Spotlight on Huntington Photographer Ben Kitzen
Over the past five years, Ben Kitzen has become quite a photographer. The Huntington High School junior is producing work that has increasingly captured the attention of discerning viewers. He’s growing in his knowledge, skill sets and confidence.
A young man of many talents, Mr. Kitzen was recently selected as the editor-in-chief of the 2011 edition of The Huntingtonian yearbook. A fine student, he’s also been a member of the Blue Devil crew team since his freshman year.
This spring the teenager will continue to work toward completion of an Eagle Scout project that involves building a unique shelving unit for the crew team’s utility trailer.
"Ben Kitzen is a fantastic person. He is creative, talented and so helpful. Ben is one of my student interns and he shows great leadership skills.”
. . . Photography teacher Pam Piffard on Ben Kitzen
Questions and Answers with Ben Kitzen
Q: How old are you and what grade are you in?
Kitzen: I am 16 years old and in 11th grade.
Q: How did you first get interested in photography?
Kitzen: I was first interested in 7th grade when I joined the Finley photography club with Mr. Helmke. I was really interested in the way certain things could be captured in such distinct ways. I felt that I had a talent for something new and unexplored.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
Kitzen: Most of my ideas and inspiration comes from my friends, family and personal experiences. I try to see as much in life as I can, which can be difficult to do in high school. I also look to other photographers for inspiration and spend lots of time admiring the work of people I look up to
Q: Is there any specific type of photography you like best?
Kitzen: Yes there is. What inspires me most is capturing people in their element, before or after a distinct and important moment in time. The anticipation brings great emotions from the subject and will usually bring beautiful, sometimes intense locations.
Q: How has the Huntington photography program helped you with your love of photography?
Kitzen: The Huntington High School photography program has helped me with my love of the art by providing me with a creative working environment, where I can get inspiration from my peers and my teacher. Ms Piffard has played a crucial role in my growth as an artist and always inspires me to work harder and enjoy what I do. As her intern this year, I have come to understand how much work she does and how she truly enjoys her job.
Q: Do you plan to continue with photography or go to school for it?
Kitzen: I plan to study communications in college, but photography will always play an important role in my life. I would love to make a career out of photography and let it take me to places in the world.
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