Behind the Lens: A Student Photographer Capturing the Moment

For many students, Friday night lights means cheering from the stands in the student section. For Junior student photographer, Jacoby Brown, it means standing on the sidelines, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect shot.

Brown began taking photos in January 2025 after being inspired by photography teacher Mr. DiStefano after meeting him in his Intro to Communications class his sophomore year. Now, you can find him at nearly every sports game, with a media pass, and camera. “Mr. DiStefano’s amazing teaching inspired me to get into photography, I look up to him and can always count on him to be there if I need help.”

“I think he’s a great example of what I strived to be while in high school; he shoots everything, and is better than I was at that age. I’m so proud of him” Mr. Distefano shared.

Since starting photography, it has become more than just a hobby to him. It had turned into a passion, especially when it comes to sports. “I love capturing the action and emotion because it tells a story of its own,” Brown said.

Using a Sony A6000, Brown has found more confidence behind the lens. After switching from Canon to Sony, he has notice major improvement in his work. “Switching really took my photography to another level,” Brown said.

Balancing photography and school can be challenging to a junior in high school while trying to stay on top of school. Sporting events can take up to two hours, leaving minimal time for homework. “I have to get my schoolwork done during the day and take care of other responsibilities after school before going to sports events,” Brown explained. Photography has its way of teaching students the importance of time management, and putting school first.

Although it may become difficult, with different settings and limited material, the rewards of photography make it all worth it in the end, outweighing the challenges he faces. “The most rewarding part is when students or athletes see my photos and feel proud of themselves. It feels good knowing I’m capturing memories people will look back on,” Brown said.

Looking ahead to the future, Brown hopes to continue photography beyond the walls of Morgan. He plans to major in sport journalism and would love to photograph college sports at schools like University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, or Central Connecticut State University. While his college choice is still undecided, he is certain on his path.

For students interested in photography, Brown encourages students to start now. He offers simple advice, “don’t do too much. Stick to the fundamentals.”

Whether it’s a game winning play, or capturing raw emotion on the sidelines, Brown continues to tell powerful stories through each photo he takes behind the lens, one photo at a time.

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