Its typically a club in every high school, and now any Prairie Ridge student can participate thanks to a new teacher and sponsor of the club Mr. Hacker. The club meets every Thursday discussing and working with different topics such as pinhole cameras or stop motion videos.

Mr. Hacker has been pursuing photography as a hobby and a career for about 10 years. “Well I studied photography in college and actually before I went to college I opened a company in about 2007,” Says Hacker, who later “dropped photography when [his] business took off.” In being a photographer he has done weddings, wildlife, traveled the country, and submitted pictures to a few magazines including Outdoor Living, Outdoor Illinois, and Love Chicago. “Photo is definitely my passion,” says Hacker, and the hope is that he helps other students pursue their photography passion.

One such student is Andrew Nuño, who is a director of films along with his brother Adrian (who actually operates the camera and edits). Together, with the help of their friends, they have completed two successful short films (After Dark and Ups and Downs) which earned them widespread popularity in the school and among organizations that needed some video work done. “I love the idea that even for a short while, I can help people escape the struggles and issues they face in everyday life and entertain them,” says Andrew. “I hope to be able to further express and convey my ideas visually” with the help of Mr. Hacker and the club.

This club is not just for people who have already made movies and won photo contests however, this club is for anyone interested in any aspect of photo or film. Some people who have joined the club do not own their own cameras or know what aperture and shutter speed are, but any students are welcome. If you would like to learn more about the club you can find Mr. Hacker or Mr. Cummins, and hopefully within just a couple years, the photo club will have a reputation!