PHS student photographer in the national spotlight

By Lydia Beers

PLYMOUTH — Lindsey Downs, a junior at Plymouth High School, was taking photos for the yearbook at the first home football game when she witnessed a touching moment.

“It was senior night, and I decided to take photos of everything,” said Downs, who is the yearbook’s assistant editor.

One photo she took, of a player pausing to talk with a small fan, won an honorable mention in the 2011 photo contest sponsored by Jostens and Wolfe’s Camera. The annual contest rewards exceptional work by student photographers in the nation.

Downs submitted seven of her photos to the contest. She said that she knew the winning photo stood out from the others she took during the game, and believes that it tells a powerful story.

“(The photo) shows a different side of football, that there is more to the game than the players and the plays,” said Downs.

Downs’ photo stood out to the judges from more than 6,000 submitted by students nationwide. The photos were judged on composition, artistic merit, technical qualities, and the ability to convey a compelling story. Only 114 winners were selected from all the entries submitted.

Downs has been taking photos since elementary school, and she said that she plans to continue with photography — at least as a hobby, if not as a career. Downs also participates in National Honor Society and French Club, throws shot put and discus on the girls track team, and is a nine year member of the Green Acres 4-H Club.

“Jostens is honored to recognize the artistic talents of student photographers and their ability to capture important school experiences and traditions through the lenses of their cameras,” said Gary Lundgren, Jostens’ senior program manager/education. “Our photo contest allows students to personalize, share, and remember school experiences through sophisticated, high quality photography. Many of the submitted photos will help tell their school story as part of the yearbook.”

Downs’ winning photograph, along with all the other winning photographs from the 2011 Photo Contest, was announced on Facebook and featured on the Jostens.com Web site. These photos will also be featured in the 2011 issue of the Jostens Gotcha Covered Look Book, a popular resource for yearbook advisers and staffs seeking creative ideas, trends, and inspiration.

Story reprinted with permission of The Pilot News.