PORTFOLIO: UNM PHOTOGRAPHY
From conceptualizing projects and bringing them to life, to the candid moments in the daily lives of Lobos, there's always so much to celebrate and share at The University of New Mexico! By intentionally and thoughtfully integrating diverse ideologies and student backgrounds, these images tell the story of who we are and represent much more than just a brand.
While working at University Marketing and Communication at UNM, I have contributed over 10,000 edited high-resolution photographs to UNM's image bank (internally referred to as the brand asset library). I serve as a brand manager of the image bank, uploading, navigating, and managing the complex file management system.
Here are a few of my favorite photos! Go Lobos!
Vice President Kamala Harris & New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
United States Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before a private crowd at The University of New Mexico, and I had the distinct honor of being granted a White House Press Pass to photograph the occasion.
Harris was joined by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and co-moderator and Chair of the OB-GYN Department at The University of New Mexico Hospital, Eve Espey.
In partnership with K-UNM and PBS, the images were included as part of an article by Nash Jones. Read the article here:
Award: Honorable Mention in Student Life Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2023
Office of the President - State of the University
Every year, UNM President, Dr. Garnett Stokes, delivers the State of the University Address, an important event that is also live-streamed for the broader community. This photograph captures the essence of the address, focusing on President Stokes as she stands before the audience with The University of New Mexico monogram beautifully projected on the wall behind her. The image highlights her engaging presence as she provides updates and insights about the University’s progress and future plans.
ASUNM Lobo Spirit - Lobo Day Cake
Lobo Day celebrates The University of New Mexico’s birthday. Under the creative direction of the Assistant Director of University Marketing, Digital Strategy, a cake was photographed for the event’s promotional materials. A red paper backdrop was used to complement the silver icing, while turquoise lighting was added to overall reflect UNM’s colors—cherry red, silver, and turquoise. Careful color correction was required due to the reflective nature of the silver frosting and colorful backdrop.
UNM Bookstores - Merchandise
The goal of these photographs was to showcase UNM-branded products. School supplies that were not branded, but still purchased from the UNM Bookstores, were used to complement the compositions. Minimal flat lays on a white background were shot from an overhead perspective using even, diffused lighting to reduce shadows and glare, and maintain accurate color. Careful spacing, leading lines, and color choices allowed multiple items to be shown at once while keeping the focus on the brand identity.
University Communication & Marketing - Cherry on Top Flight
Cherry on Top is The University of New Mexico’s hot air balloon and was photographed from the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. These images were captured from inside a hot air balloon after an early-morning launch, with flight approval coming at the last minute due to stormy conditions. A fast shutter speed was used to compensate for the movement of both balloons, while a wide focal length emphasized scale and altitude. The aerial vantage point highlights the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the surrounding valley, placing the UNM balloon within the broader New Mexico landscape.
University Communication & Marketing - Cherry on Top Crew
This series of photos is dedicated to the pilot and crew who woke up at 3:00 a.m. for nine consecutive days to make each flight possible. These photos show a sense of simplicity, calm, and dedication amid the loud sounds and busy chaos of the festival.
University Communication & Marketing - Cherry on Top Hot Air Balloon
Have you ever wondered how a hot air balloon takes flight? Well, here’s how!
First, our incredible crew lays out the envelope and fills it with air using a big fan. Then, our pilot Travis will use the burner to heat up the air inside, because as you may know, heat rises. Once a Zebra (yes, a Zebra! AKA an official launch director) gives pilot Travis a thumbs up (and throws a ‘Bo), Travis adds more 🔥🔥🔥, and off it goes!
Cherry on Top is The University of New Mexico's hot air balloon, which was unveiled at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. I woke up at 3:00 am eight times to capture this series. One time I even went up in a hot air balloon (which was self funded and organized)!
Follow Cherry on Top on Instagram: instagram.com/cherryontopballoon
Award: Silver in Arts & Culture Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
Nob Hill District
Nob Hill, the university district within walking distance of UNM, was photographed through the perspective of three students to highlight the neighborhood. The images follow them using Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART), walking through Nob Hill, and spending time at a local coffee shop. The students were styled with UNM-branded clothing to reinforce a sense of place and connection to the university.
