Through Their Lens: Capturing Manteca High School One Frame at a Time

By: ALEXANDRIA GRAY 

The Tower 

Student Photographer, Dylan Woods working the live camera at the Gus Schmiedt stadium 

On any given Friday night under the stadium lights, or during a quiet, golden-hour portrait session, you’ll likely find Dylan Woods or Hanna Palacio behind the camera, focused, patient, and ready to capture a moment that will become a memory. 

They’re not just students with a hobby; they’re visual storytellers. With each click of the shutter, they preserve the emotion, energy, and excitement that define the student's experience at Manteca High School. 

Student photographers like Dylan Palacio and Hanna Palacio do more than take pictures; they capture the soul of student life. From senior nights to family photo shoots, their work allows others to relive memories, long after the event is over. 

“There’s something really powerful about freezing a single moment, the intensity of a game, the excitement of a win, or even the small moments people might not notice at first,” said Dylan Woods. “It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story through them.” 

That emotional connection is what drives both photographers to keep shooting, not for recognition, but for meaning. 

 Both students have a strong connection to sports, and it shows in their photography. Dylan Woods, who started two years ago after seeing captivating sports images on Instagram, was immediately hooked by the ability to capture raw emotion. “Once I picked up a camera and started practicing, I realized how much I enjoyed it,” he said. 

Student photographer, Hanna Palacio shooting for the Stockton Kings March 4th, 2025. 

Hanna Palacio, meanwhile, grew up around sports and finds that background invaluable when shooting games. “My favorite type of photography to shoot is definitely sports,” she said. “I grew up watching and playing them, so being able to capture those moments, the energy, the emotion, the excitement is so fun.” 

Their photos do more than document who scored the winning goal or caught the touchdown pass, they reflect the tension, thrill, and community spirit of every game. 

Balancing photography with school isn’t always easy. Both Dylan Woods and Hanna Palacio manage their passion alongside packed schedules and academic expectations. 

“I think of photography as my hobby, not my main focus, since school always comes first,” said Dylan Woods. “But at the same time, photography helps me manage stress, it’s something creative that I can look forward to.” 

Hanna Palacio agrees. As a student-athlete herself, she understands the importance of being seen and remembered. “I feel most inspired when I’m shooting someone for the first time, especially if it’s their first photoshoot,” she said. “As a student-athlete, I know how much those memories matter.” 

Even in cold weather, Hanna Palacio finds ways to keep shooting, often turning to indoor sports to escape freezing fingers. “My hands start to freeze on the camera if I’m outside too long,” she joked. “But the lighting during summer football games? It’s amazing.” 

Both students are mostly self-taught, but credit others for helping them refine their skills. Hanna Palacio took Ms. Creighton’s photography class as a freshman and later joined Mr. Burns’ media class. “Those classes helped me pay attention to the small details,” she said. 

Dylan Woods credits his parents for supporting his journey. “They helped me get my first camera and gear, and they always encouraged me to keep going,” he said. 

Dylan Woods’ biggest advice for beginners? “Gear doesn’t matter, it’s all about your vision. You can take amazing photos with any camera, even your phone. Just keep practicing and focus on what’s meaningful to you 

Whether they go on to become professional photographers or keep it as a hobby, Dylan Woods and Hanna Palacio have already made a lasting impact. Their photos are more than just snapshots, they’re visual time capsules. 

They remind us of what it felt like to be on the field, to cheer in the stands, to laugh with friends, or to shine under the gym lights. In capturing those moments, these student photographers are not just preserving memories; they’re creating a legacy, one frame at a time.