Seven Brownwood High School (BHS) Photography students recently traveled to Arlington, TX to participate in the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) Winter Conference. BHS students that participated in the trip were junior Photo 2 students Krysta Franks, Kenna Ellis, Kacey Quiroga, Brenley Duncan, Adyson Duke, Kirsten Fijer and Janiva Fuentes.

The ATPI Self Portrait Contest, held annually in early February, serves as a cornerstone of the Photo 1 and Photo 2 curriculum. “We practice using tripods, self-timers, and apps that control the camera from the phone,” said Photography teacher Mrs. Heather Nix. “We talk about lighting and storytelling, and these students knocked it out of the park!” Photo 1 students plan and execute five self-portraits at school, while Photo 2 students create five, including two outside of school. “It really is a great time, getting to see all the fun and creative ideas they have,” Mrs. Nix added. “The two weeks are a collaborative effort with everyone in the class—we’re all bouncing ideas around and helping each other. It’s quite a treat to see, and I am so incredibly proud of each kid who does this project. It’s not easy to be in front of the camera! There were so many wonderful images created!”

Students earned the following results and honors at the contest:

Easton Judkins – Superior

Joniyah Ford – Superior

Tell Tyson – Excellent

Easton Judkins – Honorable Mention

Kirsten Fijer – Honorable Mention

Macallister Long – Honorable Mention

In addition, Photography teacher Mrs. Nix and student Kirsten Fijer teamed up to take 2nd Place in the Environmental Portrait Faculty Contest.

A gallery featuring BHS ATPI Self-Portrait Contest entries is available to view at https://bhsmediacrew.smugmug.com/Brownwood-High-School/24-25-ATPI-Self-Portrait-Contest-Entries.