What’s behind it all
Indiana sophomore captures the moment.
15 years old with a broad outlook on life, Carroll High School sophomore Lilly Essex spends her time watching true crime, involved in musical theater, reading books, and listening to podcasts. She is consistently eager for more information and looks for a deeper meaning behind it all.
Essex finds as she is growing up, she not only looks at something, but wants to see why it is the way it is. “ ‘Capture the moment’ fits [in my life] because I try to see the bigger picture, see what is behind it,” Essex said.
At her job, she’s reminded frequently of this “capturing the moment” feeling. Working as a receptionist at the D.O MCombs and Sons Funeral home, she sees many walks of life come to an end, and notices how life is so short, and memories are precious. When she began high school, she fell in love with journalism and specifically photography, wanting to share other people’s stories and capture their moments. Essex believes there is more behind a picture than what meets the eye.
“My favorite type of photos to take are, let’s say a basketball game. Instead of taking photos of the players, I take photos of the people in the stands,” Essex said. “Seeing people happy, photos that will give someone a memory, not just take a picture.”
Recalling on her own personality, Essex says “I’m a chameleon in most spaces, I can blend in with any crowd.” She can fit in easily and talk with others smoothly, yet her voice may get lost among others. Wanting to prevent them from feeling lost, she seeks out stories that may not be heard or people who aren’t the loudest.
Everyone has a story behind closed doors. A picture isn’t just a photo, it’s a memory, a moment.