Each year, the photographers in the University’s Division of Strategic Communications capture an incredible visual record of life at the Capstone — hundreds of thousands of images that tell the story of our campus. From the excitement of home football games to the quiet moments of everyday student life, their work preserves this chapter in University history.
We invited the photography team to look back over the past year and choose the images that they love the most.
Each year, the photography team led by Zachary Riggins, captures the incoming freshman class with the larger-than-life Script A. This event takes a lot of coordination and precision from a photography standpoint to create the perfect shot that becomes an important memory for thousands of students.
The photography team documents the growth and evolution of campus from the ground and the sky. This picture, shot via drone by photographer Jonathan Norris, shows students using the new pickleball courts that opened this year at the University Recreation Center.
Photographer Bryan Hester grabbed this candid photo of UA President Peter Mohler’s talking to a parent during move-in. “He showed an easygoing nature that seemed to put folks at ease on what I imagine to be a hectic day for anyone in the middle of getting their child off to college,” said Hester.
In addition to covering events, UA photographers spend many hours on scheduled shoots like this one of a graduating senior to use for a brochure. It takes many hours of planning, lighting, shooting and editing to capture the essence of the Alabama experience.
Some of the most memorable shots are completely spontaneous. While on a scheduled shoot to get photos of Big Al dressed as Cupid greeting students on Valentine’s Day, the big guy decided to jump into a volleyball game on the Quad. “He had some slick moves I was lucky enough to catch once I realized where he’d gone off to,” said Hester.
Occasionally, the team has the opportunity to capture significant moments of University history off campus as well, like this past fall when students from the Campus Veterans Association traveled to Washington, D.C., to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This image, captured by photographer Matthew Wood, was taken during a video shoot for a spotlight on the UA Rock Climbing Club. It demonstrates how even a simple assignment can turn into an opportunity to showcase the grit and determination that characterize UA students.
This powerful photo of quarterback Ty Simpson and wide receiver Ryan Williams during the LSU game was captured by photographer Jonathan Norris.