Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Sofia Perin

10/16/2020

Sofia Perin - Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Gloria McKay
Photography by Big Shot Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sofia Perin enjoys teaching children's Bible school, photography, forensic science, has been named chief editor for her school yearbook, and has received early acceptance into Tarleton State University's Pre-Vet program.
I am so proud of Sofia! She inspires my family and I because while life has thrown her many challenges that would be difficult for even an adult, she has faced each one with optimism and maturity. Sofia does not get caught up in judgement and popularity but instead lives life true to herself, embracing her uniqueness, encouraging others to do the same. Sofia is determined, passionate, and caring.

Tell us about your love of photography.
As a child I would take my mom’s phone and create scenes with my stuffed animals so I guess you could say I have always had a love for taking pictures and capturing special moments what people wouldn’t normally stop and admire. My main focus is nature and it’s beauty but I have recently had experience taking portrait pictures, however taking pictures of nature is my strong suit. On my 15th birthday I was gifted a canon camera from my grandma because she knew I had only been using my phone and wanted me to have the full picture taking experience by using a camera. Although my camera is known for being a beginner camera, I have taken some wonderful photos. Thanks to my grandma I learned my way around a camera and can now take amazing pictures I hope to one day share with many people.

Being chief editor for your yearbook is a big deal! Tell us how you got the job, what it entails, and what you love most about it
The start of my yearbook career took place in 8th grade. At that time, I had joined yearbook as an extracurricular activity and thought it would be a fun thing to do. Starting high school I knew I wanted to be part of the yearbook staff but I soon learned that freshman were not able to join so this meant waiting a whole year to be part of something that I loved doing. Even after waiting a year to join again I was still so excited to be a member of the yearbook staff. Once sophomore year was coming to an end, I knew I had to make sure yearbook was on my class schedule for the upcoming year. The beginning of junior year came around and my teacher announced she was looking for the years new editors, editors were the leaders of the class and took charge of the book, this is when I knew I needed to apply for a position. A few days had passed, and my teacher was finally able to announce the new editors and name after name was said then all the sudden, I heard my name. I was so grateful to have gotten an editor position, even though I was only an assistant, I was excited. The year ended and my teacher had told us she was not going to be there my senior year and that struck the question who would be the editor in chief. Upon meeting the new teacher, I was ready to show my leadership skills and show the new teacher I had what it took to be such a major role in the yearbook class. All my hard work paid off and I was made editor in chief of yearbook. I love my job as editor in chief and I couldn’t be happier simply being part of creating memories made into a book so many people enjoy at the end of the school year.

How long have you been teaching children's Bible school and what is a favorite memory?
I taught lessons about Jesus and the bible to a group of 3rd graders at my local church for about half a year. This was an experience like no other because children really make you realize how differently they think and how they see things in life. Being a mentor and guiding them for the time that I did was amazing and each child I taught had and still has a special place in my heart. Covid unfortunately made my time with them shorter than I would have liked but I had the opportunity to have zoom calls with them to see how they were doing and what they had been up to during quarantine as well as hand write each of them a note telling them how I hoped they were staying safe during this time. Being able to teach a large group of 6 and 7 year olds about different lessons the bible can teach us and how much God loves each and every single one of us was something I never thought I would be doing but after experiencing it I am so glad I did.

What made you choose Tarelton State University and why their pre-Vet program?
I chose Tarleton State University because of their pre-vet program. From the time I could have toys I never wanted to play with barbies like other little girls, all I wanted to play with were stuffed animals. The passion of loving animals and wanting to care for them has always been a part of my life so once it became time to choose a career path I knew becoming a Vet was the one for me. I know it is a challenging work field and not many people succeed but I know I have what it takes to do what I love. Tarleton State University is one of many schools that offer a vet pathway but none of the others seemed to catch my attention like Tarleton did. Their campus is small yet comforting and will be a great place for me to take on my first four years of vet school.

Look for Sofia in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Lauren Toomey

8/11/2019

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Lauren Toomey - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Photography by Lauren Toomey
Image of Lauren above by Brooke Toomey
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

How did you start your photography business in high school?
I never expected to start my business so early on in life; it kind of snuck up on me! I started by taking Christmas card photos for families for free in order to gain some experience and build my portfolio. Soon, I was hearing from people who had seen the photos and they wanted photos too! Everything kind of took off from there. I also began sharing my photos on social media and many of my seniors have found me from there!

