It’s not new to hear about young adults starting up million dollar companies or being on television. Back in 2011, alumni Bella Weems decidedly started a company from scratch in her own kitchen, according to her website Origami Owl, and has been in business since she was 14 years-old. Recent graduate of last year, Ariel Becker is running her own Youtube channel with a current 14,406 subscriber status.

Creators on campus have been recognized locally and nationally, and photographers are no exception of student talent that have been noticed.

Senior Aubree Checketts is a self-made photographer that offers photography packages online as well of albums of her work for the public to view.

“I took my first photography class at school my sophomore year and I had already found the camera and I wanted to learn how to use it,” Checketts said, “I love taking pictures for people and seeing how happy they are once they get them.”

These positive reactions convinced Checketts to start her own website for fun and for a little extra money on the side.

Other autonomous photographers such as Everett Milloy, also a senior, do not have an official website up but rather a trendy, well-known standing on social media. Milloy also brings attention to his work due to his commitment of using film, not digital.

“I feel like it’s [film] real photography, it’s the most vulnerable you can be with your photos and as close as you can get with your photos,” Milloy said.

Milloy’s inspiration comes from “those who came before him” and knowing he made his mark on the earth.

Still younger creators in the practice are still unsure of where the hobby will take them. Junior Hannah Fitzgerald takes photo that document fun times with her friends.

“I feel like it’s a good way to express myself and you can twist things and make it your own

It really can portray you as a person,” Fitzgerald said.

According to Fitzgerald, her photography is currently just for fun and she hasn’t thought of turning her passion into a profit. Fitzgerald calls her hobby “a safe place” and knows that her photographing will continue to be a secure environment to show her true self.

Being the face of a business or organization comes with immense responsibility and pressure to get the right look. For now, these photographers who shoot part time are focused on making their art and making their mark.