Senior Amber Murphy has been snapping pictures since the age of 8. She decided she wanted to see how well she would do in a class, so she took up photography at Urbana High School taught by photography teacher, Michael Heller.

Hawkeye Reporter: What photography class are you in?

Amber Murphy: I’m in photo 3.

HR: What made you want to take the photography class here at UHS?

AM: I was entering photographs in the Frederick Fair and I was placing pretty well, so I wanted to see how I would do in a class.

HR: Did any project in particular inspire you to want to take another photography class?

AM: The Photography 1 projects were limited, so I wanted to be able to have more freedom in what I was doing.

HR: What type of photography are you interested in? Why?

AM: Landscape, because it’s outside, and also black and white because it shows the simplicity of everything.

HR: What kind of camera have you been using?

AM: I’ve used a point and shoot camera and a 35 millimeter.

HR: Do you have plans to do something involving photography in the future? If so, for what?

AM: A couple college classes, but I might incorporate photography into my major.

HR: How long have you been interested in photography?

AM: Since I was 8 years old. I got a camera and was addicted to it, as cheesy as it sounds.

HR: Do you share your photography anywhere? If so, where?

AM: I share my photos at the Frederick Fair and take pictures of shows around the state.

HR: What is your favorite thing about photography?

AM: The fact that the art is real, and that what I’m working with is there and not a re-creation.

HR: What is your favorite piece of work that you have photographed?

AM: My landscape photos and this one photo I have with a river in it.

HR: Do you have any goals to achieve by the end of this year?

AM: I want to try to get a six on my AP Portfolios.

HR: Who inspired you?

AM: Heller. Where do I start? He’s a guy that you’ll feel comfortable asking questions and he’ll help you fix any problems you come across. When I walk in, it doesn’t feel like he’s a teacher, he’s become sort of like a mentor.