Meet Anna Kate Jackson, a junior at Ohio Northern University who has recently discovered her passion for photography. She has dedicated countless hours to exploring the beauty of art, whether it be through music, theater, painting or video storytelling, and photography is one more medium she can add to the list.
As an artist, it was only a matter of time before Anna Kate discovered the beauty of capturing photos. With the assistance of Multimedia Journalism professor Dr. Greg Phipps, she was able to borrow a DSLR camera in August to practice the techniques she had learned in his classes.
“I am a huge fan of all art forms,” said Anna Kate. “I think when you use art, you get to see the world how you want it, and I think that is especially true with photography…whatever you want it to be, you can capture that, and that can be what you see of the world. I just find that moving and beautiful.”
As a Communications and Psychology student, Anna Kate couldn’t help but draw the connections between both of her programs. To her, art is more than just a storytelling method – its freedom of expression is refreshing.
“I think that art is very important in the psychology realm too because it is very therapeutic,” she reflected. “That is why I am so drawn to it, because it is so healing…It is something that you can just grow on.”
Anna Kate has embarked on various adventures since her introduction to photography. She now attends sporting events, goes on photoshoots with friends, and has even acquired several clients. Her digital portfolio is growing and demonstrating the progress she has made since the beginning of the semester.
Starting a new art form is never easy, though, especially when you have a keen attention to detail and an eye for perfection. Despite the frustrating experiences that have come her way, Anna Kate is dedicated to learning from her mistakes and growing in her craft. She looks back on the challenges of her early days with fresh eyes.
“It’s like seeing that growth progress,” Anna Kate reflected. “I started learning more about [photography]. There’s things I know now that I didn’t know in the beginning…That was really cool to me, to see that growth in myself.”
Four months into her photography journey, Anna Kate is growing in confidence when she is behind the camera. She empathizes with artists who are experiencing self-doubt, encouraging them to “just stick with it” and persevere through the bitter moments.
“If you want to do anything revolving art, you just have to do it,” said Anna Kate. “And if you’re not…comfortable in it, eventually you will see that transition and growth in yourself and as a person…You can make some really beautiful things out of the art that you do.”
This article is part of Northern Review‘s Student Highlight series, which features students who are forming new paths and making a difference in ONU the community. Stay tuned as we profile more students who are going above and beyond on campus.