Senior Michael Canady is the man behind the camera.
Photo by Kiera Classen
In life most people are trying to communicate their own unique view of the world; some people believe that the most profound way for a person to get his or her view recognized is through different types of artistic expression. Michael Canady is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, who views the world – and expresses his art – through his Canon-60D. He constantly captures beauty in snapshots of the world that surrounds him.
Michael had no interest in photography until his sophomore year of high school when he entered into Jeff Coleman’s Photojournalism 1 class. “At first photo started as the average class. Mr. Coleman would give us our assignments and provide the gear, so I would just go out and take some photos for the class. But as we got further into the year I found that I really enjoyed taking photos and that there was a lot to offer,” Michael said.
Photo by Michael Canady
Michael is always trying new things to make his photos stand out. “I’m always pushing myself to be a better photographer. I’m always looking up trick tips and techniques to broaden my horizons,” said Michael.
Michael began taking Coleman’s class his sophomore year and continued into his Photojournalism 2 course. “In all my years as the photojournalism teacher, Michael is one of the top ten photographers in my classes,” Coleman said. Michael dedicates a large amount of his time to finding new techniques to advance his photographic skills. “He is very self-motivated, and curious about new techniques. Michael uses everything he learns to become a better photographer,” Coleman said.
Michael loves going to different locations to take pictures, but he says that generally in the mountains are his favorite. “I’m always looking up new places, and trying different types of photography to further myself,” Michael said, who has already traveled to Guanella Pass to take pictures. “The mountains are my top place to photograph. I really enjoy nature and the beauty of the mountains,” Michael explained. He also aspires to travel and take photographs of the sand dunes of Southern Colorado; Moab, Utah; Scandinavia; Norway; and Sweden. “ I want to travel so I can see great things and put them on a canvas,” Michael explained.
Photo by Michael Canady
Michael tries to show passion in every aspect of school and through his many other interests. “Michael is a very dedicated, hard-working student,” Coleman said. Michael balances everything from maintaining his 3.8 GPA, to being the varsity goalie on the South/TJ combined Lacrosse Team. Michael also enjoys snowboarding through Keystone A-51, filming videos for Matthew Spampinato’s Video Intern class, has a great passion for the outdoors, and is also a BMX biker.
Michael’s other interests also strengthen his photography skills. “I’m always bringing my camera everywhere I go. Whether I’m snowboarding, hiking, or traveling, I’m always trying to find something that no other photographer would be able to capture.” Michael’s amity for action and sports photography, like snowboarding and lacrosse shoots, comes from his idol Cole Barash.
Cole Barash is a twenty-two year old sports photographer. At the age of thirteen he was recognized for his amazing shots; he now has some of the most publicized snowboarding photographs in the world.
Michael says he is determined to have photography in his future along with attending Colorado School Of Mines while studying to enter into a type of medical career. “Photography might not be my main career goal in my future, but it still strengthens me as a person. It makes me push myself in a different way with every new project I start for myself.”
