Matthew Palencia, a Downey Legend photographer who is 18 years old joined Downey’s newspaper to experience a class that’s also an activity, get more into photographing, and to overcome his shyness. Palencia is fascinated how taking a picture captures emotions in that moment. “ Really did I take that? No I didn’t take that? That’s not going to happen again.” Is what he says when he takes an amazing picture. Palenica met a Columbian man who was in love with capturing pictures. The man inspired him and showed him many things about capturing beautiful and meaning pictures.

During his free time, Palencia likes to play soccer with his family and friends. He does not take the game seriously; he just plays for fun and to bond with his family. His favorite foods are chicken and cheeseburgers. Palencia loves dogs; he has a poodle that’s 2 years old. When Matthew graduates this year, his goals are to go to a community college then into a university to major in photography. Palencia hopes to accomplish his goals on being a photographer.