly passed away and Stomel decided to try her hand at teaching in hopes of moving the photography program forward in his honor.

Even though she is the teacher, Stomel has also learned a few things while working at Wayne Hills, “Never underestimate anybody, the quietest freshman that’s so afraid to come out of their shell could end up being the most motivational senior. Everyone just needs to find their voice.”

Stomel and the photo students welcome any new people interested in learning more about photography and plan to showcase their work through annual galleries to come, and will continue to inspire us all.