How do you celebrate a milestone anniversary in a way that grabs readers’ attention? When approached about covering the College of Fine Arts’s 75th anniversary, University of Utah Magazine answered the call with a photo essay that told the story of the college’s artistic impact on the state. Inspired by another alumni magazine’s photo series of dancers, we expanded the concept to feature students from all five College of Fine Arts departments—music, theater, dance, art and art history, and film. To reflect the college’s broad influence, we selected iconic locations across the state as well as on campus. Dave Titensor, an exceptional in-house photographer from university marketing and communications, captured each student in locales that either complemented or contrasted with their discipline, creating an interesting dynamic between subject and setting. For instance, a filmmaking student posed in front of a theater on Park City’s Main Street (site of the Sundance Film Festival), while a music student in heels and concert dress played her trumpet on the Great Salt Lake mudflats. The result was a series of visually striking images that told the story of the College of Fine Arts’s far-reaching impact.
From the Judges
Fabulous shots showcasing the subject and environment with excellent use of space and lighting. Additionally, the judging panel gave kudos for the composition and color throughout.
