I Thought We Were Just Going to Sit Around

By Kelsee Ford

I think I can speak for everybody that at first we were shy and quiet, but by the first Friday, none of us could be quiet. On the Thursday of the first week, I got the chance to have a hands-on experience with Jackson Free Press photographer Imani Khayyam while taking headshot photos for other YMP students. You can’t learn if you come in thinking you already know everything. I knew a little bit about photography before the program, but in that one day I learned about simple camera control. I learned about angle and position. For example, he said to leave space above the head because you can always crop in, but not out. 
 
One big thing that I’ve learned is how to be open about other’s ideas and how to present a problem. Before, I didn’t ask them “why do you think that?” or “why do you feel that way?” I’d just disagree or agree in my head. I’ve always liked listening to everyone else’s ideas, but now I know why I do it. Ms. Donna talked to us and told us “you’re not always right.” So now, I know how far to take questions on a particular subject.
 
To be honest, I thought we were just going to sit around and be taught but not get to actually know how to do it. I was completely wrong; we got to pick our own “house,” but we are also in the other houses as well.  So, I am grateful to have this hands-on experience, get to meet new people, and get to communicate with different personalities. 
 
The video group brainstormed on an idea for while, and we finally came up with one. That idea was “How LGBT Teens Feel About HB 1523.” I really can”t wait to interview the teens our group has selected. I’m ready to get behind the camera or get to interview the interviewees.

---