By Dana Sternthal
Staff Writer
Photographers have the special ability to capture a unique and special moment with one click of their index fingers. A fervent passion for photography is what drives sophomore Avery Ward and senior Lexy Cummings toward success in their photography businesses.
Due to her passion for philanthropy and photography, Ward created the Bella Foundation, a program that does volunteer projects associated with photography, earlier this year.
“With all the volunteering I was doing, I wanted to feel a more personal connection with those I was helping,” Ward said.
The Bella Foundation consists of Da Vinci Design School sophomore Alicia Schomer and freshman Becca Schomer, Pacific Palisades sophomore Annaleise Snowhook and Ward.
“I knew that getting to choose our own community service projects would be really rewarding,” Alicia Schomer said.
The foundation’s first event took place at the Richstone Family Center in Hawthorne, where foundation members took around 10 family portraits for those who could not afford to pay for them.
“I loved seeing how happy everyone was when they got their picture taken,” Schomer said. “It feels good to do this for them.”
Similar to Ward, Cummings has discovered her passion for photography, which led her to start her own photography business. Cummings sets up photo shoots and edits pictures for her clients.
“I began taking pictures in eighth grade when I got my first digital camera,” Cummings said. “I started my business after I got great and supportive feedback from family and friends.”
Cummings has done over 20 photoshoots for individual clients, including wedding photos, couples’ pictures, senior portraits and family Christmas cards.
According to both Cummings and Ward, photography is a medium of self-expression that has heavily influenced their lives.
“I love capturing the perfect shot when I am taking pictures,” Cummings said. “I am so happy I have found my passion in photography. My art form has really enhanced my life, and I could not be happier.”
Leave a Reply