Maddi Matson models for Moira Neve in a photo that became an honorable mention in an art show. Neve worked hard and her photo skills are starting to be appreciated by more than just her teacher. Photo courtesy of Moira Neve.

Photography is offered in different levels at WJ, at the most basic level, it starts out with taking photos with film. As it slowly transitions to using digital cameras, a student’s love for photography continues to develop. Junior Moira Neve has enjoyed photography ever since Photo 1 and has continued to pursue it. After taking countless photos, her love for photography has grown. With this passion for photography also comes great talent and skill.
“She’s literally always in the photo room,” junior Maddi Matson said of Neve’s ethic. Neve cares about making sure all of her projects are as incredible as possible and is willing to spend a lot of time working on them.
Over the years, Neve has gotten a lot more understanding of the subject of photography and more comfortable with a camera.
“I’ve improved because I see other photographs and I’m honestly so affected by what the artist is doing,” Neve said.
“She’s very ambitious and likes to challenge herself but she has always been pretty talented,” Daniel Kempner, her photography teacher said. While there is no doubt she worked hard, her teacher has always known her ability.
Although her friends are fully aware of how hard she works, Neve owes her knowledge due to inspiration from others. She especially believes that her teacher, Mr. Kempner, has helped her achieve this success.
“My teacher encouraged me to enter one of my photographs into this art show,” Neve said.
Without his support, she never would have received an honorable mention in one of her first showcases of her art. From there it became her favorite piece she’s done. Her friends knew that she could do it.
“I wasn’t surprised at all; she worked so hard on that project,” Matson said. Her constant practicing and ability contributed to her award and found the end result amazing.
“She had natural talent… [and] now she does a lot of background research for her projects,” Matson said.
By doing this, she is able to have a new depth to her photos that may have contributed to her success.
“I’ve learned a lot about composition and having professional technique, which is again thanks to Mr. Kempner for exposing his students to so many artists,” Neve said. Her teacher has helped her with her understanding, but she was born as an able photographer and a hard worker.