THE GOAL
Capture dynamic, celebratory photos during the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s campuswide commencement ceremony. One photo was needed for a publication I was designing; a confetti-filled shot featuring one or two excited graduates. The rest were taken to contribute to the campus image library for broader university use.
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This was a really fun (and major learning) experience, especially since photography wasn’t my primary role at the time. I attended the full ceremony at Memorial Stadium, shooting throughout the event to capture the energy and excitement of graduation day. After editing, I shared the collection with the campus photography team, and several images were later featured on the main university graduation website.
THE GOAL
Photograph food and brand visuals for a local BBQ restaurant as part of my senior capstone design project. I reimagined the restaurant’s branding from logo and menus to packaging and merchandise, and I wanted authentic photos of the real dishes to bring the project to life.
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I shot these photos quickly and naturally, capturing plates as they were served to customers without interrupting service. I also styled a few shots with branded materials I designed for the project. The result was a series of images that made the brand feel genuine, flavorful, and true to the restaurant’s personality.
THE GOAL
Coordinate and photograph updated headshots for more than 50 faculty, staff, and students in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation to create a consistent, professional look for the office’s website directory.
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I planned and photographed each session to balance consistency with individuality, slightly varying the backgrounds and poses so the images felt cohesive but not identical. We used a recognizable campus location that gave the portraits a sense of place while helping the overall directory look polished and unified.
THE GOAL
Capture candid photos during SCD’s first Human-Centered Design bootcamps. The sessions brought student employees together to learn and practice design thinking through hands-on collaboration.
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I moved throughout the building to capture authentic moments of students brainstorming, prototyping, and sharing ideas. My goal was to show the energy and teamwork that define SCD’s culture while building a collection of images the center could use for storytelling, social media, and promotional materials.
THE GOAL
Capture professional yet relaxed headshots for a grad student finishing her master’s degree.
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We kept the shoot simple and comfortable, focusing on natural light and genuine expressions. The final images gave her a variety of looks that felt both polished and personal.
THE GOAL
Capture brand photography that reflects the community, energy, and safety of the biking culture in Champaign-Urbana for the university’s Bike at Illinois program.
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As part of a larger visual identity project, I helped create imagery that showcased what makes biking at Illinois special. Working with our creative team, I shot photos that complemented the program’s refreshed branding, website, and outreach materials. The photos helped tell the story of a campus that is active, connected, and proud of its bike-friendly culture.
