BY HELAINA COZZA
Staff Writer

Some people may dream of becoming famous one day.  Hannah Jones, a senior, already experiences a certain level of fame. 

With a music blog that has more than 8,000 followers and a successful photography website, Jones is getting her name out there and taking steps toward her career.

Her website dedicated to her photography (www.hannahmariesphotography.com) is structured like a blog, where people can like, comment, and repost the photos.

Her interest in photography was passed down to her by her grandfather, who was interested in it his whole life.  She inherited his love for it when he passed away a few years ago.

Jones says her favorite part of photography is that you can “basically freeze a moment in time” and that a photo can tell a lot.

Jones will be attending Point Park University in the fall with photography as her major.

She has taken the digital photography class at the high school, which taught her many techniques and terms as well as how to edit photos.

“I’m extremely thankful that Baldwin has added this class,” Jones said.

Digital arts teacher James Wodarek taught Jones in his Graphic Design 1 and 2 classes and then in digital photography.

“Her photography work is fantastic,” Wodarek said.

He explained that she not only is a good photography, but she takes pictures of live events like the concerts, and is able to connect with people from other countries through her photos.  He also said that Jones, while extremely talented, is very humble.

In addition to her photography website, Jones has a blog dedicated to music and concerts as well as her personal life.  She makes posts about concerts in addition to posts about her day.

Her blog uses a website that allows the user to gain followers and post photos, videos and thoughts. Jones started the blog in 2011, thinking it would be a good place to express herself and connect with others like her.

 “As strange as it may seem, I’ve met some amazing people and friends through it,” Jones said.

She said that many people who need advice, but are unable to talk to their friends, will message her.  She said it feels amazing that she is able to help people through a simple message.

She has even been recognized at concerts or in public places such as the mall.

“People will come up to me and act all shy, which I find hilarious because they treat me like I’m some kind of celebrity, which I’m really not,” Jones said.  “It’s crazy, but still awesome.”

Margaret Cochran, a long-time friend of Jones, attends many concerts with her and loves when Jones gets recognized.

“It shows how small the world really is and how many people really like Hannah and don’t even know her,” Cochran said.

Jones attends many concerts, where she takes photos to use on her website and blog.  She travels out of state a couple times a year for concerts that do not come to Pittsburgh, and has met many band members.

The type of bands Jones sees range from All Time Low through Taylor Swift and One Direction.  She also enjoys heavier bands.  All the bands she listens to, however, inspire her through their song lyrics as well as their personalities.

Jones’ success can be an inspiration to other aspiring artists or musicians as well. The internet can be a huge outlet for people to get their work out for others to see, and there are many websites that are great resources, Jones said.

“Live for yourself and not for other people.  Do what you love, and love what you do,” Jones said.

Jones said her family is very proud of her and wants for her to be happy. She believes that following dreams is one of the most important things in life.

“I’ve always said that I could be living in a tiny apartment and living on microwave dinners, as long as I’m doing what I love,” Jones said.