CTE Programs: Photo

Samantha Ramirez, Denise Rodriguez, and Daniela Varela
January 11, 2022

Photo 1&2 and Digital Imaging classes are taught by Ms. Ronda Cordova and Ms. Michelle Napoli on the Downey High School campus. Here, students get a chance to express themselves through the art of photography as well as learn employable skills that will aid them in their future careers. These values are especially embodied by Downey High students and winners of the Foot Locker Sneaker Photography Contest: Alejandro Salinas, 12, Brenda Torres, 12, and Megan Sanchez, 12. Students were challenged to put their knowledge to the test through contest entries which allowed them to explore their creativity and apply their technical skills. “Being told that it was a really nice photo and that I should take it [photography] seriously makes me really consider that,” Salinas said. Torres, a Digital Imaging student and second place contest winner, says her favorite part of the course are the assignments, as “there are no wrong answers, you can be creative and do whatever you want.” Torres has determined that she would enjoy pursuing a career in graphic design and has learned valuable skills such as using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, in which she is able to “crop out, change the filter, and coloring of the images.”

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About the Contributors

Samantha Ramirez, Writer

First year staff member Samantha Ramirez, 11, joins The Downey Legend as a writer in hopes of gaining experience in the newsroom. With aspirations of becoming a Multimedia and Explanatory journalist in the future, Ramirez hopes to tackle serious and intimidating topics such as mental health here in her time with The Downey Legend as well as bringing awareness. On campus, Ramirez values her studies as she juggles various AP classes and joins her second semester of CSF. Apart from her analytical persona, she enjoys various hobbies such as drawing, painting, reading, listening to rock music, and even playing the guitar which is a skill she has recently picked up. With a hardworking and determined mindset, Ramirez also believes that it is crucial to always do the best for yourself and put forth work that you feel proud of.

When asked about what she hopes to achieve in the newsroom, Ramirez shares her empathetic and caring perspective on storytelling. “Every story is worth telling,” Ramirez said. “Everyone deserves to be heard regardless of the gravity of the situation.”

Denise Rodriguez, Photographer

After gaining some photography experience during her junior year, Denise Rodriguez, 12, is thrilled to show her skills for this year's Downey Legend Newspaper. Outside of school, Rodriguez loves to spend her time with hobbies such as baking and exercising, as a way to relieve stress and steer clear of negativity. She makes sure to show her determined and caring personality by excelling in the classroom, while also being a supportive person to her friends and family. Photography will always be a large facet of her life, as she continues to use it as self expression and a way to maintain a positive and unique personality.

Rodriguez had been eyeing The Downey Newspaper for quite some time, and decided to join to help incorporate her passion for photography, “I love to express myself with photography by taking shots of anything that catches my eye,” Rodriguez said, “I’m excited to incorporate my work into The Downey Legend Newspaper.”

Daniela Varela, Photographer

With her creativity and artistic personality, Daniela Varela, 12, enters her first year in The Downey Legend Newspaper as a photographer. Varela is a hardworking and determined student who plans to graduate high school with honors then expand her education at a Trade or Art School. She loves to spend time alone doing hobbies like drawing and painting. However, she also loves spending time with her family, dogs, and friends. She uses music and mediation as a way to relieve stress and keep a positive mindset. Varela is excited to be a part of this community and gain more photography skills throughout the year.

“Photography is important to me because it allows me to capture memories I admire,” Varela said.“I'm really passionate about taking photos because it makes me appreciate special moments in life.”