Framing the Moment: Student Photography is Capturing Our Attention

Academics
Student Profiles

Judy Callahan, Director of Strategic Communications

Oct 10 2025

Framing the Moment: Student Photography is Capturing Our Attention

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Cassia Mazzella's photograph of a butterfly

Framing the Moment: Student Photography is Capturing Our Attention

Through the lens of a camera, students in the new Photography class are discovering new perspectives and inspiring others to take a closer look.

For Saint Thomas Aquinas junior, Cassia Mazzella, '27 her favorite part about her photographs is how they show the beauty and detail of God's creation. It's difficult to capture the beauty of the natural world in a way that shows its full detail and color. I want others to appreciate the beautiful things God has given us when they see my art.

Art to me is a way to bring the beauty of the world into your life. Whether it's a nature picture, a self-portrait, or a watercolor painting, art is an expressive way for me to appreciate the things around me.

Cassia Mazzella, '27

The butterfly was taken in my front yard one morning. I used the portrait setting on my phone to blur the background and focus on the butterfly. I then used the photo app to up the saturation of the photo to see more of the bright details.

Picture of a Butterfly taken by student, Cassia Mazzella — Photo credit: Cassia Mazzella, '27. Taken with an iPhone.

The macaw was taken at the zoo, and I used the burst photo setting on my phone to get the perfect angle and lighting. After that, I went into Photoshop and used the curve tool to bring out the bird's bright, natural colors.

Picture of two Macaw birds taken by student, Cassia Mazzela — Photo credit: Cassia Mazzella, '27. Kansas City Zoo. Photo taken with an iPhone and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

Cassia is a wonderful student and is showing lots of talent in photography.

Dr. Rebecca Pool, Photography, Graphic Design, Drawing

Sophomore Lucas Winkler, '28 finds his inspiration in nature. The sunset at Prairie Dunes always strikes me as one of the most beautiful things. One of the best golf courses in the nation, it's evident that nature is always present.

Art is expression. You can not do art wrong if you try your best. Art shows your point of view. It gives you a chance to show what you care about. You are the storyteller.

Lucas Winkler, '28

I like how beautiful the colors of the sunset are as well as the focus on the yucca plant, their signature plant. It means that beauty is everywhere you look. It is outside, inside, and all around in nature. This photo highlights the desert nature of the course, as well as its hidden beauty.

Photo of the sunset by Lucas Winkler, '28 — Photo credit: Lucas Winkler, '28. Prairie Dunes Golf Course, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Lucas is an outstanding student leader and great photographer.

Dr. Rebecca Pool, Photography, Graphic Design, Drawing

This beginner class is open to students in grades 9-12 and is a fun way to learn both the art and the skills behind taking great pictures. It’s an elective credit for Fine Arts and is perfect for students who want to tell stories through photos.

For course details and additional Fine Arts options:
Download the list and description of our Fine and Performing Arts courses.