EKU’s Emma Watson works her magic behind the camera lens to capture stunning photographs of the Campus Beautiful. The sophomore studying elementary education has been working as a student photographer, alongside University Photographer Carsen Bryant, for a little over a year.
“Photography is something I have always been interested in. There are so many things you can do with a camera, and I wanted to advance my skills,” said Watson.
Watson plans to become an elementary school science teacher upon graduation. The student photographer position has helped her prepare and gain skills for her future career.
“This position requires a lot of independent work, along with a good eye for detail, which is beneficial to any career path. I have gained so much experience from going to events and learning about and handling equipment—things I had never worked with before, especially not on my own,” said Watson.
Her typical day consists of attending classes and then grabbing a quick lunch before she goes to work. She’ll either walk around the Campus Beautiful to capture photos or cover photography for campus events. She also edits the photos she takes before sending them to Bryant.
“Watching her from her first semester to her third, I’ve seen her grow as a photographer. She’s very reliable and dependable and her skills have gone through the roof,” said Bryant.
If you follow EKU’s social media accounts, you’ve likely seen some of Watson’s photography. On March 10, 2023, the photos posted to Facebook (Eastern Kentucky University) and Instagram (@easternkentuckyu) about the upcoming spring break were taken and edited by Watson.
“My proudest moments are any time my photos get used for social media. It’s very rewarding to see my work being utilized by the university,” said Watson.
Watson hopes to achieve more confidence and continue to grow her skills in photography and editing while working with the Communications and Brand Management team.
As the School of Opportunity and Employer of Choice, EKU offers a wide variety of student employment positions, providing students with valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Those interested in a student photographer position at EKU can find more details and apply online. Learn more about all student employment opportunities.
By Christian Bustos
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