Senior Model: Lindsey Meeks

What are some ways that you have given back to your community through volunteer work?
I volunteered to teach a photography class for a local 4-H club. We had a total of four meetings spread out through the year and each meeting was two hours long. I did my best to teach the kids everything that I knew and make it fun for them!

Walk us through what it is like being in one of your photography classes that you have taught.
Oh gosh. We had so much fun. I think that my favorite meeting was when we took a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was so much fun to walk around and look at all the animals, and the indoor lighting gave my students a good challenge to get their exposure right for their photos. Everyone had such a good time and the photos were really fun! Another great meeting was held at my house on our ranch property. I taught all the kids how to take my favorite kind of photo -silhouettes. We made a BBQ and spent some fun times together waiting for the sun to go down. Once the sun was down, it was go time! So many giggles and amazing photos were shared.

Tell us about what you are majoring in at Cal Poly.
I am so in love with my major. It is called Graphic Communications, or GRC and it covers a wide range of topics that combine art and technology. It has been described as "creative problem solving" with anything related to design or print. Career opportunities range from web design and development to advertising and packaging. I was so happy to find a major that would give me a creative outlet while still being practical and employable!

If you were not a photographer, what would you be and why?
I would definitely want to work in design if I was not a photographer, and that is why I am majoring in GRC. If my photography business doesn't take off to become a full-time career, I would love to work for a magazine or in the wedding industry designing invites, menus, all that good stuff.

Senior Model: Emma Baucom

Lauren will be featured in Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Mallory Neil

4/18/2019

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Mallory Neil - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Nicole Kilian
Featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I’ve had my business since 2014, but really started to take it seriously in 2017, I’ve always loved taking pictures of everything, but I think the time I got my first DSLR camera was the thing that launched it.

How did you recruit your models for your model team and how long have you had your model program? What's your favorite part about it and how many models do you have?
My models apply and then I choose them based on what schools they go to, their interests and their age, I’ve had an official model team for two years now! My favorite part about having a model team is getting to know the girls and having fun while we shoot! Right now, I have 9 on my team!

Where have you received your education from so far?
I’m completely self-taught, but my mom gave me a few basic tips that I still use. It really is experimental and it’s really rewarding when it works out and you get the picture you want. Luckily, I have a model team who let me try new things!

Mallory is featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Brianna Salang

4/17/2019

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Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bri is one of the most independent and driven young ladies that I've had the pleasure of meeting. She is poised, athletic, and obviously gorgeous! She has committed to the University of Texas at Arlington for this coming fall! I'm lucky to have her on my model team this year and wish her all the best in the future!

Tell me about the Angie Read Photography organization.
I am a part of Angie Read Photography’s Power Team. The Power Team is included with other junior and senior girls, like me, from all different schools and areas. The team has been brought together by Ms. Angie herself and the motive of the group is to improve self-confidence, women empowerment, and leadership. With that being said, we do various things to achieve these goals such as group and individual photoshoots, hair and makeup lessons by cosmetologists, entrepreneurship speaker/presentations, community service, and college preparedness info sessions. Being a part of her team has been such an amazing experience and has truly boosted my confidence in so many areas rather than merely physical beauty.

What do you think people will remember most about you when you graduate high school?
Throughout my high school career I’ve always been known to be open minded and kind to every person I met. I’m a go with the flow kind of girl and I’m a strong believer in the typical cliché “everything happens for a reason”. I believe people would remember me as a down to earth girl who never lost track of her goals, because even though I’m more of a free spirit, I’m extremely determined and invested in my future and never failed to work hard in my studies.

Tell us what your biggest accomplishments have been.
My biggest accomplishment by far is being able to officially say that I will be the first in my entire family to pursue a higher education and go to college. I’ve been waiting for the college letter of acceptance for as long as I can remember and being the first of my family to achieve this goal is a huge deal for not only myself but my entire family. I hope that in doing so, I set an example for all my younger siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews to continue their educational careers after high school.

Another significant accomplishment in my life was a couple years ago during my sophomore and junior year of high school when I started a nonprofit profit organization. This nonprofit organization was designed to encourage underprivileged children from low income families in the Houston area to want to learn and exercise. I gathered a few girls to join my team and a couple days every week after school we would go up to this school and start an after-school academic and athletic enrichment program. We’d come with lesson plan activities, English lessons, technology introduction, and created a soccer team with the kids to promote healthy exercise and teamwork. Towards the end, my team and I were able to raise over one thousand dollars to donate to the school to go towards school supplies for the kids and sports equipment.

