Marissa Kaplan showed up in our office four years ago with a black art-store portfolio and a willingness to help with whatever we needed. She was a high school senior here in Greensboro and photography was her passion. She went away to college that autumn, and would come by on every school break, intern each summer, and "trailed" us at weddings until she eventually became a second-shooter herself. She recently travelled with Traci and me to photograph a wedding New Jersey (images to come soon), and her talent just continues to blossom.

As she enters her senior year at Boston College, I wanted to give her a shout-out and a chance to showcase her work. She is a rising star and I am honored to have her as my friend and colleague. Here are her thoughts on her journey so far, and a few of her favorite images follow:

When did you first get interested in photography?
The summer after my freshman year in high school I went to Costa Rica for three weeks on a Spanish immersion trip. I loved the land and culture so much I ended up taking so many photos. When I returned from my trip and reviewed my pictures, I came across a photo I had taken through the window of a moving bus passing by Arenal Volcano. The weather was poor and the visibility was limited and it was my goal to get one decent photo of the volcano. For only a quick second, the clouds broke and a slight glimmer of light afforded me the opportunity to capture that sight. The challenge of balancing motion, character, intent, and substance became a thrill for me.

What was your first camera?
My very first camera was a Polaroid Instant Camera that I got when I was 8. I was so enamored with the instant photo that I would go around taking pictures of anything and anyone, just as long as it gave me the chance to shake that photo! My first serious camera was a Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D my grandfather and my brother Zachary gave me when I was about 16. That's when I became very serious about photography. I schlepped that camera all over the place until I finally outgrew it.

What does this coming year hold for you?
I am fortunate that Boston College has enabled me to study Human Development and Photography. In doing this work, I am able to better understand the impact of photography and communication as a method of both story-telling and tangible memories. It excites me to know that I will be shooting for various photographers as well as within my school, capturing the excellence of our Dance Ensemble, assisting in directing the Arts Festival, and being a council member of BC Art Club. In addition, I am humbled to photograph exceptional children at our Campus School. These are all part of an independent study investigating the definition and expression of an image and its perception by its viewers as well as by those depicted in the photograph.

What camera do you shoot with now and what's your favorite lens and why?
I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II which I adore! My favorite lens is probably my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8. It is versatile, fairly lightweight, and has an amazing range -- I think it is the best all-around lens for the buck.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I hope to be an established photographer - shooting and sharing stories that reveal truth and hopefully move those who see it. Oh, and working for National Geographic would be fine, too!