Tobey Schwartz, a freshman at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, is a talented young photographer who gives a lot to his community. Tobey started his journey in the photography industry not knowing much and is self-taught.
“I found my mom’s camera in our house just laying around and I just went outside and started taking pictures,” said Tobey, adding, “I took it to school once and brought it to a lacrosse game and I kind of just started doing it for every sport here.”
Tobey found his passion through the camera he found in his house and now has his own equipment. Although he found his passion he did need to make a change to his schedule to fit in his photography. Before starting to take pictures for sports teams at SCH he had to make a big decision. Tobey reflected, “I knew I had to make a choice between lacrosse and photography if I wanted to take pictures for the upper school team…I knew I wasn’t the best at lacrosse so I chose photography.”
Although Tobey had to choose between sports and photography, he is still involved in the sports world through his camera. SCH senior and captain of the boys’ lacrosse team Hayes Schreiner asked Tobey to take pictures for the team.
Hayes said, “Tobey comes to every game and takes pictures for us and does not make us pay and we appreciate him a lot.”
The team gets a lot of publicity through these free images. Many athletes are also able to use them on social media.
Hayes said, “I think that what kids like nowadays is to have a lot of pictures up on Instagram so I think that he helps brand our team and makes kids want to come here more.”
Tobey not only makes an impact on the team but on the whole school. Photography teacher Peter Capano has had the opportunity to watch Tobey become more and more of a professional photo taker.
Pete said, “He is probably one of the most complete photographers I have seen at his age and I think he will go big because it is not just talent; it is his ambition and personality.”
Pete believes he has all the qualities that a professional photographer needs and some that many lack.
Pete added, “He can do portraits, a little street photography, and a lot of beautiful nature images of birds and other animals — he can do it all.”
Pete Capano cannot wait to see what he does. “I think he is going to be a very well-known famous photographer and write down the date. I said it first.”
Everyone at SCH appreciates the work Tobey contributes to the sports teams and the community.