A 19-year-old photographer from Columbia, S.C., knew the recipe for superb gumbo by the age of 10.  And now that young man, Mylan Cannon, is cooking up some great things that eyes can devour: Photos.

The sophomore from Ohio University said he developed a love for photography from a high school teacher, whose passion for video and photography was imprinted on Cannon’s mind.  Because of this teacher, Cannon decided to really get into photography.

“Ms. Perry showed me a lot of opportunities ,” he said. ” She was supportive and gave me advice. “That’s someone I definitely look up to and appreciate.”

While it was a teacher who introduced him to photography, it was during a mission trip to Africa that Cannon discovered his love for the craft.

“Being in Tanzania, I couldn’t communicate with the people.  The camera was the only way to break the barrier,” he said. “I took a picture of a kid playing the piano.  To me it shows how he loved music.  He couldn’t tell me he loved music, but I know from the frame.”

To Cannon, photography is not just another tool used to record something.  It can also be used to make a special connection with people.

“It’s important to society because it allows you to connect to people on a different level and to understand one another,” he said.

Cannon has done photography work for Ohio University Air Force ROTC, The Hip Hop Shop in Athens, Ohio, and has done work for Speakeasy Magazine.  Ultimately, Cannon’s career goal is to establish a magazine and become a documentary filmmaker.