I’m Melanie Burns, an elementary education major entering my senior year. While my focus is on teaching, my passion for photography has always been an important part of who I am. I’ve always loved capturing moments, whether through my camera or phone, and I like to think I have a "creative eye" for it.

To me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about capturing special moments and preserving memories that I can look back on. I have always been the person to ask to stop and take a picture, whether its asking to pull over to capture a landscape shot, walking to the beach to take a photo of the sunset or getting everyone together for a group picture. While some believe constantly taking photos may take away from living in the moment, I find that it allows me to relive happy memories, reflect on past experiences, and hold onto special moments that bring happiness in times when I, or others need them most. Through my photography, I hope to share a glimpse of the world through my eyes!

About Mel

Course Goals

  • I want to learn more about the different aspects of photography, such as lighting, composition, and editing in order to improve the quality of the pictures.

  • I want to explore the creative and emotional side of photography, learning to show different types of feelings through photography.

  • I hope to improve my photos through editing, learning how to use software tools s and create polished, professional looking images.

  • Whether it’s my DSLR, my phone, or a point and shoot camera, I want to master how to get the best results from different types of cameras and equipment.

  • By the end of the course, I aim to have a portfolio showcasing my growth as a photographer, including different types of shots and styles I’ve explored throughout the class.