At the University of Georgia, this photo was taken during a student rehearsal of GRACE, a performance that celebrated Black history through dance. I photographed the rehearsal for our social media and for a series of general photos highlighting student life outside of traditional academics. Each piece was unique, possessing a different feel in choreography. I was constantly moving around, scanning the stage and the dancers and noting how the lighting effects fell on them. This photo was the result of focusing on four dancers in a larger group and snapping the shutter the instant they hit their individual poses. It was over almost immediately, as they were in constant motion.
From the Judges
Judges were impressed with this photo because it combines strong storytelling with clean, technically sharp execution, making it versatile enough to represent art, creativity, and student life for years to come. Despite not knowing the exact timing of the routine, the photographer captured a crisp, dynamic moment that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
