Even though he is still a student, Whitten Sabbatini received a professional boost when his photography was both personally and commercially published in a local magazine.
The photography major has contributed work for the publication "Catfish Alley." It started as a showcase for some of his personal work, but Sabbatini also began working commercially for the magazine by shooting photos to accompany articles.
"It's all a blessing, really, to do this kind of work," he said. "Photographs are something everyone can relate to."
Sabbatini's interest in photography formed from what he calls a "mesmerizing idea" of being able to manually focus an SLR camera. But this love has evolved and has now become something more.
"Photographs are tangible," Sabbatini said. "They're something you can touch and hold —this moment or this person that was once in your life that you can look back on."
"I enjoy the fact that to be a successful photographer, or to make interesting photographs, it's inherent that you have to 'go and do' because interesting photographs don't create themselves," he said.
One of the things Sabbatini loves the most about taking portraits is the physical interaction between the subject and the photographer. He sees it as his responsibility to create an environment for the sitter that is as comfortable as possible, which includes talking and relating to the individual.
The best part is the moment when the subject forgets he is there taking a picture and he is able to capture their true personality.
"This challenge of creating a portrait, where there is a camera and a photographer behind the camera, but that appears as if neither of those two things are present, is something that I thrive on over and over again," Sabbatini said.