03/27/2025
For Immediate Release
3/25/2025
Kofa hosts annual YUHSD Photo Expo
YUMA, AZ – Photography students from across Yuma Union High School District had the opportunity to learn about their craft from local photography experts on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Kofa High School.
Students from digital photo Career and Technical Education programs at Kofa, Cibola and San Luis high schools took part in the annual event.
“I haven't had many opportunities to experiment with photography at the level I'm in, so this is definitely a very fun opportunity to get to do that,” Kofa High School photography student Akemi Lopez said. “It’s fun to get first-hand knowledge from the presenters and pick their brains with questions.”
Students rotated through different workshops led by local professionals Aliyah Ashley, Carlos Yeomans, Luigi Ortiz, and Kim Garcia. Each workshop taught them a different photography technique.
“It’s great to get them enthusiastic about the art and the profession of photography,” Photography Industry Professional Luigi Ortiz said. “I want to teach them to look at things that are not obvious to most people and to take it and see it in a beautiful way.”
The YUHSD Photography Expo has been an annual event since 2013, giving students the opportunity to get industry grade training by local professionals. Kofa has hosted the event the last two years.
"The Photo Expo was established approximately ten years ago with the support of the YUHSD Digital Photography Advisory Board members to enhance students' photography skills through collaboration with industry professionals specializing in the field," said YUHSD Director of CTE Nereida Lansman, who conceived of the event 12 years ago while teaching at San Luis High School. "Since its inception, the Expo has provided students with opportunities to develop specific technical skills, significantly improving their participation and success in the SkillsUSA State Competition by better preparing them for both regional and state-level events."
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For more information, please contact Eric Patten, YUHSD Chief Communications Officer, at [email protected].
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