Student photographer Andres Alas ’25 navigates his camera as he attempts to capture the perfect angle. Each click of the camera’s shutter freezes moments in time, preserving the intricate details of his subject. Through the lens, he weaves a visual narrative. One of the recipients of the Gold Key for photography in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, Alas said photography serves as both an escape from school-induced stress and a means of delivering a positive message to others.
“My photography serves as a distraction from the challenges of my academic life and allows me to immerse myself in an environment where those struggles can fade,” Alas said. “I want to capture the beauty of the world around me and convey a sense of joy and happiness through my photos.”
Alas said his creations remain fluid and demand meticulous assessment and reflection.
“Photography is a powerful form of art that accurately captures fleeting moments in time,” Alas said. “Oftentimes, my work develops as I go. I like to continue to work with a photo and gain ideas [from] mistakes I might have made.”
Alas said he begins to brainstorm ideas through utilizing word associations thinking of the first terms or phrases that come to his mind on a given topic.
“When presented with a prompt, I typically find it [easiest] to concentrate on my first initial [word] associations with [the prompt] and build off of those,” Alas said.
Alas said a recurring theme in his photographs is the use of unique perspectives to create the sensation of an outsider.
“I often capture photos that convey the sensation of being an outsider looking into detailed situations [by using] varying perspectives,” Alas said. “My photography is often a way for me to express how I see and feel [about] certain environments.”
Alas said his favorite piece captures the unique architecture of his local area.
“Last year, I worked on my favorite photography project,” Alas said. “It was based on the architecture and buildings of Downtown Los Angeles and incorporated unique architectural elements I see in my daily life.”
