Some of the best photographs from a football game capture what happens between plays.
Spring Woods High School senior Ricardo Briones is learning to recognize those moments. While he enjoys photographing the action, he chose a quieter scene when asked to share a photograph he was proud of.
“Some of the most powerful moments in sports sometimes come in the form of still, and quiet moments when nobody seems to be watching,” Briones said.
He was one of five Spring Woods students who shared favorite photographs and reflected on their work in journalism. Their responses offer a look at how students are helping tell their school’s story while developing skills, discovering interests and getting to know their classmates.
For Briones, a photojournalism student, learning to take better photographs has included knowing when to lower the camera. Watching a game without looking through the lens helps him understand what is happening and decide what to capture.
The experience has also given him a greater appreciation for the students he photographs and the work they put into their activities. Through journalism, he has discovered a hobby, built relationships and gained a better understanding of other programs at Spring Woods.
Senior yearbook staff member Oscar Arroyo chose a photograph of his friend Julian Robles, with teammates blurred in the background. His connection to the image goes beyond its composition. Arroyo has seen his friend work through the disappointment of a loss, and he misses playing alongside him.
Photographing school life gives Arroyo another way to stay connected. He enjoys seeing his work published and looking back at the moments he has documented.
For senior Edgar Sanchez, photographing the Tigerettes connects a childhood interest in dance with his work on the yearbook staff. His experience helps him appreciate their movements and consider how to capture them.
His photographs are being used in the yearbook and school newspaper. Having a photograph and story featured on the newspaper’s front page was a highlight of his experience in journalism.
“I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had in journalism,” Sanchez said.
Freshman Hannah Michicoj is discovering how lighting and composition can help a photograph stand out. Her favorite image focuses on football player No. 80, with the background blurred and late-afternoon sunlight falling on his right side.
She took several photographs before getting the image she wanted. As she learns about techniques such as the rule of thirds, she is also thinking about what her work gives others.
“I have enjoyed documenting this school life by helping others remember their memories,” Michicoj said.
Freshman Isabella Hernandez found her favorite photograph while planning to take pictures of the band at a football game. Then she noticed the cheerleaders.
She decided to photograph them, unsure how the image would turn out. When she reviewed it, she was excited to see how the light and movement of the pom-poms came together.
“It was just beautiful. I’m so glad I took that photo,” Hernandez said.
Yearbook has given her opportunities to attend events, meet people and contribute to school publications. She hopes to stay on staff throughout high school.
The students are part of a journalism program led by Joshua Ault, Spring Branch ISD’s 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Ault brings more than a decade of professional radio and television experience to his classroom, helping students develop their voices and tell stories about the people around them.
Through the yearbook, newspaper, photography, newscasts, podcasts and documentaries, his students produce work that reaches audiences beyond the classroom. Their efforts continue to earn recognition.
In 2026, Spring Woods students received four Lone Star Student Production Award nominations from the Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Anaisa Ferrera earned the editing award for “My Little Angel.”
Those honors follow two Lone Star Emmy wins in 2025. Emily Zapata won for her documentary, “Paciencia Y Fe,” and Emily Limas, Nicole Colunga and Stephanie Reyes-Hernandez won best public service announcement for “What is Bullying.” In 2024, Ashley Vasquez earned a Student Production Award for her documentary, “Now or Never.”
Other recent accomplishments include Leslie Colin’s third-place award in special coverage at the 2026 Interscholastic League Press Conference for her interview with Holocaust survivor Ruth Steinfeld. Four Spring Woods journalism students also had editorials published in the Houston Chronicle in May 2026.
For the students behind the cameras, the work starts with paying attention: noticing a classmate’s expression, anticipating a movement or recognizing a moment others might miss. Their photographs help families and classmates see school life through students’ eyes and preserve those experiences for years to come.
Are you an SBISD student with work you’re proud of or a story to share?
Email storylab@springbranchisd.com to suggest story ideas, be considered for a spotlight or participate in SBISD’s StoryLab content.
