“Photography is a part of me – I don’t feel complete unless I have a camera in my hand,” says Rianna Skinner, a student here at Olivet Nazarene University. A local from Kankakee and part-time adventurer when she has the time, Rianna has taught herself how to take stunning pictures of the world around her.
Rianna has been interested in photography for as long as she can remember. At age 5, she was known for taking her grandmother’s tablet and going around the house taking photos. However, it wasn’t until high school that she began to hone her skills as a photographer and editor. At 16 she received her camera, a 2007 Sony A65, as a gift from her uncle in 2018 on her birthday. Since then, through time, trial, and error, she has improved her ability to take good photos and edit them as well.
One of her favorite things to do is travel. She’s visited many countries, including England, Scotland, Whales, Ireland, Mexico, and Belize, as well as most of the eastern coast of the US. And wherever she goes, her camera goes with her. She is currently trying to save up for a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is also saving for a new camera so that she can take her photography to a new level.
Along with being a photographer, Rianna is a student at Olivet Nazarene University and works part-time at the Uplifted Bistro as a manager. While on the clock, she can be found cooking, at the front counter making drinks, or making sure everyone does their part to keep the restaurant clean and tidy. She’s even used her photography skills to create promotional content for her job.
At home though, she takes on the role of older sister to her brother Riley, and playmate to her dogs Rizzo & Wrigley. She enjoys spending time with her brother while attempting to beat him in Mario Kart and taking her dogs on walks when the weather is nice. And, of course, taking cute photos of them as well.
When asked what her perfect day would look like, Rianna talked of traveling to new places. She loves driving around exploring and experiencing the culture and everything the area has to offer. However, since she is still in school and thereby more limited in her ability to travel, she is perfectly content taking time out of her day to find a place to watch the sunset or take photos of cool looking clouds. “I love taking photos of the sky,” she says. “Sunsets and clouds are beautiful and my favorite things to photograph.”
“Rianna is bubbly, charismatic, and has a big heart that she wears on her sleeve,” says Sam Mason, one of her best friends on campus. “She cares about everyone, no matter who they are. You know she’ll always have your back.”
