the arts come alive 10 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2026 There’s a new way our students are capturing the spirit of Aquinas—through the lens of a camera. The Aquinas Student Media (ASM) initiative was established through a collaborative effort between Mr. Collin Wright, Assistant Athletic Director, Mrs. Lorin Easton, Fine Arts Department Chair, and Ms. Colleen Brett, Director of Communications, to give students hands-on experience in photography and media while documenting the moments that define the AQ experience. ASM members are students in photography classes who want to put their skills to the test in real-world settings. Following ASM guidelines, students have photographed athletic competitions, performances, and other school events, skillfully capturing the energy and action that make everyday life at AQ unique. Their images—featured on the Aquinas website gallery and social media—offer a genuine, student-centered perspective that brings stories to life. This initiative not only enhances school spirit but also provides students with meaningful opportunities to grow as visual storytellers. For many, it serves as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application—helping them build portfolios, confidence, and professional skills that will last long after graduation. “It’s exciting to see students like Talia Norton ’26 step into this role and showcase their talent,” said Easton. “They’re not just taking pictures—they’re capturing the pride, emotion, and tradition that make Aquinas special.” Aquinas Student Media is a testament to the creativity and collaboration that thrive on campus, showing that some of the most powerful stories come from a student’s perspective. Q&A with Talia Norton ’26 Q: What do you enjoy most about photography, and what first drew you to it? A: I enjoy freezing a moment in a single image with all its emotion. I like trying to get the right angles and capturing the best shot possible. I also love how appreciative people are when you take pictures for them; I like being helpful! What first drew me to photography was seeing people take photos at my games, which sparked my interest in taking the Digital Photography course here at AQ. This course has only grown my love for photography even more! Q: How has photographing games and events helped you grow— as a student, an artist, or even as a member of the AQ community? A: This has definitely grown my already abundant AQ pride. From being on the sidelines and witnessing the long-standing traditions of AQ sports firsthand, my love for the school has deepened even more. As an artist, I would like to think my pictures have improved significantly from the first game I shot to the most recent. This includes editing, angles, and knowing where and when to take a specific shot. In other words, practice helps make perfect! Q: Is there a particular photo or moment you’ve captured that stands out to you as especially meaningful? A: Many photos I’ve taken at sporting events have stuck with me. One shot shows a player upset and kneeling on the sideline, with his coach leaning over and comforting him. I love the emotion and authenticity of this shot and think about it regularly. That’s why I love photography—it allows me to capture moments of high emotion or something that conveys a larger message. Another moment I captured was a player celebrating a touchdown. You can see the excitement and thrill in his facial expression and demeanor, as he celebrates with his teammates. Moments like these, full of emotion and authenticity, are exactly why I enjoy photographing AQ events so much! ALL ASM PHOTO ALBUMS CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE GALLERY OR BY SCANNING THE QR CODE. Students Behind the Lens
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