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The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Student News Site of Colorado State University

The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Student News Site of Colorado State University

The Rocky Mountain Collegian

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From the Rockies to the Races: Why College Students Are Joining the Celebrity-Packed  Kentucky Derby
From the Rockies to the Races: Why College Students Are Joining the Celebrity-Packed Kentucky Derby
April 24, 2024

The Kentucky Derby, often celebrated as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” transcends mere horse racing to become a staple of American...

Meet the Photographer: Laurel Sickels

women poses
Laurel Sickels poses on The Oval. (Lou Regen | The Collegian)

Laurel Sickels is a fourth-year photo image making and graphic design student at Colorado State University. Laurel became interested in photography about 10 years ago when she was gifted her first digital camera for her birthday. Laurel was initially interested in documenting small nature details, but her skills were further developed in high school.

In high school, she took a class where she learned how to shoot and develop her own film, which pushed her “into enjoying and understanding the medium.” Laurel has only had time to grow throughout her time as a photo major and now focuses mainly on landscape, abstract and product photography. Laurel’s favorite image is one she took of the sand dunes because she loves the way the sun makes the sand look so soft. Furthermore, she is interested in the lines of the image and how one’s eye is naturally drawn across the sand. 

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sand dunes
People stand on top of a sand dune. (Laurel Sickels | The Collegian)
tea set
A tea set sits on a table next to a candle Feb. 8, 2020. (Laurel Sickels | The Collegian)
abstract glassware
An abstract picture of glassware. (Laurel Sickels | The Collegian)
arches
People stand beneath arches. (Laurel Sickels | The Collegian)

Luke Bourland can be reached at photo@collegian.com.

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About the Contributor
Luke Bourland
Luke Bourland, Photo Director
Luke Bourland is a history major from Durham, Connecticut. Bourland is studying history in hopes of going to law school in the fall 2022 semester after graduation. In terms of which law school Bourland wants to go to, he likes to joke, "I will attend anywhere that'll have me!" Bourland has been taking pictures recreationally for most of his life but did not officially join The Collegian until the beginning of his sophomore year in 2019. Bourland originally joined The Collegian to develop his skills and to photograph out of his comfort zone. During his time at The Collegian, Bourland has held positions such as freelance photographer, media archivist, assistant photo editor, photo editor and finally, photo director. As the photo director, it is Bourland's job to make sure the paper is accompanied with beautiful pictures alongside the photo editor. Bourland has photographed events ranging from speeches and galas to football and basketball games. In his free time, Bourland is an avid golfer, fly-fisherman and still loves to take pictures recreationally. Differing from the style of photography at The Collegian, Bourland enjoys slowing down and shooting landscapes and portraits on film. Bourland first learned how to develop film with a friend in the bathrooms of Corbett Hall, stuffing towels under the doors to avoid any light leaking in. No matter where life takes Bourland, he hopes that photography will always be there along the ride.  

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