May 19, 2022
By Kylee Singh
Staff Writer
Twelve students from Mrs. Huntington’s Principles of Business: Promotion classes earned a total of 15 awards in a high school photography competition organized by the Ocean County Camera Club, and six students are moving on to the Photographic Society of America photo contest to compete at the international level.
LHS students, whose photography was selected by faculty and staff, competed against over 20 public and private high schools across the state. They will now compete with students from other states and countries.
“Year after year, I am so impressed with the creativity and accomplishments of our amazing students with this project,” Huntington said.
The OCCC oversaw six categories of competition: architecture, color photographer’s choice, land/seascapes, monochrome photographer’s choice, people/animals and photojournalism.
Huntington said the biggest challenge for the students was deciding which photos to submit based on the judges’ criteria.
“Judges look for the ability to be drawn into a photo and what story the photo tells,” Huntington said.
Huntington said this year sets itself apart from others because six students will be moving on to the international level, which is the most LHS students to ever compete at this level.
“I feel like a proud mom,¨ Huntington said. “I am excited and very thrilled for their recognition and amazing photos.”
“[People] move so fast that capturing a specific moment in time can remind us that there is so much more to experience.”
Sophomore Ava Gonzalez, who won an OCCC award for her photo titled “Bright Skies Ahead,” said she enjoys taking photos of the scenes around her.
“[People] move so fast that capturing a specific moment in time can remind us that there is so much more to experience,” Gonzalez said.
She said she has benefitted from learning about photo composition and Adobe Photoshop in Huntington’s half-year elective course.
“She taught us how capturing different scenes, whether that be of people, architecture, landscapes or even food… make[s] it more visually appealing depending on the background or angle of the photo,” Gonzalez said.
She said contests like the one hosted by the OCCC, give students an opportunity to push their creative abilities.
“A photo can be interpreted differently depending on the person,” Gonzalez said. “While [a photo] may seem straightforward, it could actually have a lot of depth and detail.”
Junior Aidan Fairchild-Sandoval, who won an OCCC award and will go on to compete internationally, said he enjoys taking photos that reflect the beauty in the world.
He took his award-winning photo titled “Roundabout” at the Lyndhurst Municipal Park under a play structure.
“[My photo] was in worm’s-eye view, and the photo showcased the intricate structure as well as a cloudy blue sky behind it,” Fairchild-Sandoval said.
He said judges value unique photos that communicate a story and reflect personality.
Fairchild-Sandoval said he is glad LHS students are able to participate in photography competitions because it gives them a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to take more photos.
“[I am inspired] to want to take photos so it can be shared by others and not just seen by myself,” said Fairchild-Sandoval.
"Endless Queue" by Cecilia Valdez, OCCC 3rd place in photojournalism, selected for PSA contest
