About GSA Film & Photography
Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) 2024 is held at the University of Kentucky. One of the summer programs' is Film & Photography. During the three-week program, students are exposed to basic and advanced skills in digital documentary photography and film, but they also learn how to develop film in the dark room.
SHARLA ALFORD

Hello, my name is Sharla Alford. I am 17 years old, and I live in Lincoln, Ky. I’ve been homeschooled my whole life, and I just graduated high school in May. I’m a pianist, a storyteller, and a film maker. But I also enjoy artery, kick-boxing, video gaming and animation. GSA has been a wonderful experience for me that I will cherish for a lifetime. Peace and love!


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EMANUEL CATALAN

Hi, my name is Emanuel Catalán. My photography journey started around the same time I traveled from Mexico to the United States at five years old. I took my first photos on a disposable camera on that same trip. Since then, I have racked up over five years of experience by live-streaming for my church and participating in my school's yearbook. Whether it be on a janky old phone or a high-end Canon R6; capturing the moments is what I love to do.


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ELI CRAVEN
Hey, I’m Eli Craven and I’m from Independence, Kentucky. I live close to Cincinnati, which is the subject of a lot of my pieces. I’ve always loved the arts and I am grateful for the opportunity Governor’s School for the Arts has given me to learn and grow alongside other artists like myself. I love photojournalism, which is the style a lot of my photos fall into, and I love movies. In the future, I’d love to work in either of these fields. Right now, I’m taking any opportunity I get to improve my art form.

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MCKENNA EGAN

My name is Mckenna Egan and I am from the northern Kentucky area. I go to St. Henry District High School. Film and Photography for me, gives me an outlet to express myself in a unique and fun way. I love to tell stories with my photography and convey deep emotions whether they be positive or negative. I hope to one day become a crime scene photographer and go into the criminal justice field!

GALLERY
ELIZA FRAIZER
My name is Eliza Frazier and I go to Francis Parker School of Louisville. The most defining moment for me as a beginner artist was my very first photoshoot, where I wrapped my friend in fairy lights and got the opportunity to play with a camera for the first time.
This shoot made me feel like visual arts could be a possibility for me. Since then, I’ve had so much fun playing with both the staged and candid elements of photography. It’s been a blessing to continue studying my craft at Governor’s School for the Arts.

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MAXWELL HAMILTON
Hey! My name is Maxwell Hamilton, and I am a rising Senior at Highlands High School in Campbell County, KY. I never actually intended on ever being a videographer or photographer. I guess it sort’ve happened accidentally, when I deceived to take a film class with some of my friends. I couldn’t have imagined that I wanted to make this my career. My favorite part of is my ability to tell stories through such a unique medium. GSA has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned all the proper ways to compose and light my shots, and GSA made it clear to me that this art can be more than just a hobby. In these last three weeks, I've enjoyed spending time with many other aspiring Filmmakers and Photographers, making many friends and connections, and I’ll make sure to never forget my experience at GSA. Peace and Love!

GALLERY
EMMALYNNE HARRITY
My name is Emmalynne Harrity, I am from Louisville Kentucky. I really love cinematography and directing and hope to go into one of those as a profession! I love telling stories through my art, whether that be through my drawing or through a camera! I take a lot of inspiration from older films, childhood books, paintings, old clothes and stories about people. I really hope that someday I can inspire others to love filmmaking and art as much as I do!!

GALLERY

BRADI HAWKINS

Heyy! My name is Bradi Hawkins! I am from Lawrenceburg, KY. I will be a senior at Anderson County High School! Photography has been my passion ever since I got my hands on a camera at a young age. I run a photography business on the side on top of school and my retail job. My main interest is in photojournalism as I hope to become a photojournalist one day! Photography has given me a space to escape in many difficult situations. I am so happy that GSA has proven to me that photography is definitely what I want to do in life, and has taught me so much I wouldn't have known otherwise.

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TOBY HUDSON
My name is Toby Hudson. I am a student at Atherton High School with an interest in film production and directing as well as photography. I’ve been in Film for 3 years now in Louisville, Kentucky. I have a strong interest in emotion as well as human nature and seek to capture these themes through my film. Through GSA, I have improved my skills as a visual storyteller and I see myself only growing from here.

