1st Year Residency

The first year of the Residency is a foundational year where students learn to see and master the basics of digital technology. We focus heavily on creativity and visual literacy. Students learn to use a camera in manual, how to import, organize, edit and tone images in Adobe Lightroom, and how to use studio lighting and grip equipment. They learn composition, color theory, lighting, and visual storytelling through weekly assignments.

Meet our Students:

Alexis Spence

12th Grade

Attending Brooklyn College this Fall

Majoring in Film and Video Production

 

Hey everyone! My name’s Alexis. I originally got into photography in order to help me better understand the visual aspects of film. But overtime, I started to become interested in taking a snapshot of the world I live in. Whether it’s flowers or busy streets of Brooklyn I would capture the sights in my life with the camera acting as my eyes. Recently, I got inspired by my family to photograph the moments we share together, from hanging out outside to falling asleep on the couch. Photography has allowed me to appreciate the simple moments and turn them into something special.


Anastasia

Sichel-Hahn

12th Grade

Attending Carlton College this Fall

Majoring in Psychology and Religion

 

I’m Anastasia Sichel-Hahn, an eighteen-year-old photographer, painter, and textile artist. In general, in my art, I am largely inspired by themes of femininity, interpersonal and family dynamics, and nature. In my photography, I like to capture those closest to me, expressing their lives and natures through staged scenes. I am particularly intrigued by the female figures in my life, having been raised by a single dad, and tend to explore my own ideas of womanhood through depictions of them, in addition to self-portraits.

I’ve always found nature most inducing of creativity, and so the majority of my photographs are taken in the Hudson Valley in Upstate New York, though I'm from New York City. I like to experiment with motion in my photographs and tend to lean towards slower shutter speeds and higher depth of field.


August Moreno Salerno

10th Grade

My name is August Moreno, a street photographer from Brooklyn, New York. Photography has guided me throughout my life and still is. Perspective, that word is very powerful to me. Changing the way others see things and opening their minds to a more depth of feel. Instead of looking at an image and moving along, I want people to feel that emotion and connect with it.

Over time I started to grow with my portrait shots and I began to focus more on fashion photography and street wear. The shot will be more abstract and the colors will catch your eye. Everyday I wake up and walk miles and miles asking strangers if I may take a photo of them. I love meeting new people and talking because there are so many interesting people that we pass by everyday.

Candid shots have also caught my eye, capturing someone in the moment shows more emotion than a staged shot. A story is shown, a connection is made. My photos inspire me to keep going out and taking photos. I can’t go anywhere without my camera, it’s a part of me as though it’s half my heart. 


Danieli maria

11th Grade

 

 My name is Danieli Maria, I’m 17 years old! Born and raised in the Bronx. I have a lot of pride for where I come from and through my photography, I shine a light on people from New York. The NY culture and life have a unique natural touch to it that makes my photography raw. My art embraces and uplifts people to love themselves as well as see themselves in a different light.

I wish to continue to photograph my community in hopes of demonstrating how impactful urbanism is. Each individual deserves to have their beauty displayed.


Jhan Motta

12th Grade

Attending Brooklyn College this Fall

Majoring in Acting and Photography

 

My name is Jhan Motta, hailing from Colombia but now calling New York home since 2020. Photography has ignited my passion, particularly in the realm of portraiture, where every expression and smile unveils narratives richer than words.

Through my lens, I delve into the intricate layers of human emotions, seeking to capture the essence of individuals in their purest form. In a bustling city like New York, I find solace in freezing moments of genuine connection and authenticity, believing that within each portrait lies a story waiting to be unveiled.


Lia Faynberg

12th Grade

Attending Tuffs University this Fall

Majoring in Photography and Journalism

 

My name is Lia Faynberg, and I am a photographer inspired by light, friends, youth, and finding beauty in the mundane. Photography was the first medium that helped me understand the idea of art creating emotion in those who experience it. Capturing raw moments and real people makes photos universal; I can feel nostalgic for a childhood I’ve never had, fall in love with a couple I’ve never met, and wonder about memories I've never experienced. My favorite thing about photography is its universality.

No matter what, I aim to tell a story through my work that can connect to everyone who sees it. I am an aspiring editorial photographer and photojournalist, and as I progress in my work, I will continue exploring my subjects and falling deeper into every story I encounter. 


