Photo student develops skills at MHCC

 “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

 – Aaron Siskind, noted American photographer   

Art is something that comes in many forms. Some we can see with our eyes, some we can smell, and some we can feel with our hands.

One thing is for sure: Beauty and appreciation are in the eyes of the beholder. What makes art is the ability to create and capture emotion – sometimes pride, sometimes sadness, and sometimes love. It also is said that art, or the artist who creates it, are sometimes so powerful that just looking at a painting or listening to music can bring some individuals to tears.

Discussion of art appreciation brings me to the subject of one of our own, MHCC student Aquilina Larkins, who is majoring in photography and is on her way to earning an associate art degree.

If we talk about creativity or artistic vision, seeing Aquilina’s work has left me speechless, with a medley of intrigue and emotions. I’ve witnessed myself the sheer power of a true artist with their craft, their magic, moving people. The Avengers and the X-men have their super powers; Larkins has her camera.

Besides her studies, she is working as a professional photographer with hopes of opening her own studio. She’s professionally done gigs like portraits for friends and loved ones, weddings, and other festivals, most of her work coming from word-of-mouth. Recently her sports photo made the front page of the Advocate, with rave reviews.

Looking at her wedding or family pictures, you can’t help but feel as if you were there. The joy in the bride’s face is just captivating, for instance. The photos taken of athletes in competition captures the sheer aura of victory that surrounds the winners. As I’ve said before, “Aquilina is Utopia,” a title deriving from the emotion I feel looking at her work. 

 When asked how she produced such captivating pictures, Larkins said she’s been taking pictures since she was in grade school. Fast forward 10 years, and here she is. As for anyone who influenced her photography, she said some YouTube (very little) content, but mostly she self-taught and experienced years of trial-and-error.

“Good things don’t just come to us; we have to make it happen,” is a creed she lives by, she said.

Still, when asked who is the biggest influencer today, she said the person who refined a lot of her skills was Mt. Hood photography instructor David Strohl.

From my viewpoint, the photography program here at MHCC is one of the tops in the region. I’m not talking about the facilities or the equipment – that’s just as good as any other program. I’m referring to the Integrated Media instructors and support staff.

As head of Mt. Hood’s photography faculty, Strohl said, “Our main goal is is to further develop our students’ futures in photography as well as other aspects in life – [since] it’s a competitive market. We teach lighting, sharpening skills, and storytelling.”

To recount Strohl’s own experience and teaching credentials we have to go back 12 years or so. He started teaching at the Art Institute of Austin, Texas then accepted a job at MHCC nine years ago. During his time as a professional photographer his work was recognized by the prestigious Communication Arts group (an organization that recognizes top illustrative and design artists throughout Europe as well as the U.S. and Canada. 

He describes his own artistic values with nouns such as “community” and “celebration.”

Strohl also heads the video content creation section within the photography department.

As for the IM program, he said, “I will teach my students everything about photography and all the unexpected career paths that are available.”

Building off his own experience, “If the student is willing, like Aquilina, I teach them technical skills and creativity [so that] once they’re through the program they will be ready to work as a professional.”

Strohl still has regular art exhibits, which readers are encouraged to judge for themselves. And a simple Integrated Media mantra that leads to success: “Be nice, work hard, and wear the right shoes.”

reporter