ROCKFORD, Minn -- If you didn't know that there was a big difference between taking pictures and taking photographs, one look at the portfolio of Rockford high school senior Elizabeth Klein graphically drives home the distinction.
"I do focus on really little details", says Elizabeth. "I think that's what helps my art succeed a lot better."
It's Elizabeth's attention to detail that has opened the door of future options, while at the same time causing Elizabeth to question her future as she always assumed it would be.
"Being able to create medications that aren't available right now, that's the kind of field I wanted to work in", says Elizabeth. "And now, it's kind of iffy."
Iffy because while Elizabeth forged a 4-point-plus GPA while working towards a career in pharmaceutical engineering, her long-time love of photography and the recognition of her remarkable photos has changed the focus of her work.
Says Liz, "Like, I'll spend more time editing my photos than I will doing homework and it just doesn't seem like it's taking that long because it's always worth it."
Now, instead of heading east to attend engineering schools, Elizabeth is considering two art schools, and the University of Minnesota.
Besides taking honors courses, Elizabeth participates in mock trial, plays on the golf team, and belongs in the National Honor Society. And she's managed all that without burning the midnight oil.
"I do just as well If I didn't stay up studying", says Liz. "So, it never really benefited me to stay up until one or two studying."
But, Elizabeth's success in so many endeavors has produced this one major downside. With her senior year starting to wind down, her success in photography has left her post high school plans out of focus.
"So, now it's kind of deciding if I want that career or if I want to focus on math and science, and it's kind of hard to choose."
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. )