Photography is a class provided at Eureka taught by Mrs. Jessica Esfahani. Photography is beneficial because it helps students foster their creativity develops their voice through art and also promotes self-expression. Zoe Wade, 12, represents this in several ways. Wade is an incredibly gifted photographer appearing in art shows and seeking her future. 

Wade started photography in Mrs. Esfahani’s class and found her creative inspiration. 

“I started doing photography because it was a different creative outlet for me, it allows me to be free and experiment with a digital form of media,” Wade said. 

Wade enjoys all the different things you can do with photography. There are many different styles, forms, and features it brings. Wade enjoys that you can be so creative with it and make whatever you want with all the different options. 

“My favorite part about photography would have to be how freeing it is,” Wade said.  “There are so many different types of photography, and you really can do whatever you want, and make it more you.”

Wade has taken multiple advanced photography classes to grow her skills and talent. These classes range from Photo 1, 2, and 3 along with photo advanced. Wade is now a teacher aid for Mrs. Esfahani and she helps beginners or new kids grow their passion for photography. Wade loves the opportunity these classes have brought her and is planning on making it a career.

“I plan on making this my career,” Wade said.  “I am planning on continuing portrait photography and maybe exploring photojournalism, as I love to tell stories with my photos. Self-portrait photos can be quite the struggle, especially doing them alone. Setting up takes about 30 minutes or so, and it takes a lot of heavy lifting and moving things around. Making sure that my settings are right and the angle and everything looks right can also be an uphill battle, but every career has challenges and the pros of photography definitely outweigh the cons, and being able to express yourself is totally worth it.”

Wade sets up all the photoshoots herself. She creates the idea, sets up the equipment, and even models for herself. Wade is one of the most creative and talented photographers at Eureka. 

“When I set up my self-portrait shoots, I put my camera up on a tripod and flip the screen up so I can see myself or use my phone and the Canon app,” Wade said.  “After that, I put on my makeup and adjust the lighting and pose! It takes a lot of effort, but after a while, I get into it and it gets easier.

Wade has an incredible talent and gift and uses it to help others get to where she is now. She recommends trying it out because it might be something you never knew you would love.

“If you are thinking about photography, just do it,” Wade said. “Don’t be scared to pick up a camera or take a couple of photography classes. Photography is extremely important today, and the more photographers the better.”

Mrs. Esfahani has seen Wade grow in her photography skills over the years and is so proud of how far she has come, especially knowing she contributed to her journey. 

“I have seen Zoe grow so much in photography,” Mrs. Esfahani said.  “She is definitely more confident in what she does and probably does the best self-portraits out of all the students that I have.” 

Mrs. Esfahani appreciates her genuine interest in photography. She focuses and listens really well and is always willing to learn more about the subject. 

“Zoe is always engaged in what she is doing, and she will do her own research just to learn more,” Mrs. Esfahani said.  “She goes above and beyond on each photoshoot to make sure that it’s the most authentic she can get.” 

Wade can take criticism really well. She is always inclined to know how she can improve her skills and never gets upset when people make suggestions. Esfahani also values how Zoe doesn’t think she’s better than anyone but instead encourages her competition. 

“Even when she is stressed or in a rut, she comes to me, we talk, and we look for inspiration out of it, and she always hits it out of the park,” Mrs. Esfahani said.  “Zoe, in general, not just in pictures but as a student, is amazing. She works really hard, she goes above and beyond, and will always help others. She is an amazing mentor and overall good leader, especially with photography.”