Nic Antaya
Nic Antaya, an undergraduate from Michigan State University, won the Reid Blackburn scholarship.
Accomplishments
Without a traditional photojournalism program at Michigan State University, I have sought out alternative means of learning. My start in photojournalism began by working at my student newspaper, The State News, in a variety of visual roles. My time at The State News provided multiple learning opportunities to photograph historic events, such as the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in 2016, the NCAA Final Four, and the sentencing of ex-MSU Dr. Larry Nassar. Not only have I grown as a photojournalist, but I have also grown as a leader by mentoring younger students in my role as a photo editor. I’ve furthered my knowledge of the craft and industry by participating in multiple photojournalism workshops, most notably the Eddie Adams Workshop XXXI, where I was awarded an assignment for Getty Images. I’ve also found community by attending The Image, Deconstructed workshop, and volunteering for the Northern Short Course. I have expanded my storytelling abilities through attending The Mountain Workshop and the NPPA Multimedia Immersion Workshop. These efforts toward immersing myself in photojournalism have led me to intern with The Grand Rapids Press/MLive. com in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Herald in Jasper, Indiana, and The Boston Globe in Boston, Massachusetts. Each step in my journey has been rewarding and made possible through the friendships and mentors I have learned from.
Career Goals
I am driven to continue learning and growing as a photojournalist.
Pursuing photojournalism at Michigan State University, not traditional photojournalism school, has driven me to explore this career path through alternative means. My first step into photojournalism was through involving myself with the student newspaper and then the Michigan Press Photographers Association. From that point forward, I’ve had the opportunity to intern with The Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Herald in Jasper, Indiana, and now The Boston Globe in Boston, Massachusetts.
My various experiences in photojournalism have expanded my understanding of the craft. Photographing the community in my college town and at my internships has given me a new perspective on life and what I can do with my visual skills. My time in Grand Rapids, Michigan was my first time working daily as a photojournalist. Working in Jasper, Indiana developed my love for sharing photo stories and connecting with the community. Boston has given me an understanding of what it is like to work as a news photographer in a large metro area. The skills and lessons I have learned from each chapter have contributed to the person and photojournalist I am today.
I plan to continue my journey of growth by studying at The Danish School of Media and Journalism in Aarhus, Denmark for the spring of 2020. My hope is that attending DMJX it will expand my understanding of what I can do with photojournalism. Studying at DMJX will be my first time to fully envelope myself in a photojournalism education program where I will expand my visual toolkit for approaching storytelling.
My current goal is to secure an internship with another large metro newspaper for the summer of 2020. Afterward, I will seek opportunities that will help me continue my passion, whether that is through freelance work or working as a staff photographer at a newspaper
Portfolio
Click on pictures to see stories.
Dad's Best Friend
Brian Huffman and his 12-year-old son, Nicholas, have become closer through their common interest in the outdoors. Nicholas got his start in hunting at 5 years old when his dad invited him to hang out in a deer blind. A few years after, he started to shoot guns and even joined a skeet team. At 11 years old, Nicholas went out on his first successful hunt. Within a year, he’s been able to say that he’s shot rabbits, squirrels, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and pronghorn, all of those being with his father. “Our relationship on those hunts – it’s still father and son, but it starts to become best friends as well,” Brian said.
Nathan's World
Nathan, 21, a junior at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., is at a stage of life where new experiences are shaping him into the person he will become. In this college atmosphere, he is developing his friendships and navigating his relationship with his girlfriend, Amanda, while learning about the relationship he has with himself and the influence that college culture has on his own well being. He struggles from time to time with depression and anxiety as he moves through his journey as a student in one of the largest universities in the United States.
For Him
After an eight-year journey, Brittany Slater walked across the stage at Michigan State University to receive her college diploma. The single mother credits her 2-year-old son, Logan, for helping her achieve her goals. “I find peace in him,” Brittany said. “If I’m ever having a stressful day or stressful time – if I just look at him and he looks back at me and we have that moment. It’s like it makes everything worth it. It makes me forget about all of our problems.”
Singles
A collection of singles.
Led by God
Martín Nolberto Chancho Tipaz moved from Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala, to Jasper, Indiana, in 2001 looking for a better life. Since then, he met his wife Ruth Aglaeé Facundo Chapa and they welcomed their third child in April 2019. Once he started attending Iglesia Nueva Vida, Ruth said she noticed a change in her husband’s approach toward life as his love for God grew. Martín says that he put his life in God’s hands and lets God lead him through life. But most importantly to Tipaz, he found God. He believes that he finds strength through his relationship with God and that his faith helps him support his family and community through hard work and unconditional love.