Senior Courtlyn Brown won first place, as well as honorable mention in the Give It Your Best Shot Student Photography Contest hosted by Region 7.

Students across the region were encouraged to participate in the Region 7 Education Service Center 2020 Photography Contest. Courtlyn has been pursuing photography since her freshman year in journalism class, following which she chose to be a part of the Reflector Yearbook Staff. She mostly takes pictures at sporting events. Courtlyn has been taking photos at football games since her junior year when she first photographed a football game.

“I love doing all sports, but football would have to be my favorite sport,” Courtlyn said. “I think that is due to the fact there is not just the football at the game but the band, cheerleaders, Bulldog crew, and Hi-Steppers as well.”

This contest was Courtlyn’s first time entering her photos in a competition. There is another contest coming up in the spring that she plans on participating in as well. Photography has been one thing that she has consistently pursued throughout high school.

I think that my favorite thing about

photography is getting to see the end result,” Courtlyn said. “I also love the thought that I have captured so many people’s high school memories while doing something I love.”

Recently, Courtlyn has started practicing photography outside of school. She has done several photo shoots, which she highlights on her work. She photographs couples, seniors, and portrait photo shoots. She features these images through social media. The Instagram account is @ courtlynmaephotography. These are things that she plans to expand and continue doing in the future.

“I take pictures on my own time along with the pictures I take for the yearbook,” Courtlyn said. “I do plan to pursue photography in the future as a hobby and also as a source of income while going to college to become a dental hygienist.”

The contest did not have a limit on how many entries one student had. Courtlyn entered four photos, of which two gained recognition; one earned first place and the second honorable mention.

“I think that the coolest thing about the contest is that there were over 75 entries from students all over our region and I got first,” Courtlyn said.

Journalism teacher and sponsor for both the Reflector and Mirror staffs, Amy Bates encouraged all of her students to participate in the contest.

“I entered the competition to get feedback on my photography, but to also see how other student

photographers were doing this year,” Courtlyn said. “And, also because Mrs. Bates wanted me to.”