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Teen photographer gets his shot with big acts and budding rap stars

Big names call on local teen, who has yet to graduate high school

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — "My name is Jacob Maher. I am 17-years-old. I take photos."

A modest introduction from a Chagrin Falls High School seniors he does more than just "take photos."

Maher has always had an eye for detail and composition. 

"I would just take photos on vacation. I would try and take cool pictures of mountains or where ever we would go on vacation. Really artistic and creative," he said. 

His talent may be genetics. 

"My grandpa used to be a wedding photographer back in the 60s and 70s."

And partly developed too. 

"I discovered it in middle school. Around 7th grade is when I really started to get into it," Maher said. 

Jacob's eye for photography has been catching the eye of those around him. 

"I talked to him today and said, 'Jacob, did I actually teach you anything?' Because when he came to me, he had amazing equipment. He is already shooting and going to all these venues. He is self-taught. But also a lot of stuff comes natural to him," said Dawn Serazin, Jacob's art and photography teacher at Chagrin Falls High School. 

She isn't the only one noticing Jacob's ability. After combining this love of visual art with his love of music, Jacob started getting photography requests from rappers and influencers like none-other-than Machine Gun Kelly, the Paul brothers, Polo G, and more. 

"It was kind of trippy to me, but at the same time I wasn't too nervous or anything because I knew I was there to take photos. I knew I had a job to do," Maher said. 

A job? Yes. But if you like what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. A life Jacob is hoping will be spent capturing moments, directed by his famous, artistic eye.

"I know he will definitely be someone. He will make something of himself. Especially in the photography world it will be interesting to see where he does go," Serazin said. 

"Every day that I wake up. Or every time there is an event, or every time I pick up a camera, no matter what I am shooting, I always have fun. I never have found a day in my life where I have not wanted to shoot photos. A photo is kinda like a time capsule. You are documenting life," Maher said. 

Jacob plans on attending college next fall. He's not sure where yet, but would like it to be in a large city. And he has plans for this summer, assuming musical tours resume. Jacob will be on the road, photographing them. 

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