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing’s new building was photographed to highlight the spaces through the people who use them. Images paired UNM faculty with students in casual, everyday interactions, like office hours, to show how the building supports learning and connection.
Award: Gold in Photography Series, School 20,000+ Students
Collegiate Advertising Awards, 2025
Lobo Day Tee
The goal of these photographs was to showcase UNM-branded products. School supplies that were not branded, but still purchased from the UNM Bookstores, were used to complement the compositions. Minimal flat lays on a white background were shot from an overhead perspective using even, diffused lighting to reduce shadows and glare, and maintain accurate color. Careful spacing, leading lines, and color choices allowed multiple items to be shown at once while keeping the focus on the brand identity.
UNM Online
The goal of the photos for The University of New Mexico Online program was to showcase the academic offerings, lifestyle, and student experience of an online student. Photography took place at two locations: a home setting to reflect everyday learning environments, and the UNM Lobo Rainforest, styled to resemble a professional office space. The images balanced wide environmental scenes and portraits with details like laptops and notebooks to highlight the flexibility, focus, and professional tone of the online student experience.
Office of the President - Root Beer Floats with President Stokes
Every spring, the Office of the President hosts a root beer float event in the Zimmerman Library Cactus Garden, inviting students to enjoy a free root beer (or orange) float with President Stokes and campus leaders. The photographs focused on welcoming interactions between students and leadership, capturing moments of conversation, service, and campus community.
Fiestas
Fiestas is UNM’s annual spring music festival. Shot from the pit and within the crowd, the images highlight direct connections between artists and students. Fast shutter speeds and wide apertures were used to freeze movement and isolate performers against dynamic stage lighting, while tighter crowd shots emphasize energy, scale, and student engagement. Together, the photos reflect Fiestas as both a high-energy concert experience and a celebration of UNM identity.
Artists: Yung Gravy, Sage the Gemini, Jason Huber of Cherub, Slums of Harvard, and Sister Baby.
Office of the University Secretary - Commencement
The energy was electric at The Pit, UNM’s basketball stadium, where Deb Haaland, US Secretary of the Interior, delivered an incredible keynote address.
Navigating the low light conditions of The Pit required careful attention to exposure settings to ensure clarity and vibrancy in each image. These images collectively emphasize the powerful sense of community and celebration that define the commencement experience at The University of New Mexico.
College of Fine Arts - Confluence Masters of Fine Arts with Roxanne Swentzell
For the second time, Roxanne Swentzell taught the Distinguished Practitioner course for the Confluence Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) program, inviting students to camp with her on Tewa land. This immersive experience allowed students to learn the ethical harvesting of clay, vessel-making, and firing techniques.
They also delved into native cultural history and pre-contact foodways, while adhering to a traditional Puebloan diet. Roxanne Swentzell, a renowned ceramicist, food activist, and respected grandmother at Santa Clara Pueblo, led this transformative course. The class culminated with a special meal on the final day of the residency, where students used their handmade place settings crafted from local clay, wood, and fiber.
For these photographed, I drove approximately 4 hours to the remote area to meet the group.
Discover Roxanne's work here: roxanneswentzell.net/
Athletics - Rio Grande Rivalry Football Game
The Rio Grande Rivalry game between New Mexico State University (NMSU) and The University of New Mexico (UNM) alternates between cities. This year, UNM hosted. This series focuses on the excitement and enthusiasm of the student fans, who are incredible supporters of UNM athletics. These photographs highlight the students' school spirit as they proudly wear cherry and enthusiastically throw a 'Bo. The images celebrate the passion, energy, and unwavering support of the student section, emphasizing their essential role in creating an electrifying atmosphere at The University of New Mexico.
