Football games at North Penn can get rowdy, but have you ever noticed the focused photographers on the sidelines? Cameron Balunhagui and Joe Jones trade the lively student section for their passion for photography.

North Penn Senior Cameron Baluhagui was introduced to the art of photography in 2020 and found a passion he never knew he had. 

“I started photography back in 2020 with my paintball team. We used to compete competitively in the tournament scene and I wanted to document our success,” Bulanhagui on why he started the hobby. 

Balunhagui’s versatility reflects his passion for photography and videography.

“I don’t have any favorite subjects to shoot, I think every subject has its own uniqueness and there’s something to appreciate about everything.”

As for the future for Balunhagui, he intends for photography to take a backseat at college next year. 

“I want to go to college but not as an art or photography major. I want to be a director or president of a marketing department one day and I want photography to be an addition to that.” 

Despite not pursuing photography as a career, the love is not lost for photography. 

“My work stands out from others because of passion and dedication. No matter what subject I’m photographing, whether that be sports or portraits or so on, everything has its own reason to be captured on camera.” Balunhagui stated. 

Balunhagui isn’t the only student at North Penn that has a passion for picking up the camera. Junior Joe Jones started photography this year and the love has only grown since. 

“I knew I was not going to play football in my Junior year, so I picked up the camera”, North Penn junior Joe Jones explained.

“My goal is to do [photography] at LSU,” Jones explained as he adorned a Louisiana State University sweatshirt. 

“I went and took a visit…my family went there, and it’s always been a school I’ve been interested in since I was little.”

Jones dedicates almost all of his time to photography, as he no longer plays football, but would rather be capturing and developing photos of the team. 

“I used to play football, but not since junior year.” 

Despite having an up-close view of the field or getting access to the star players, Jones’s favorite aspect of photography is the feedback he receives. 

“My favorite part [of photography] is the love that comes back after and seeing everybody happy.” Jones explained.

“I think my style is different from a lot of people around here and I’m closer to the field and players since I have more access,” Jones explained when asked what makes him and his art stand out. 

As you may have expected or noticed, Jones’ relationship with the teams he shoots for is something special.

“Football is still as close as ever as if I’m still on the team… I’m close with everybody.”

The next time you notice Bulanhagui or Jones at a football game, they may be lunging on the sidelines to get that perfect shot.