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Our favorite photos of 2024

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Each year, UAB’s official photographers capture tens of thousands of images as they document the incredible variety of events and personalities that make up our community. Here are some of their favorite photos from the past 12 months.

JAT Gees Bend

Gee's Bend quilters China Pettway (left) and Mary Ann Pettway (right) with Lillis Taylor, artist in residence for UAB Arts in Medicine, February 2024.

"One of my favorite photo assignments in 2024 was the quilters of Gee's Bend. The three women you see pictured here are all talented quilters and often collaborate, although not all are from Gee's Bend. Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway are part of the Gee's Bend Collective and have quilted since they were children. Lillis Taylor is one of the founders of Bib & Tucker, a community-conscious local sewing co-op. Having learned of Gee's Bend in art school and its importance in the history of American art, I was honored to get to document their visit to UAB. I love this photo because it shows the viewer how comfortable they are with one another, and it's a really good representation of their personalities, which are all so positive and warm.” — Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer

AM Gurney

Gurney Derby, UAB Homecoming, Oct. 30, 2024.

“For this year's Gurney Derby, I had a mission to create something that would evoke the energy and chaos of the derby. I love the Gurney Derby, and every year I'm surprised by how soon it ends! This year was no different. The chaos of this super-layered image illustrates that feeling for me—the crowd, the team rushing by in the foreground, and the one sharp student in the middle—and brings me right back to the moment." — Andrea Mabry, university photographer

IL WIC Meeting

Waldemar Carlo, M.D. (right), meets with former patients in the Women and Infants Center, December 2024. 

“This was easily one of my favorite stories I got to cover this year. Seeing the surprise on the faces of the doctors and the gratitude from the patients was heartwarming. Pictured is the moment that John Emfinger, former NICU baby, and his mother surprised Dr. Waldemar Carlo with a message of gratitude. This was a case of a happy accident adding to the story of the photo. Captured perfectly in the background is John's sister and wife looking on with smiles on their faces.” — Ian Logue, university photographer

IL Commencement

Grads and their families pose outside Bartow Arena at Spring Commencement in April 2024.

“Commencement is always an exciting and joyous time for students and families. I loved this high-angled shot that showed the scope of the event, with all the graduates meeting up with their loved ones. It's the perfect chance for a photo op with the big UAB letters outside of Bartow Arena. These are the moments the graduates have worked their whole life towards.” — Ian Logue, university photographer

AM Campbell Lab

Neuroscientist Susan Campbell, Ph.D., and graduate student Xi Guo in Campbell's lab, November 2024.

“Dr. Campbell graciously invited me into her lab to make some stock photos for MarComm's Digital Asset Library. Here, she and Xi Guo, a graduate student, view the output from a microscope. It was a challenge to fit all the different aspects into this frame and light them well, which was a fun puzzle for me! Going into research labs to witness the trailblazing work being done at our institution always inspires me.” — Andrea Mabry, university photographer

JAT Eclipse

Students and a canine companion prepare for the eclipse, April 8, 2024.

“I really enjoyed going out to the Campus Green to photograph the Total Eclipse in April this year. There won't be another one until 2044, so I considered it a unique opportunity. I don't think I've ever seen so many students on the Green. There was a buzz of excitement everywhere. This photo was not staged, believe it or not. I happened to be walking by as the student put glasses over the dog's eyes. It was a fun capture!” — Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer

AM Topgun

Topgun and his partner with a patient and staff member, October 2024. 

“I mean, I had to choose a photo of Topgun! This was easily one of my favorite photo shoots of the year. Topgun is UAB's new facility dog. He works at Spain Rehab with his partner, recreational therapist Emily Rider, pictured on right. Here, Topgun assists with a patient's therapy by providing a soft head of hair for the patient to brush. We also saw this patient walk and play fetch with Topgun. Smiles like the ones shown here make it clear that Topgun brings a light and warmth to treatment that helps patients persevere through appointments that can be taxing mentally and physically.” — Andrea Mabry, university photographer

JAT Painting

ARS 311 Painting class, 501 Building, November 2024.

“Getting to photograph art classes at UAB has been a great experience. UAB's 501 Building is an impressive facility full of a variety of studio classes. I think it's important to showcase the arts, especially at a college like UAB, a renowned medical and research university. Let's also celebrate our dedicated art professors and talented students! This photo was taken in Painting, Special Topics 2 with instructor Adam Eddy. I was really impressed with how he interacted with his students and by the helpful feedback he gave. Photographers love enthusiastic subjects and he was very welcoming and happy to have a photographer document his painting class. Students began with a discussion and critique. This image depicts them convening around their work. I enjoy using a shallow depth of field in photography and looking through objects or other people to get to the main focus of an image. In my opinion, the layering adds visual interest.” — Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer

IL Symphony

UAB Symphony Band Rehearsal, Alys Stephens Center Jemison Hall, November 2024.

“I got the opportunity to spend some time with the wind symphony during a rehearsal at Alys Stephens Center and it was a thrill to experience. I love this high angle wide shot of the whole concert hall. It's fun to imagine all the seats being filled when they perform. It's equal parts intimidating and exhilarating.” — Ian Logue, university photographer

Published in Go Blazers!
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