Amber D'Hooge is a senior studying photojournalism at the University of Montana. She is originally from Chinook, Mont., and has been a photo intern for both the Wisconsin State Journal and the Missoula Independent.

"My first encounter with photography came my freshman year when I signed up for the basic photo class offered through the School of Journalism. Coming from one of the most rural parts of the country I had never had formal training in anything, photography included. In that first class I was given a taste of what the School of Journalism had to offer. I wanted more.

Looking back now, it is easy to see why I followed this path. The knowledgeable instructors and positive support of my peers has made learning here an amazing experience. As for why I like photography so much, it is difficult to give one certain reason. I have a natural sense of curiosity. I love to watch light and people and the land. Somehow, it just fit for me. I feel truly blessed to have found something I am so passionate and excited about."

Photos by

Amber d'Hooge

 

 

 

HEARTLAND AIDSRIDE
2002
During my first internship with the Wisconsin State Journal I was given the opportunity to complete a photo story on a subject of my choice. I've always had an interest in covering AIDS related issues so when I heard about the 580-mile benefit bike ride from Minneapolis to Chicago I jumped at the chance to cover it. I was pleasantly surprised after I submitted a proposal to my editors and found out that I would be photographing the entire ride from start to finish. This image, made at the closing ceremonies, brings back a lot of memories for me. It was an emotional week for all and Iām happy that I was able to return with photos that communicate that emotion to others.

 

 

NORTH HARLEM HUTTERITE COLONY

 

The little girl in this photo, Gracie Hofer, was child in a community who sparked my passion in photography. For my intermediate photography final I completed a photo essay on a Hutterite colony near my childhood farm in North-Central Montana. This collection of photos is a constant reminder for me that great stories are often in your own backyard.

 

 

 

FREE MAMMOGRAMS

 

The Rock Creek Testicle Festival is a place where humorous and shocking photos are handed to you on a silver platter. To walk away from this event with successful images requires nothing more than the time and patience it takes to weed your way through 15,000 intoxicated people.

 

 

 

AMERICA UNDERWATER

This is an image that is about listening to tips, keeping your eyes open and sheer luck. When my editor at The Missoula Independent mentioned that a flag had fallen off the Higgins Street Bridge and was now floating below in the Clark Fork River I knew there was a possibility of an interesting photo. When I passed by to check out the tip I was pleasantly surprised to find this local fly-fisherman
casually casting by.