What are some ways you build up your self-confidence and esteem?
I used to struggle a lot with confidence and had so many self-esteem issues to where I depended heavily on makeup every day to make me feel better about myself. To gain self-confidence I changed some habits of mine and began a new routine. I slowly started to wear less and less makeup and got more use to my own skin. Now I rarely wear more than mascara and I try to focus on natural beauty and how God created me and learn that makeup wasn’t created to cover up but to enhance the beauty that’s already there. To be more self-confident you must let go, don’t be afraid to be you whatever that may be. I built up my confidence mainly through the change of how I used makeup, and how I used my voice. By this, I mean that a lot of my confidence came from how I presented myself and before I used to never speak out as much or say my mind like I do now. So I decided to change how I used my voice and spoke my mind, stood up for myself if necessary, etc., and it truly changed my whole mentality and made me realize I do have a voice and it does mean something.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in photography? What sparked your interest?
I’ve always been interested in photography since I was little. I used to get cameras for Christmas and various holidays, and I would capture every image in sight. As I grew up, I joined a photography club in school and then finally bought my own first professional camera. From then on, I obsessed how with one click and just the right angle and lighting, you could capture someone or something’s most beautiful and still standing moment. After joining Ms. Angie’s Power Team, it truly has rejuvenated this passion for photography not only behind the camera but in front of it as well.

Brianna will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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MacKenzie McMahan

2/12/2019

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Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nomination and Photography by Carla Bucala Photography (above)
and Mackenzie McMahan (below)
Michigan

The Nomination: Mackenzie McMahan is such an inspiration to everybody that she meets. She is Student Council President and represents her class in Student Government. She is on National Honors Society and serves as liaison to the school board. On top of that, she volunteers her time and hosts events at the Downriver Council for the Arts. She regularly attends leadership camps and institutes through Masc. In her spare time, she is a photographer, and offers photoshoots to other Seniors- they pay what they can afford. She is always a breath of fresh air. She is always smiling, laughing and always kind to everyone she meets. She just made her High School Homecoming Court, so fingers crossed she can add Queen to her resume!

As a young photographer who still has a lot to learn, I enjoy taking pictures of whatever I can. It is easy for me to see the beauty of what’s around me through my lens and I appreciate an opportunity I get to do so. It’s important to me that people have pictures of them that are timeless and capture who they are. I believe photographs are an awesome way of looking back on who you were and who you are now. I’m very lenient on what people pay me for shoots because this has allowed me to connect with people and give them a gift that will last a lifetime which is the most rewarding part.

MASC/MAHS is the acronym for Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honors Societies. It is an organization committed to students and developing character and leadership skills. MASC puts on several different events from regionals, to states, to leadership training institutes, and leadership camp every summer. I have had the privilege of attending these events through my student council. These events, especially camp, have allowed me to break out of my comfort zone and become the person I am today. The activities put on at camp have helped me focus on communication, team building, and stepping out of my comfort zone. As a leader, inclusion and acknowledging my peers and their hard work is big for me. I enjoy giving my peers tasks and a moment in the spotlight that allows me to step back and for them to step up. MASC has not only improved how I lead, but it has significantly impacted me as a person. My character is dramatically altered by this camp and how it pushes you to be your unapologetic self.

As student council President, my responsibilities are to bring new ideas into our council such as community service events, fundraising ideas, and bonding experiences. I lead our council during meetings and make decisions on how to keep our council active.

My role as liaison to my school board requires me to report updates of the happenings at my high school during school board meetings. It is a way to keep the community informed of the high school and the students and to keep a connection between the community and the school district.

Downriver Council for the Arts is an organization in the Downriver area that inhabits local artists, has art classes, dance classes, and so much more. My volunteer opportunities come from the youth council that I’m in at the DCA. The youth council has a mission on giving artistic teens (and teens in general) a place where they can fully express themselves. We have put on successful events such as an open mic night and an artist showcase. The open mic night allowed for teens aged 12-19 to perform in front of the attendants and the showcase allowed the same age group to accentuate their art; such as photography, sketches, paintings, ceramics, and music.

Mackenzie was featured in issue 15.

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Rainbow Light

11/6/2018

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Image by: Inspiring Teens Photography
Model: Sierra Zaccagnino

For the Color Issue - #14, we wanted to have some fun playing with the rainbow!

Member Sierra Zaccagnino had the opportunity to play with color with the help of Simplee U Salon and a super fun crystal called a Suncatcher.

This little disc can be purchased on Amazon for $19.95. It is a little bit challenging getting it to hit the sun and the desired spot exactly how you want it to, but it’s so fun to play around with and the results are so cool!

