Chicago photographer reveals CPS students' everyday moments
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Photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has had a consistent presence in Chicago Public Schools for the last several years, capturing both the mundane and memorable moments.
The big picture: Pinney started photographing at Bell School in 2018 through the Artists in Public Schools residency, which places artists in schools across the city to help tap into the creativity of students and staff and collaborate on projects.

State of play: Pinney also documented the merger of Ogden and Jenner schools in 2019 and is currently posted at Senn High School.

Zoom in: Pinney says capturing the intimate moments of students requires a level of trust that often comes after students she's previously photographed "vouch" for her.
- "Each time we make a portrait, I think the students feel my commitment to mirror their individual dignity and beauty. This is communicated through my respect for each student and my close attention to the details of composition and light," Pinney says.

Reality check: Pinney is also present in the dark moments, like when gun violence takes the life of one of the students she's come to know.
- "Tragically, eight students I photographed died that way. As difficult as this is for me as a witness who cares deeply about the students, I do not compare it to the devastation experienced by the families and friends at the center of the tragedies."

Go deeper: Pinney's CPS portraits are collected in her book, "In Their Own Light: Photographs from Chicago Public Schools."
