Caleb Bowman, 16, a junior at Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe, was selected from among 180 entries from high school students as the Schack Art Center’s grand prize winner for black-and-white photography for his photograph, “Complexion.”
Question: How long have you been interested in photography?
Answer: It’s kind of complicated. I’ve always had a big love for photography, but I didn’t have the money or resources to pursue it to until a year or two ago when I got my first camera at school. Before that I was using an iPhone, actually.
Q: What brand is your camera?
A: A Canon. After I bought my camera, that’s when I started to pursue it more. You get fired up when you buy something new. I started taking pictures whenever I could.
Q: What’s helped you along the way?
A: I have a friend in Florida and he’s going to college for film. Before he left he was a photographer. He would do small shoots, senior photos and homecoming photos. He would invite me along to get more experience and take pictures with him.
After I became better, I started volunteering at my local church as a photographer. Then I joined the photography class at my school.
Q: Can you tell me a little about the person in the winning photograph?
A: It’s Annabelle Bowman.
Q: How old is she?
A: She’s my twin. We’re both 16 and turning 17 in May.
Q: Can you talk a little about the photo?
A: It was a project we did for our school. We were assigned to do a black-and-white photo and you had to enter them in the Schack art contest.
I knew almost immediately that I wanted it to be a portrait. She’s been a model for me when I needed it. She was my first choice. We did laughing faces, serious faces and the one I picked out was a serious face. I loved the way it turned out and decided to enter that one.
Q: What was your reaction to getting the grand prize?
A: I was pretty stunned to be completely honest.
Q: Have you gone to Sky Valley Education Center for all your high school years?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you involved with extracurricular activities?
A: Not too much. Most of the time that I spend outside of school is volunteering at my local church.
Q: What church is that?
A: The Rock Church in Monroe.
Q: What’s your favorite class other than photography?
A: Archery. That’s a lot of fun. Every Friday I come in an hour early and help set up the archery range, being the teacher’s assistant.
Q: What are your plans after graduating from high school?
A: I know I want to go to college for some sort of video photography major. I’m looking into a couple of schools that are local. The Art Institute of Seattle I’m giving a lot of thought to.
Q: Movies, music or reading; what are you favorites?
A: I do like reading, but my reading habits are a little different than people my age. I like more classic literature like F. Scott Fitzgerald, H.G. Wells, also Earnest Hemmingway.
Q: Any particular books?
A: I really liked “The Old Man and the Sea,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “Farewell to Arms.”
Q: What have been the major influences in your life?
A: Definitely my teacher, Susanna Jones. Ryan Green at my local church. Riley Woods, one of my best friends and a photographer as well.
My father, Charles, he’s also interested in photography. We like to go on hikes and take photos. A couple years back I did Mount St. Helens with a mentor of mine, Trevor Berg. He’s always kept that adventurous spirits alive in me.
Q: Any advice for fellow students?
A: I’d say just learn as much as possible. Never be afraid to push yourself. That’s what my teacher has helped me with, high standards for myself. It’s made me a better photographer.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com
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