Behind the Camera by Aaron

Behind the Camera by Aaron - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

A common misconception is that photographers just press the button. Honestly, I thought the same thing before I started studying at Nashville State Community College to earn my associates degree in Photography. I loved taking pictures growing up. Photography to me is magical. One picture captures a moment in time, forever. Capturing a picture requires a lot more time and thought than one might think.

I have an associates in photography. The hardest class of that program was my final portfolio class. I chose to make my final portfolio on portraits. Taking pictures of people requires a lot of patience, planning, and empathy. Not only are people unpredictable, but also the environment can be as we well. There were shoots that I didn’t factor what the outdoor lighting looked like. I had makeup artists and models show up late to required shoots. I had equipment malfunction or forgotten. During all these inconveniences, I had to pretend everything was going smoothly.

The photographer is the one that runs the show. I not only had to reassure the model but also reassure that the work I was doing was good. While balancing the lighting, I had to pose the model. While framing the shot, I had to make sure my settings needed to be adjusted. If we had a photoshoot in a public area, I had to make sure if we needed any permits. Working as a photographer is definitely a job where you wear seven hats. As a bookkeeper, you keep track of invoices, copyrights, and model release forms. Once the photoshoot is over, you can to edit. This class helped me learn vital multitasking, bookkeeping, editorial, personable, and professional skills. The more prepared I was for a photoshoot, the more serious people took me and my business seriously. These are all skills I utilize to this day.