“Eye-Catching” Houston: Capturing Our City through High Schoolers’ Lenses January 23, 2019


For nearly 25 years, Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography has showcased Houston’s diversity through the eyes of local high school students. In collaboration with the MFAH and the Houston Independent School District, aspiring photographers are invited to share their work that captures moments from daily life across our city’s neighborhoods.

This year, 93 photographs by students from nine HISD high schools are on view. In addition to each image they submit, students are encouraged to share a description which often offers a personal and often poetic touch. Read on for a few examples.

 

Riley Johnston, Llama Socks

“Most of my pictures are of the same girl. Her name is Suzie and she is my lovely girlfriend. I was asked by my photography teacher to take pictures representing what Houston means to me, and to me, Houston is the girl I love.” —Riley Johnston, Westside High School

 

Luz Martinez Chica, Tradicion

“Houston is filled with different cultures, beliefs, and traditions that create a unique environment. Traditions such as quinceañeras create a magical environment that keeps cultures alive through the years.” —Luz Martinez Chica, DeBakey High School for Health Professions

 

Jacqueline Trejo, Accumulated

“Just like Houston, the Williams Tower shows so many accumulated reflections; every square accounts for the different perspectives in each person’s eye toward this city.” —Jacqueline Trejo, Stephen F. Austin High School


See more in “Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography,” on view in two locations in the Museum: the Law Building, through April 7; and the MFAH Visitors Center, through August 11.