Marley Figueroa

10th Grade

 

Hi! My name is Marley Lynn Figueroa and I am an aspiring cinematographer from Manhattan, New York. For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in using a camera to show the different people and lifestyles this world has to offer. The art of being able to capture something beautiful and allowing anyone to see it and gather their own perspective is what has fueled me to take the pictures I do. Through my images, I want to not only show the uniqueness of the world but bring people together through the simple click of a camera.


 

NINA TAN

12th Grade

Attending Baruch University this Fall

Undecided Major

 My name is Nina Tan, and I am from New York. Photography allows me to capture and narrate the memories, moments, and emotions we experience. Being able to take these photos and convey my feelings to my audience through my work is my favorite aspect of photography. I love showing those happy and thrilling moments that you hope can last forever. But I also love depicting how lonely and depressing life can be, as well as its peaceful solitude. While we can’t always live in the moment and our memories may fade, photographs serve as poignant reminders of both the good and challenging times. For the more challenging times, you will be able to reflect on your journey and recognize how far you’ve come. There is still a journey of discovery and learning in this field for me, which is incredibly rewarding.


Salim Bhuiyan

11th Grade

 

My name is Salim, a 17-year-old aspiring photographer. My photography obsession started when I snuck away with my cousin’s old camera at a family function and fell in love with it. For whatever reason I have never been able to contain myself to just a single area of photography, in my work you will see a combination of, but not limited to, street, film, portraits, nature, and even architectural photography. A little about me regarding my photography is that I love editing. Not because I dislike what my photos look like but because I get to combine reality through my eyes with how I feel about my subject. All this has led me to the aspirations I have today, to become a photographer.


Sara Monroy

12th Grade

 

Hi there! My name is Sara Monroy and I’m an immersed photographer based in NY who’s inspired by the nature of human life and the little details of my surroundings. I am immensely inspired by photographing the art of life and the joy of the people around me in any possible setting such as a day at the beach, a performance, a fashion show, or even at lunch with my family. As a person who sees through a lens, I wish to capture every detail that illustrates a message and illuminates life itself. Through my journey as a photographer, I capture myself by taking close-ups pictures and portraits of the people around me or objects that capture the essence of the scene which can tell a story itself. I wish you to continue this journey and fulfill my artistic view.


Selah Stanley

12th Grade

Attending Concordia University this Fall

Majoring in Photography

 

My name is Selah Stanley and I’m a 17-year-old photographer from Harlem, New York. Growing up in the city, I’ve always been fascinated by urban landscapes, city scenes, and lively nightlife, which has inspired me to delve into street photography. I like to play around with compositional aspects of photos such as light, color, shapes, shadows, and angles to capture parts of the city that are special to me and make the viewer see an otherwise mundane scene from an interesting new perspective.


Sofia Halim

12th Grade

Attending Binghamton University this Fall

Majoring in Neuroscience and Photography

 

I’m Sophia Halim, a photographer based in NYC. Through the lens of a camera, I have been able to capture the moments that evoke a multitude of feelings, which I love to reflect on later. Whether it's people on the street, or social events and gatherings, it brings me the most joy when I can simply take a small moment in time and preserve it forever. The use of color in my work is also something important to me since I share a love for both black and white and color photography. Shooting digitally has granted me the privilege of being able to experiment with both forms of color and broaden my overall creativity as an artist. 


VIOLA ZHENG

11th Grade

 

My name is Viola Zheng. I look towards photography as the one that has changed my perspectives and built up my personality. Looking through the lenses allowed me to discover a whole new world and made me build the ability to catch beautiful objects around me. I treasure my privilege to look through the lenses and be able to capture precious moments. Photos are not only recording down moments but also allowing us to reflect and travel back in time. Photography has brought me confidence and inspiration. Therefore, I now strive to take more pictures of my loved ones and of moments in life. It is a way for us to remember, to be remembered, and look back. 


Nevaeh Brown

10th Grade

2024 - Moleskine - Everybody Deserves a Chance to Fly Fellow

 

I am Nevaeh Brown. I’m a 16-year-old photographer and what I seek most interest in is portraits. something that I like most about photography is capturing and appreciating moments. throughout the year, I’ve learned how to take pictures from scratch and I gained more knowledge with photography such as leading lines, framing, rule of thirds & many more. Salt has enhanced my knowledge of being an artist in multiple ways.


