Madalen Erez
Photojournalist, wildlife enthusiast, community photographer, and presenter
March for Our Lives
Caption: A mother has tears in her eyes as three Marjory Stoneman Douglas students sing during the March for Our Lives protest in Parkland.
Reflection: I was photographing when I heard a soft sobbing behind me. I quickly pivoted with my lens and found the crowd parted, this woman and her friend in clear view. I had no time for setting changes or composition planning--quickly snapping the photo as the crowd closed in. My goal at this protest was to capture moments of intimacy, individuals in the midst of the crowd. The best shot I took that day was not one I planned at the beginning of the march, as I staked out the scene. Photographing a protest taught me a lot about spontaneity. As a photographer, flexibility is necessary--always paying attention, and always being ready.
A New Dawn
Caption: Once a year, seniors are encouraged to play games at the basketball court instead of going to class. This event is known as Senior Tailgate.
Reflection: As a senior, I had unique access to this event. I ran around, photographing everyone and everything. But, I found that I kept coming back to this location. The motion felt like the perfect metaphor--hitting the ball over the edge at long last, morning light suggesting a new dawn ahead. To get this shot, I lowered my exposure and upped my shutter speed (1/1600th). I positioned myself at the edge of the net for leading lines.
Leaping
Caption: Dancers perform during the Day of Service and Reflection, an event organized by Interact Club. Over the course of the day, students take part in activities, including everything from meditation to CPR training.
Reflection: The auditorium is a difficult place to shoot, with harsh lighting and limited places for a photographer. This shot was taken from a worms-eye viewpoint, as I had to sit on the floor to not disrupt the audience's view. I photographed the dance twice, from multiple angles. I felt like this photograph froze the dancers' movements perfectly, creating repetition that draws the viewers eye across the stage.
Homecoming Game
Caption: Right before the game, the football team breaks through the cheerleaders' sign stating "let's go Panthers!"
Reflection: As soon as I saw that some of the stadium lights were out, I knew I was in for a difficult time. I was surrounded by professional photographers, equipped with flashes. I had no flash. The coaches required us to keep our distance from the field, which meant a zoom lens was a must. But I was determined to get a shot. Working with the lighting at my disposal, I captured a moment showcasing pre-game excitement and anticipation. I found that in the end, the lack of a flash created softer tones that worked in my favor.
A Lab to Die for
Caption: Forensics teacher Ryan Pinney demonstrates the difference between various bloodstain patterns in a hands-on lab. Students aid Pinney in creating spatter patterns, cast-off, swipes, wipes, and more. "It was really cool, but it was definitely not white-shoe friendly," said senior Bella Veiga.
Reflection: When I initially photographed the lab, it was late afternoon. The positioning of the sun made it impossible, as harsh beams of light blew out the photos. The next morning, I came back, set on getting properly exposed photos. The morning light was perfect. Not too bright, but bright enough to create deep, ominous shadows. I was thrilled. The lighting, false blood, and forensics suits all added to the intensity of the moment.
Impromptu Petting Zoo
Caption: Hijinks accompanied the fourth day of Spirit Week. Seniors installed a surprise petting zoo in the main entrance, complete with bunnies, goats, pigs, and chickens. Senior Max Penn holds a bunny tightly with his mouth agape.
Reflection: Intending to take photographs for an article I was working on, I brought a portrait lens. When I walked in, I spotted a crowd gathered. Pushing through, I observed the action at the petting zoo. Seeing this as a perfect photo opportunity, I whipped out my camera. I was lucky to have the right gear on me--f/2.8 allowed me to compensate for poor lighting. This was my favorite photo album. Flipping through, I saw students and teachers alike with sparkling eyes and wide smiles. It was probably Charter's most wholesome senior prank.
Bright Futures Ahead
Caption: Parents walk towards the kids section at Coral Spring's Community Concert, celebrating the city's 60th year anniversary.
Reflection: During this photoshoot, I challenged myself to use a wider lens, a 14-24mm. Following the light, I noticed beams in the midst of deep shadows. The bridge, windows, and sign served as perfect framing devices. I just needed a subject. Lingering for a moment, I noted two individuals walking through the beams. This image encapsulated the 60th anniversary of the town, mirroring Mayor Scott J. Brook's speech about the past and future of the city. It also tells the story of its subjects, parents of a young child.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
Caption: Theatre’s production, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, aired November 4. It was met with great success. “I put my all in, and feel like it showed,” said junior Matthew Menendez, who played lead Christopher Boone. “People loved it, people congratulated me. I got very sincere comments that gave me reassurance that I was truly doing Christopher justice.”
Reflection: In order to get this photo, I went to a dress rehearsal the day before the show. With the theatre teacher's permission, I stood onstage with a wide lens, right next to the actors. I knew this moment was coming--I was familiar with the play already. It's the first scene on stage and it only happens for a moment. The flashlights, neon paint, pitchfork, and gridlines draw the viewers eye to the main character of the play. The moody tones of the photo set the tone for the ensuing mystery about the murder of the neighbor's dog, Wellington.
Glowing With Pride
Caption: Parker beams as he receives a medal, rewarding him for his hard work in overcoming childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). CAS is a motor disorder that makes it more difficult for children to speak. The Walk for Apraxia raises money to support children with CAS.
Reflection: This organization asked me to photograph this event, along with another student photographer from a different school. We worked together. When they started the awards ceremony, I crouched to be at eye-level with the children receiving the medals. The goal was to frame them as the clear subjects of the photo, as the purpose of this event was to celebrate them. I wanted to showcase the joy recognition sparked. Taking this photo required me to linger around the area for a while, so the children would get used to my presence.
Connection at a Food Truck
Caption: A couple dines next to Meathead's BBQ during a city event.
Reflection: I often go to city events--farmers markets, craft fairs, and community gatherings. On this particular night, frustrated by the lack of lighting, I found myself drawn to the line of food trucks. I am always delighted by them: vibrant, bright, and surrounded by crowds. Leading lines created by the road, sky, signs, and people drew my eye to this couple, sitting at a table. The yellow light of the truck accentuated their features, providing contrast against the deep blue of the sky. A slow shutter allowed me to capture the colors of the scene, a monopod providing stabilization.