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BRAYDON MARSHALL
My name is Braydon Marshall, I am a rising senior from Mason County High School. I have had a camera of some form in my hand at all times since I was six years old. Whether I was taking “funny” pictures of my family or making short films of my action figures, I always found happiness within the process. Film and photography has shaped me into the person I am today. The stories that can be told through cinema and the raw emotions can be felt through the screen, and this is what inspires me to create. I also like pictures of nature, architecture, or people I like in order to capture moments that go unnoticed by the average person. I hope that someday I can create art on the same level as those who are known around the world for their masterpieces. GSA has provided me with many new skills in both film and photography that I will be utilizing in my work from here on out. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been provided and can’t wait to keep creating.

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JACKSON MEADE
My name is Jackson Meade. I am a rising senior and student at Model Laboratory School. I got into photography when I took a class in 7th grade, and my love for film grew from watching old movies with my parents. Today, I am a photographer/filmmaker who specializes in spur-of-the-moment and nature photography. The hands-on experience both in photography and video helped develop my skills during my time at GSA, and my instructors taught me the essentials of photography and video that I plan to use to become a professional filmmaker/photographer.

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MACKIE PETERSON

Heyo, my name is Mercy (Mackie) Peterson!! I am a senior in high school who loves any and all fine arts such as ballet, winter guard, marching band drumline, theater, and photography. I live with my parents, little sister, and little brother in the small western town of Adair County. Although I only live with two siblings, I have many more, that I love and support, who have moved out. I fell in love with film and photography during the height of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 where I pursued it through GSA. After high school I hope to major in film design with a minor in dance.

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AUDREY PULLEN
Hey! My name is Audrey Pullen and I'm a rising senior from McCracken County. I fell in love with film and photography when I would watch movies and look through family photos with my parents. I knew that I was artistic but it took me a while to find the correct medium but whenever I entered high school I was able to start practicing film and photography. I have been able to manage the school's social media, direct sports live streams, direct the school’s newscast, and even document a mission trip to El Salvador. Outside of school I help photo shadow weddings and work at my local news station. GSA has helped me feel more confident in my work and more inspired about starting my career. I don't think that the GSA experience would be the same without the people that I have met here. They are the ones that have helped learn more about myself and feel comfortable in my art.

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HAYDEN ROLF
Yo! My name is Hayden and I’m an upcoming senior at Highlands High School. I got my start in film at a young age, creating awful videos in middle school. But in the past 5 years I’ve worked very hard to become better at filmmaking. I’ve spent so many hours live streaming sports, creating videos, and photographing birds. I love movies with beautiful cinematography, and great music. One of my favorite aspects of filmmaking is audio editing. Continuously editing audio until it feels perfect is the most satisfying feeling. GSA has been an unforgettable experience. Peace and Love <3

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EMILY TROMANS
My name is Emily Tromans! I’m a senior at Ignite Institute, where I major in design. I’ve been drawn to taking pictures since I was gifted my first point-and-shoot camera at 7. In high school, I discovered my love for makeup artistry and SFX. I began to have fun with photography again. practicing editorial photoshoots that I would post online. My junior year, I completed a photography year-long project, and I was able to borrow a DSLR from my school! I always had it by my side, I had never felt so confident and sure of myself when creating art. My mentor and design teacher encouraged me to apply to GSA, and I’m certain it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m so grateful for all that I’ve learned and created while being here.

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ISABELLA WESTLUND-GONZALEZ
Hello! My name is Eza (rhymes with pizza) and I am from Midway, KY and a senior at Woodford County High School. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to document my life and all of the details that make life so special, inspired by my parents doing the same to send to family. I started with what I found beautiful, often nature and my pets, and I have mostly switched to sports photography and film edits, because of the special connections and moments in sports, but hope to also do more portraits and special events. What I love most about what I do is how one is able to get to know the people, and what they are passionate about, and are able to help them to be seen for what they want to be known for. By being in GSA’s Film & Photography class of 2024, I have gained so much knowledge about the more technical aspects in photography, and have created so many friendships, and I hope to continue to do what I love long into the future by always saying “Yes, and?”

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