Noah

Kato-Samuel

10th Grade

 

I love capturing irreplaceable moments in photography, freezing time, and preserving the essence of a fleeting memory. The accessibility of photography today, with advanced cameras and smartphones, means anyone can spontaneously document beauty wherever they are. As a photographer, I cherish the ability to share these unique perspectives with the world.


Adelaide Oppenheimer

10th Grade

 

Something that I have gotten out of photography is the ability to look at the world more deeply and search for moments or stories. I’ve learned that even the seemingly most boring things can be interesting if you look at them from a new perspective. I love being able to connect with others through art, whether it is our own or someone else’s.


Chloe Zhou

11th Grade

 

 My art serves to learn how to flow with the complexity of the world and be a reminder of what I want to live for.   Photography is not just a hobby for me; it's a profound way to delve into the depths of my family's history. When I'm behind the lens, I'm not just capturing a moment, I'm capturing the emotions, the stories, and the connections that make us who we are. It's a tool that allows us to capture the intricate web of human interconnectedness and the hidden relationships that bind us.


yIFAN zHANG

12th Grade

Attending bINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY this Fall

Undecided Major

 

As an artist, I look inwards and outwards for my subjects. In my photos, I look into my family unit, taking photos of those closest to me, sharing my blood and name. Then I go out into the hustle and bustle of New York City, where complete strangers become my best subjects. When I pick up a camera, I wish to go unnoticed, unsuspected, capturing the truest, most vulnerable moment. It is those little tabloids of love and tenderness that I wish to photograph. In my upbringing, the way my parents expressed their love and adoration was not by words or lavish gifts, but through the look of pride at a job well done, or massages when one complained of shoulder pains. Without many obvious indicators, I have been taught to always be on the lookout, to be observant. That has translated to me always looking out for little details that might otherwise have been lost in the messy array of life.


JAY GUANUCHI

11th Grade

 

I enjoy taking photos of the scenery I try to visualize what ways to make my photos look unique. By implementing techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, depth of field, and more I was able to create photos that caught my eye. I believe Photography is important because not only I can express myself through my photos but everyone else can as we all have unique perspectives and opinions which is very interesting.


Maria Romero

12th Grade

 

Photography allows us to capture incredible moments, freezing and capturing the essence of various occasions. The capability and assistance of cameras and smartphones make it easy for us to obtain the beauty of even a tiny object, sharing these unique perspectives with the world. This form of art encourages us to see the world from another point of view in its fullest splendor, telling moments or stories. I believe that through photography we can connect with others, sharing our interpretations and appreciating theirs equally.


John Leon

12th Grade

Attending University of Massachusetts/ Amherst

Majoring in Photography

 

As a photographer and artist, you capture the world through a lens of creativity, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It is a heartfelt dance that tinkers with light and shadow. My photograph allows me to show my unique perspective and leave something for the world to see. One thing I love about photography is its power to evoke emotions without the need for words, it connects people and cultures, transcending barriers, and touching hearts and minds alike. I enjoyed all the times we learned what makes a picture great, but I can look back on it and say what I took from salt is the power to tell a story, not just to capture a frame.


MICHELLE OSORIO

11th Grade

 

Well I love the fact that photography is versatile as an expressive art form. I love that I can express myself, through visual art, and stories all through the click of a shutter. Throughout this year I’ve refined my eye for photography and have learned about the stricter rules of it, such as always keeping in mind the photo as a whole and not cutting an arm/foot/ off to execute the best version of the photo desired. I love that for every photographer there’s always a style or something niche that person is good at, it makes photography very individualized.


ERICK LARA

11th Grade

 

Starting my photography career with NYC SALT has opened my eyes to truly appreciate what I can see and share. I learned a lot about what makes a photo truly a photo and what it means to capture a moment. Photography is amazing because it lets us capture and share our unique perspectives and creativity with others.


Dean Wilcoxson

10th Grade

 

One of my favorite parts of photography is being able to take pictures of people that they actually like. Learning about things like rules of thirds, portraits, and lighting has helped me to do this more and more.


Kelly-Ann McGregor

11th Grade

 

Photography has helped me become more observant of the world around me. I’ve come to appreciate the gift of time, and it’s allowed me to preserve not only my most precious memories but also the simple moments of life. It’s a wonderful way to tell a story and share your perspective with others.