Attending Prom is a highlight for many international students on the PSE high school program. Since it doesn’t exist in other countries, our students anticipate it with great enthusiasm.
Dahye from South Korea, known as “Emma” to her friends and family here in America, was thrilled not only to attend prom, but asked to be the official school prom photographer. “I was very surprised but also very happy to be given the opportunity to take pictures of my friends,” she shares.
Emma’s affinity for photography started long before she came to the US – it has been a passion of hers since childhood, and one she shares with her father. “I remember my dad always carrying a camera and taking pictures and videos of my family.”
At the end of 2021, Emma was invited to work with a professional photographer who taught her how to take high quality pictures at concerts and events. She also had the opportunity to work with her uncle, a concert planning manager, which provided her with hands-on experience taking professional concert photos.
Her Local Coordinator, Lacey, describes Emma as very observant. “She takes in her surroundings and while she may appear shy, when she shares her thoughts, feelings, or opinions, you get a sense of her intellect and fantastic personality. I think her observation is what helps her capture the most dynamic moments with her photography. She has a way of observing her surroundings and knowing exactly when to click the camera to capture beautiful moments.”
“I really enjoy capturing the moments of people dancing and smiling. We forget many of our memories and how we felt at the time. I like to capture the atmosphere and emotions in my photographs.” – Emma
Leticia Sowers, Dean of Students at Emma’s school, shares, “Throughout the school year, Emma has consistently showcased her remarkable photography skills. Whether she was capturing the excitement of football games on the sidelines or actively contributing to the yearbook class and staff, her dedication and passion for photography were evident. Therefore, when prom planning was in its early stages, it was an obvious choice to approach Emma and request her services as our photographer. She graciously accepted, and from that moment, she proactively engaged in preparations to ensure the seamless execution of her role.”
Emma admits that she was nervous because it was her first time taking pictures at this type of event. She did everything she could to be successful. She recalls, “To ensure taking pretty pictures for my friends, I went to the location in advance, took pictures, and adjusted the camera. To take a picture without ruining the prom, I used a lens that had an aperture to zoom in and out, not a close-up lens.”
When she first arrived at the prom, Emma remembers how she felt the pressure of excelling in her role as photographer. Emma explains that although feelings of nervousness crept in, she maintained composure and enjoyed the event. Soon after, her worries subsided, and she had the time of her life. “It was amazing! My friends were dressed up and looked so nice. I enjoyed the party and took pictures of my friends and teachers.”
Leticia shares, “Emma played a pivotal role in making this prom a memorable occasion by serving as our talented photographer. Her exceptional work captured the essence of the evening. The theme for the evening was ‘Tropical Getaway,’ and Emma’s photographs beautifully captured the exuberant interactions between students, the rejuvenated spirits of teachers, and the breathtaking performances by the Hawaiian Fire Dancers. We, at Pinewood, deeply appreciate Emma’s contributions through her exceptional photography skills and the overall value she adds to our school community.”
Emma greatly enjoyed her role as the prom photographer. She shares, “This is an unforgettable memory for me as an international student in America. I was so thankful that I could take pictures of my friends who were having so much fun. I had a lot of friends who asked me for pictures!”
Lacey closes with this message:
“I absolutely adore Emma. She is incredibly determined to succeed academically, but she balances that with discovering who she is and pursues interests outside of just schoolwork. From photography, to Robotics, to the Math Team, and an interest in tennis and golf, Emma is very well rounded and so much fun to be with. Emma’s future is incredibly bright and promising!”
Written by Flo Webb; Edited by Lauren Lunt