Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

Fun fact: If I hadn’t gotten a degree in photography, I would have gotten a degree in music.

Anyone who knew me in high school knew I was intensely passionate about being in band. Nothing has ever compared to the joy I felt making music and being engulfed in the emotions music can create. All the different instruments play their parts to make one cohesive, moving sound. 

For the 2025-2026 season, I had the privilege of documenting the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s performances and rehearsals. Between sci-fi soundtracks, fanfares, guest soloists, a massive choir, and the infamous Nutcracker ballet, each concert had its own special moments. These highly skilled musicians blew me away every time, reminding me how much I miss sitting in the middle of an orchestra playing my part. 

My goals were to capture each concert uniquely, highlight as many individual musicians as possible (typically only the front row is ever photographed), and convey the power of music in still images. I utilized the stage lighting that created a dramatic look, and I incorporated pieces of the auditorium to add context and framing. Shooting from every angle I had access to, I attempted to capture the intense focus and passion that these musicians had. My favorite part of it all was getting to know some of the musicians and the conductor, and how they got used to me being a fly on the wall as the season went on.