Oct. 31 marked the final day for photographers to submit their photos to the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) Fall Photo Contest. It invites beginning and advanced photographers to enter a variety of categories for a chance to be recognized for their works. Photography teacher Katy Dougharty had several students enter, including senior Brandon Hatley. 

“I thought I could maybe have a chance at winning, and my friends told me that I had some really good photos,” Hatley said. “I thought I might as well enter and see where it goes. I also entered the ATPI contest last year, but I didn’t win anything significant. Hopefully this year changes.”

Hatley was inspired to become a photographer by photojournalism teacher Jamie Ray, and he’s enjoyed being behind the camera for almost three years.

“I like the fact that every photo you take, you basically freeze time, and that’s what’s going to live forever,” Hatley said. “That’s going to be a moment in history that you took. You get to capture different memories from different people and different perspectives.”

Junior Christina Morales is another one of Dougharty’s students that’s entering the ATPI Fall Photo Contest. 

“I entered like six photos,” Morales said. “I think I’m most excited about advertising. It’s a new category I’m entering. I’ve never dealt with advertising, so taking a photo and getting really positive results from my classmates.”

Morales has enjoyed being a photography student for three years and appreciates Dougharty for inviting her to join the photography class.

“It’s not a very structured class where we have to do certain things,” Morales said. “Ms. Dougharty gives us ideas, and whichever way, we run with it. There are so many possibilities. The way a photographer looks at a photo is not ‘what am I looking at?’, it’s ‘what can I do with it?’”

It’s taken a lot of practice, but Morales feels confident in her entries for the contest.

“I entered last year, but it was my second year of photography, so obviously the photos weren’t that strong,” Morales said. “We spend a lot of time on our photos, whether it may look like that or not. Getting recognized and appreciated is really worth it.”

As Hatley and Morales eagerly await the results to be announced, Morales gives some words of wisdom to upcoming photographers and anyone who may want to enter next year. 

“You always want to inspire people,” Morales said. “A picture is worth a million words. It’s true. You want somebody to look at your photo and think ‘how does this make me feel. This makes me feel something. This makes me feel weird. This makes me feel different.’ That’s always the goal when taking a photo, is to get that reaction.”