
Hi! My name is Sonja Lippmann, and I’m a member of the class of 2023 at Leigh High School in San Jose, California. I enjoy learning about various subjects, but I’m especially interested in science. I love playing volleyball in and out of school, and I’m also on my school’s swim team. Through BBYO, the Jewish youth group I’m involved in, I have grown as a leader and further explored my Jewish identity. It has also expanded my interest in social action, and I’m becoming more and more determined to do what I can to bring positive change in my community, including volunteering, protesting, educating myself, and continuing to be a leader on a regular basis. In my free time, I like to travel and explore new places with my friends and family, whether they’re just a short drive from my house, like Santa Cruz and San Francisco, or across the country or globe. I enjoy embroidery, playing guitar, backpacking, and experimenting with baking.
Photography Portfolio
In addition to the images published on jGirls+ as stand-alone works or visuals accompanying articles by other contributors, the following is a curated selection of Sonja’s works.
Artist’s Statement
Sonja Lippmann is a high school student from San Jose, California with a passion for social justice, Judaism, and being creative. jGirls+ has given her a platform to combine these interests and express them through photography. She has learned how to use her camera as a tool for documenting her own experiences as well as helping others convey their incredible stories. As a photographer, she is particularly inspired by people who are animated and passionate about standing up for what they believe in, so her favorite photos feature people protesting, dancing, and proudly displaying their identities and cultures. Through jGirls+, she has also learned more about the technical aspects of photography and especially enjoys experimenting with various shutter speeds to capture movement. She is excited to continue exploring both the creative and technical sides of photography on the jGirls+ Teen Staff and throughout her life.