On Background: Meet Makayla Holder, our multimedia producer
This mini Q&A vignette is a part of an going series called “On Background” to reacquaint readers with the team of journalists working in our newsroom. Responses edited for clarity.
Makayla Holder has been the Charlotte Observer’s multimedia producer since May.
Prior to coming to North Carolina, Makayla worked as a crime and courts reporter for the Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale, Illinois. They also were the managing editor from 2020 to 2021 of the Trail Blazer at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. It’s a college newspaper, but at the time, it was the only newspaper in a town of nearly 7,000 people.
In journalism, they really enjoy telling stories visually. They are interested in all branches of journalism and want to do the type of work that makes a difference after telling someone’s story.
Makayla has garnered awards from the Illinois Press Association Editorial Contest, including for a single news story and daily video journalism. They have also received accolades in the general news photo category from the Kentucky News Photographer Association.
How did you get into journalism?
It all started with me doing artistic photography which lead me to want to do photography for a living. I chose journalism because I get to tell stories with my photos.
What excites you about this field?
I have an opportunity to be a conduit for people and tell their stories and hardships in a way that helps the public.
What is the most interesting aspect of your beat/job?
By far it is just how many different beats I get to work on. I get a little taste of everything — plus all the sports drama.
Words of wisdom you’ve received?
My mentor John Flavell, an adviser for me when I was at the Trail Blazer, told me curiosity is the number one thing you need as a journalist.
Proud life moments? Something you’d like to improve?
I am most proud of landing a job at a major paper in a large city so quickly after graduation. I always want to improve my craft either in a journalist sense or an artistic sense.
Fun fact about you?
I do self portraiture art photographic series to deal and capture different hard moments in my life. I hope to display these images somewhere, someday.
This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 11:14 AM.
