Photos: Collin Nawrocki
‘Taking a good picture is like a puzzle.’
After viewing some of Collin Nawrocki’s entries in our annual photo contest, we knew we had to learn more about this young photographer, who is a junior at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria. “For the most part, I am completely self-taught. I’ve spent hours researching and spending time out in the field to hone my craft,” he says.
Honing his craft appears to be working. Collin was named the 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Photo Contest’s People’s Choice, Director’s Choice and Teen Division People’s Choice winner. Other accomplishments include receiving superior ratings at the Minnesota State High School League Arts Competition and placing third in the 10th grade division at the Minnesota State Fair.
Who are your favorite photographers?
The first one, and who I credit most of my success in photography, is Andy Witchger (@andywitchger). I have always admired his work. In any situation/environment that he shoots in, he creates an image that is unique and different from everyone. Second is my favorite sports photographer, Tom Morris, (@temophoto) … This is where I have learned the best positioning for each sport, as I have shot just about every sport that Holy Family has with him. My third and last is my favorite photojournalist, Aaron Lavinsky (@adlavinsky) … He has this ability to tell a story in every picture that he takes. His images make you feel like you are present in whatever event he was covering. Whether it is from a canoe trip on the Boundary Waters or Saintly City’s Cat Show, there is something really special about them.
Do you take photos for your school?
I am fortunate enough to be a photographer for my schools newspaper, The Phoenix … I also have the pleasure of being a marketing and tourism intern for the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau … I am very thankful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted.
What equipment do you use?
I use a Canon 7D with a variety of Tamron lenses, along with a Nikon D750 that Holy Family lends to me every once and awhile.
Do you think camera phones are positively or negatively impacting the art of photography?
This is a great question. I think that phones are having a negative impact on the art of photography. Nowadays, it is super easy for people to think that they need to use their phones to take a picture of what they are witnessing, and while this can be a good thing, it can also prevent you from being present with what is really happening.
Collin Nawrocki
Instagram: @collinsnawrocki
