Behind the Camera: Hayden Little
Hello! I am a 18 year old photographer based in Meridian, Idaho. I am currently a senior at Eagle High School! I have actively played soccer since I was in kindergarten, and I have been riding mountain bikes for even longer. I have always enjoyed taking pictures and using a camera, whether that be back at train shows, out sightseeing on my bike, or trying to find creative and unique angles and perspectives. I found that the best way to express this passion for finding beauty in perspectives was behind the lens of a camera.
In college, my Dad worked as a photographer. This lit the fire in him and sparked the love of photography. He then bought two different digital cameras, the Canon 7D and 5D mark IV. As I began to grow up, he shared this love of photography with me. The photo on the left is of me back in 2018, when i was 13. This was taken in Silver Falls state park, in Oregon. Thankfully, (and for now), he lets me use this arsenal of camera gear as i please. I’ve always said that it is the photographer and not the camera, but having very nice cameras certainly helps.
In the beginning of Sophomore year, I moved from California to Meridian, Idaho. Now going to Eagle High School, I was in search of another elective. Caving in to my mom’s pressure, I ended up taking Photo 1 with Ms. Andreasen. Ill be the first to admit, my first photo projects where very rough. I ended up getting lucky a few times, but then would go into photoshop and have ZERO clue what I was doing. Eventually, I learned that the “Vibrance” and “Saturation” adjustments where meant to be used sparingly.
In the next two years of photography, I really hit my stride. These classes cemented my love of photography and gave me the hours behind the camera to reach my potential. Since the start of Photo 1, I have taken over 35,000 photos, and edited a couple more thousand. Learning how to use a camera properly, how to use the principles of photography, and becoming certified in Photoshop has all happened because of Ms. Andreasen. On the left are some of my favorites from the past two years.
In fall of 2022, I felt led to use my photography skills to serve at Rockharbor church. The first service I shot was the Christmas Eve service, in 2022. I knew after the first service, this would be something I was going to continue to do. 1 year later, and I have shot dozens of services and am now one of the photographers and one of the editors for the high school ministry. Some of my favorite parts about taking photos for the church is being able to capture the connection that occurs. Whether that be the connection with each other or their connection with God, capturing these moments is truly amazing.
