[ot-caption title=”Senior Carolina Salazar is known throughout the Pine Crest community for her performances and photography. (via Julia Karten, sophomore)”]

This week Type One sat down with multi-talented senior Carolina Salazar. Found at nearly every Pine Crest performance, whether as a cast member or as a camera-wielding spectator, she is known for her photography prowess, singing skills, and acting ability, among other things. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: How did you get started with photography?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: My mom used to be a photographer, so I have always been used to her taking photos, in addition to the family photo shoots we would have around the house. From her, I learned the importance of recording tender moments and having photos and videos to look back on when nostalgia hits. I learned the basics of photography from her, and she has been an important part of what has led me to what I have become today. In eighth grade, I took my first digital photography class, for which I always had to take pictures and edit them. That got me interested in pursuing photography myself. I eventually took a black and white photography class my freshman year, joined yearbook my sophomore year, and have been taking pictures ever since.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: How did you get involved with singing?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″] 

Carolina: I have always enjoyed singing. Ever since I was very little and would sing around the house or in the shower. In sixth grade, my parents saw my potential in singing and encouraged me to take singing lessons, which I did. That year I performed for the first time at my middle school talent show. After moving to Chicago in eighth grade, I stopped singing for two years. However, after moving to Florida during my sophomore year, I resumed singing by performing in Playing for Change and continue to participate in the concert all throughout high school.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Besides singing and photography, is there anything else you enjoy doing?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: Some of my other activities are the musical and the play. I did the musical my junior and senior year, and I loved it because the cast was very big, which gave us a chance to get to know each other well and make rehearsals very fun. I did the play for my first time my senior year and also really enjoyed it. The smaller cast allowed us to bond, and because it was a Shakespeare play, it was also very interesting to transpose into acting. Other activities I am involved in are Hip Hop Club and Spanish Club. I really enjoy both because I like to dance, and we always have fun performances for Homecoming and Multicultural Week.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What are your favorite memories from singing or photography?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: One of my favorite memories from my activities was my last Playing for Change performance. I performed the song “Riptide,” and Noa Weiner, a junior, played the ukulele for me. It was a special and bittersweet moment because it was my last performance, but also because Noa and I had sang a duet for her first Playing for Change (the homecoming of my junior year). Another very special moment for me was performing the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the musical All Shook Up. There is a part in the song where the accompanying band stops playing, and we all sang acapella, and it was truly very beautiful.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What is your favorite accomplishment with either photography or singing?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: One of my favorite accomplishments has been the multiple exhibitions that my art has been featured in. My freshman year, one of my photographs was a part of the 26th Annual Central Suburban League Art Exhibit, and my sophomore year, a drawing I made was in the fourth annual Hollywood Art and Culture Center Pine Crest Art Exhibit.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What have you learned from participating in photography and singing?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: From photography, and more specifically yearbook, I have learned the importance of taking a leadership role. I was appointed Co-Head of Photography at the end of my sophomore year for my junior year and had to step up in order to lead other photographers, explain to them the role of yearbook photography, and provide them with the information and tools necessary to do so. Photography affects my life by teaching me to see things with other eyes and being happy by appreciating small moments. For sure one way it has affected me is that I have barely ever been able to watch a sports game or performance without being at the sidelines taking pictures. But it’s okay because I enjoy it so much. From singing and acting, I have certainly learned to face crowds and not be scared of performing in front of large audiences. Although I have never been particularly scared of presenting, big performances truly pushed me to be comfortable on stage and helped me become more outgoing and confident.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What is your favorite quote?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: One of my favorite quotes is, “Be so happy that when others look at you they become happy too,” by Yogi Bhajan. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What is your favorite genre of music?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: Dance and alternative.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What three words would you use to describe yourself?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: Loyal, outgoing, stubborn.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Where are you going to college, and what will you study? Will you continue these activities?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: I am going to University of Pennsylvania next fall, and for now I plan on studying communications. I hope to continue photography, singing, dancing, and acting while there. In college, I hope to truly find something that inspires me, and that will guide me into understanding what I want to pursue as a job. My goal in life is to do what makes me happy. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers or singers?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina: For photographers, don’t be afraid to play with your cameras. Explore all different modes, apertures, exposures, and ISOs. If you don’t explore the features on your camera or use videos to learn more about how to use it, you won’t be able to grow as a photographer. Also, explore different lenses. For singers, keep practicing and keep singing. Don’t be scared to audition for Playing for Change or to try new things like the musical. These performances are so rewarding and leave so many special memories, and you won’t regret auditioning and taking the chance at a great opportunity.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Carolina performed in Pine Crest’s production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a fairy just last week, and now is focusing on finishing up the yearbook. We’re certainly looking forward to whatever her next project will be.