A Q&A with Photographer and Videographer Mac Atzeff – The Forest Scout

Throughout this yr, you could have observed junior Mac Atzeff filming on the sidelines of all kinds of occasions. However, his first filming expertise dates again to his freshman yr in 2024, when he had the chance to work with the athletic division through the soccer season. Since then, he has taken on quite a few pictures and videography alternatives. Here’s a take a look at Atzeff’s journey and what goes into capturing an occasion.

What impressed you to get into pictures and videography?

“I asked for a camera for Christmas a couple years back, and I didn’t really know what it was gonna evolve into. I just started bringing it with me everywhere I went, and it led me into sports photography.”

What was the primary occasion you filmed?

“The first event I filmed was my friend’s dodgeball tournament. I just did it for fun because I had nothing better to do. He won the tournament too.”

How did you begin getting alternatives to movie?

“I met some friends here at LFHS like Liam Lumpp, and he introduced me to the athletic department. Now, I work with them, and we have a lot of stuff planned for the future.”

What’s the largest distinction between filming sports activities and different occasions?

“In sports, there is always something going on, especially Lacrosse – the ball is always in play, and you never know what could happen. With event photography, you always have an outline of what’s going to happen, so it’s more predictable.” 

What is essentially the most difficult a part of filming?

“I might say behind-the-scenes. There is numerous stuff behind the scenes that folks don’t learn about, like working with shoppers, operating emails, texts and telephone calls. 

There’s additionally studying enhancing software program and determining easy methods to use all of these [programs]. I exploit a lot of Adobe applications, and simply studying easy methods to use these effectively whereas saving time is certainly the toughest half.”  

What’s your favourite half about being behind the digicam?

“Making new connections. This past summer, I met a lot of new people and made new clients. I’ve been working with this guy from the Lake Forest Legends baseball team, and now I’m working with Mrs. Carter to film and photograph hockey.”

What’s one second you captured you’ll always remember?

“Definitely when I went to Yellowstone. It was just an eye-opening trip. I’ve never experienced nature like that before and I was just so happy I had my camera with me to capture it.”

What’s one piece of recommendation you’d give to somebody who desires to get into filming?

“You definitely don’t need all the expensive equipment to start off. I think it’s actually better if you start off with cheaper gear because it lets you know if you really want to get into photography and learn the basics. I do encourage people to pick up photography, but definitely start off small.”

What do you hope to do with pictures and videography sooner or later?

“Right now, it’s grown to be a business, which I never thought would happen, and I’m so glad it has. But I’m not really sure what my plan is for college yet. I might pursue it as a hobby more than a profession, but we’ll see where the wind takes me.”