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1 Image - 3 Points of View

8/3/2018

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By Simme Salguero

Photography is everywhere around us. You’re probably thinking “no it isn’t”, but it is! If you think about it, our eyes are like a camera lens. Everything we look at can actually be a picture. For example, look around. That simple bush your standing by could be the subject of a great photograph. When you move real close to it, it’s like a close-up picture and you can see all the tiny growing buds. If you step further away, you can take in the entire bush and some things around it as if you are looking through a wide angel lens. You see, photography really IS everywhere!

Here are three photos I took (on my iPhone) of the same image. I used three different lenses creating three different perspectives. The first picture you see was taken using the basic lens that comes with my phone. For the next image I added a special wide-angle lens to my phone. The last I switched to a micro lens (also attached to my iPhone) which gave me a great closeup of some petals in the flower arrangement. I think each photo looks really good but each one has a unique perspective even though they are all of the same thing.

Being part of ITM has given me more opportunities to explore photography. I really want to pursue my interest further by starting my own YouTube Channel about photography! I’m excited to take more classes at ITM on photography in order to learn more about being behind and in front of the camera. I’m only starting my journey and I can’t wait to see where it leads me!

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3 Images

8/1/2018

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By Morgan Ramsey

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Dancer Madison Dedieu

12/9/2017

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An interview with teen dancer Madison Dedieu
by Olivia Bush for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine

1) What/who inspired you to start dancing? My mom because she was the person who really got me to start dance classes when I was 3, but my biggest dance inspiration right now are my dance teachers.

2) What styles do you currently dance? Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, & Tap. Contemporary or Musical Theater would be my favorite because they are both so fun to perform and to express yourself in.

3) What is your favorite dance you have performed? Last season, I performed a Musical Theater dance with six other girls called “I Can Cook Too” from On The Town which placed very high and was so much fun.

4) What is your favorite part about performing? Definitely being able to express myself through all my movements and just being there with these girls that are basically my family. The energy is such a crazy feeling.

5) Have you taken any master dance classes? Yes, I have taken a class at Abby Lee Dance Center in Los Angeles, Alex Wong from So You Think You Can Dance, JoJo Siwa, many dancers from Joffery Ballet School, Katy Perry’s back up dancer Khasan Brailsford, and Courtney Ortiz.

6) Which one is your favorite reality show & would you want to be on it? My favorite has to be World of Dance.  I think it would be so much fun and such a cool experience dancing in front of so many people, so yes!

7) If you could dance with any dancer who would it be? I would have to say Eva Iago because she is so close to my age and is such a good dancer and is just someone that I aspire to preform like.

8) How far do you want to take dance? Right now, I want to go to college for dance and be a dance teacher.

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Sofia Perin

Sofia Perin - Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Gloria McKay
Photography by Big Shot Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lauren Toomey

Lauren Toomey - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Photography by Lauren Toomey
Image of Lauren above by Brooke Toomey
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mallory Neil

Mallory Neil - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Nicole Kilian
Featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang

Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

MacKenzie McMahan

Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nomination and Photography by Carla Bucala Photography (above)
and Mackenzie McMahan (below)
Michigan

Rainbow Light

Image by: Inspiring Teens Photography
Model: Sierra Zaccagnino

1 Image - 3 Points of View

By Simme Salguero

3 Images

By Morgan Ramsey

Dancer Madison Dedieu

An interview with teen dancer Madison Dedieu
by Olivia Bush for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Sofia Perin - TexasInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Gloria McKayPhotography by Big Shot Photography Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Lauren Toomey - CaliforniaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloPhotography by Lauren ToomeyImage of Lauren above by Brooke ToomeyIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Mallory Neil - PennsylvaniaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloPhotography by Nicole KilianFeatured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang - TexasInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Interview by Caroline Alegado Nomination and Photography by Carla Bucala Photography (above)​and Mackenzie McMahan (below)Michigan

Image by: Inspiring Teens Photography​Model: Sierra Zaccagnino

By Simme Salguero

By Morgan Ramsey

An interview with teen dancer Madison Dedieu ​by Olivia Bush for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Sofia Perin - Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Gloria McKay
Photography by Big Shot Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lauren Toomey - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Photography by Lauren Toomey
Image of Lauren above by Brooke Toomey
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mallory Neil - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Nicole Kilian
Featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nomination and Photography by Carla Bucala Photography (above)
and Mackenzie McMahan (below)
Michigan

Image by: Inspiring Teens Photography
Model: Sierra Zaccagnino

An interview with teen dancer Madison Dedieu
by Olivia Bush for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine