Milly Miao Portfolio

View Milly Miao’s work. Click to enlarge photos.

Personal Statement

With the click of a button, there is a story to tell. This is what I treasure learning about the most from journalism. I joined The Messenger this year to explore the world of news and writing with my reminisce of 7th-grade journalism class. I never imagined I could include photography with storytelling.

I remembered my first photography job: the home boys soccer game as I was alone by myself on the side of the field taking pictures. I noticed there was another photographer there – probably hired by the soccer team to take photos for their Instagram page, while I was there as a beginner taking pictures for an award-winning news magazine. I felt pressured by the professional and wanted to take good pictures for The Messenger. I soon came to realize that is not what photojournalism is all about. Sure, I should be taking quality pictures but there is so much more to just taking photos. People should be able to tell there is a story from the images taken by my camera.

I found that every photograph has the capacity to convey a narrative. It is not just about taking visually pleasing images; it is about capturing the essence of a moment, conveying emotions, and sparking curiosity in the viewer. Each photograph should have the power to transport the audience to a story, evoking a sense of connection and empathy. I discovered that photojournalism is a powerful tool for storytelling, combining the visual impact of photography with the narrative depth of journalism.

My experience with photojournalism has also taught me the importance of expecting the unexpected. While technical skills are essential, the true magic lies in being open to serendipity and allowing the story to unfold naturally. I have learned to observe the world around me, to be patient, and to anticipate those fleeting moments that encapsulate the heart of a story. It is in these unscripted instances that the most compelling and thought-provoking photographs emerge.

I take every chance there is for me to take pictures and learn more about photography. As I watch the soccer games unfold before my eyes, I get to capture the moments of Northview players defending the ball and sharing it with everyone else. When I see my senior friends graduate, I want to document the moments they see themselves going into the next chapters of their life.

I hope to continue this knowledge of photojournalism. Every day in The Messenger is a stepping stone in my journey to tell a story, refine my skills, and contribute to the world of visual storytelling. Whether it may be going to all the sports games, taking photos at the talent show, or even outside of school on my own time – I hope to contribute a greater sense of narrative even more next year during my final high school year. Photographing not only the wins and losses of a soccer game but also the steps that perfectly explain the course of the actual game.