VICENZA, Italy -- (July 2, 2013) A teen in the Vicenza Military Community is being recognized nationally for a photo she entered in a local contest last year without knowing what she entered.
"I thought it was just an exhibition," said Makenzie Everson, age 18.
Everson took a digital photography class at Vicenza High School and made a photo to enter the category, "Eyes," of classmate, Esther Spencer.
"(Esther) has really great hair but since the category was eyes, I wrapped a scarf around her head, framing her eyes, with just a piece of hair showing and I like how it turned out," Everson said. "I turned it black and white at the last minute."
Everson's photo was at the post library during the contest, which she took first place. Her photo earned enough votes to be sent to the European Regional Photography Exhibition which took place in Grafenwoehr, Germany. She took first in that as well, which led to going to the national contest. The ImageMakers National Photography Contest provides aspiring photographers with a chance to express their creativity and works together with Boys & Girls Club, which in the VMC is a part of the Youth Center. Everson will receive her award from Sony Electronics in San Diego July 15. She said the news was a shock to her.
"I fell off the couch," Everson said.
Everson took her photo with a Nikon Coolpix camera. When asked about her photo skills, Everson said, "All I know is how to point and shoot." She has enjoyed taking photos while traveling throughout Europe and her favorite place to take photos has been in Tuscany and Pisa.
"When I take photos I'm not looking for perfection, just every day moments and life," Everson said.
Everson said she hopes to be an Art teacher when she grows up or possibly a degree in Psychology.
Youth Center director John-Luca Harbeson describes Everson as a "very talented youth, who is attempting to tell her own story through photography."
Related Links:
Vicenza Military Community Facebook page
Social Sharing