Ever wonder what it’s like to be right on the border of a football field with a camera in hand? On the field, players sprint, catch, tackle, and dive. The sky is black, the spectators’ cheering magnifies, and the stadium lights are blinding. In the midst of the chaos, a camera shutter clicks and a single frame of the moment is captured. For WHS student photographers Ava Brown (‘26) and Brandon Cho (‘27), photography is more than a hobby; it is a powerful art and medium for creative expression, which has led them to capture and design some of the high school’s most riveting images of athletics and student clubs. As both innovative photographers and entrepreneurs, Brown and Cho share reflections on their journey with photography and impart insight and advice to other WHS students looking to turn their artistic passions into side-hustles.
What first sparked your interest in photography?
Brown: My first interest in photography was in my photography class sophomore year. It allowed me to learn how to use a camera, starting with the basics, and I fell in love with it from there!
Cho: A trip to London before my freshman year. By only using my phone, I was able to capture great images of the unique architecture of the city. There, I learned that photography is something I could excel in with practice and research.
How did you discover and develop your signature style in your work?
Brown: I like to make sure I use diverse angles. It’s better to get multiple different shots rather than hundreds of the same pictures from the same angle.
Cho: Through trial and error, I constantly tried out new photography/editing styles. I used different cameras, gear, and editing software until I found what both my clients and I found to be visually appealing.
What’s been the most challenging part about running a business while being a high school student? How do you deal with balancing your activities and personal life?
Brown: The most challenging part of being a student photographer, especially being a girl, is being taken seriously. Many athletes don’t understand that hours upon hours go into my work, and that’s definitely a struggle. I take hours out of my day to sit through whole games, then I go home to edit the photos for hours as well. This cuts into my time to do homework assignments, as well as balancing a social life and hours of dance.
Cho: Having to deal with the inconsistency when it comes to my work [is the most challenging part about running a business while being a high school student]. For example, some weeks I might be called to go to five events, and other weeks only one. Some weeks, I might be busier with schoolwork and not have time to go to games. With this, I had to put my academics first and learn the importance of doing all my schoolwork before focusing on my business. I get good grades from studying, yet I only get Instagram followers and money from my business.
What other skills did you have to learn to solidify yourself as a legitimate photographer?
Brown: Some skills that I had to learn were definitely navigating an advanced photo editing platform. Adobe platforms can get super complex at times, so I had to develop patience for that. Photography also requires social skills, being able to reach out to or talk to the athletes in person, so I know exactly what kind of pictures they’re looking for.
Cho: I had to learn to be creative with my angles, composition, coloring, and design. My work had to be unique to set myself apart from other photographers. Instead of looking for tutorials or what other people are doing, I had to create my own version of work. Also, making connections with athletes, coaches, and parents is crucial for my work, so I had to learn to be a more outgoing and confident person when communicating with others.
What advice do you have to other WHS students who want to start a business/side-hustle?
Brown: Ask for help! Don’t let your ego get in the way of using the resources accessible to you.
Cho: Do it. If you want to start something, don’t be afraid that it will fail. Be original, put in the work, and commit to what you know you can make. Only then can you stay motivated to push through and be successful in whatever you do.