Award: Excellence in Athletics Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
The Lobo Life - Elephant Butte Lake State Park Hot Air Balloon Regatta
This series highlights a destination for students at The University of New Mexico, focusing on the Hot Air Balloon Regatta at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. To capture the event’s dynamic energy, a fast shutter speed was used as the boat was constantly in motion. The striking blue skies against the vibrant rainbow colors of the hot air balloons created visually stunning images.
Taken in partnership with New Mexico State Parks, with park rangers driving the boat, these photographs showcase the incredible recreational opportunities available to students.
Award: Excellence & Judge's Choice in Student Life Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
Residence Life & Student Housing - Move In Day
Move-In Day at The University of New Mexico is a vibrant and exciting occasion when students move into the dorms, marking the end of summer and the start of a new semester. Parents, families, and friends come together to help students settle in, creating a bustling atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy. Lines of cars are directed through campus as everyone unloads belongings and celebrates this significant milestone.
Institutional Support Services - North Golf Course
The University of New Mexico has two golf courses. To capture the beauty and convenience of the North Golf Course, a sunrise photoshoot was organized with a small group. A narrow aperture of f/22 was used to capture a wide photo of a golfer on the course, showcasing the stunning sunbeams over the Sandia Mountains with maximum depth of field. For detailed shots, a wide aperture of f/1.4 was used to create a shallow depth of field, bringing focus to specific elements like a golf ball or faces while blurring the background.
Award: Gold in Campus Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
College of Nursing - College Showcase
This series for the College of Nursing at The University of New Mexico aims to showcase nursing students on campus. The photographs highlight interactions between faculty and students, emphasizing hands-on learning and a supportive educational environment. These images capture the comprehensive training students receive to prepare for their careers in healthcare and nursing.
ASUNM Student Special Events, Student Activities Center, & UCAM - Silent Lights
Silent Lights is an innovative homecoming dance featuring multiple DJs across three stages, where students wear light-up headphones to tune into different channels, creating a vibrant silent disco experience.
Photographing this event presented unique challenges due to the low-light conditions. ISO settings were carefull managed and a 85mm f/1.4 lens was utilized to minimize grain and preserve image quality. This was crucial for the large-scale prints planned for a new building’s wall display. To accurately convey the event's energy and scale, we secured access to the fifth-floor roof of an adjacent building. From this vantage point, 30-second exposures were done to capture the dynamic interplay of lights and the movement of the crowd below.
Award: Silver in Student Life Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
ASUNM Lobo Spirit & Student Activities Center - LoboPalooza
LoboPalooza is The University of New Mexico’s annual carnival. This series captures the vibrant and festive atmosphere as the campus was transformed with bouncy houses, a zip line, and various carnival activities.
ASUNM Lobo Spirit & Student Activities Center - Red Rally
Every year, before the UNM Lobos vs NMSU Aggies football game, UNM students gather on Johnson Field to burn a 25-ft. tall Aggie. Rated as one of Sports Illustrated’s “102 Things You Have To Do Before You Graduate” college events—more than 3,000 students join each year’s burn! Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM) Lobo Spirit volunteers spend weeks constructing the huge effigy. Together with musical performances by the Spirit Marching Band, the football team and local DJs, it’s one of the largest annual events on campus.
Photographs were taken of students experiencing the annual event. These photographs are actively being used as University collateral to promote curiosity outside of the classroom.
African American Student Services - Welcome Back BBQ
The Lobo Life - Electric Playhouse
The Lobo Life - Clayton Lake State Park
This series highlights Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways, emphasizing its research significance, recreational services, and state tourism appeal. Located 15 miles north of Clayton, New Mexico, and 4 hours from The University of New Mexico Main Campus, the park is renowned for its stargazing, being the state of New Mexico’s first dark sky park and an International Dark Sky Park. The night photo was captured as a single 30-second exposure using a tripod & intervalometer. By day, trails and over five hundred dinosaur footprints highlight the park's historical value, while the 170-acre reservoir offers boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, camping, and bass fishing.
Award: Excellence in Science & Research Photography Series
University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Awards Show, 2024
Student Portraits
Winter on Campus
The Campus
The Details
