The images crew in Washington and Lee University’s Office of Communications take 1000’s upon 1000’s of images annually as they doc life at W&L. From scholar actions to classroom assignments, internships, volunteer work, alumni reunions and all the things in between, they get a front-row seat to the largest moments in our neighborhood’s collective reminiscence. We requested them to share a few of their favourite images from 2025, in addition to give us a window into their worlds.
Shelby Hamelman, digital media producer
In April of this 12 months, I used to be tasked with taking a photograph of scholars studying in a spring setting, ideally close to flowering bushes. I lucked out whereas wandering campus and located {that a} group of scholars had determined to put up up below these Eastern redbuds on the Front Lawn for the whole day. I photographed the group a number of instances all through my workday as I handed by on my solution to occasions and conferences, however this photograph of a quiet mid-morning second is my favourite.
Lots of people discuss golden hour as being a magical time to take images, however I believe blue hour deserves simply as a lot credit score. (Photo of Wilson Field Bridge)
In this photograph, college students in professor of dance and theater Jenefer Davies’ Aerial Dance class carry out in “Vertical Dance” on the wall exterior of Wilson Hall. Aerial dance is considered one of my favourite occasions to {photograph}, and I particularly love this angle due to the depth added by the dancers ready for his or her flip to carry out within the background.
Here, college students within the AIM program (Advanced Immersion and Mentoring) kayak with the Outing Club on Lake Robertson. Photographing massive teams of individuals paddling in a physique of water is so enjoyable as a result of they transfer round in such attention-grabbing methods. If you’re affected person, they may finally drift into a fair sample, or somebody will flip their head excellent.
Choosing only one photograph of a squirrel for this was a problem as a result of I like to {photograph} squirrels! This cutie is particular, although. They’re part of affiliate professor of biology Jessica LaPrice’s analysis on floor squirrel hibernation cycles.
I take so many drone images of the Colonnade, however this one is my favourite of the 12 months. I used to be making an attempt out an angle that I don’t usually use, and I like the way it exhibits how nestled into the mountains W&L is. The Front Lawn was additionally wanting sharp that day.
First-Year Olympics is the joyful chaos of a whole soccer area full of each single first-year scholar fiercely competing in among the silliest video games you may consider. These triumphant opponents are celebrating a musical chairs win. This was essentially the most enjoyable occasion I photographed this 12 months, and, in accordance with my Fitbit, I walked two miles whereas bouncing from recreation to recreation.
I by no means knew that I loved choral music till I began working at W&L and had the chance to {photograph} the University Singers a number of instances yearly. What’s actually cool about this group just isn’t solely are they massively proficient, in addition they care about one another a lot. Every 12 months at Young Alumni Weekend, I at all times name dibs on photographing the rehearsal when alums come again to sing as a result of there are at all times so many candy moments like this.
When I consider W&L, I consider campus within the fall. There’s actually nothing prefer it.
Every winter I maintain the snow day ritual of waking up early to get to campus as quickly because the roads are secure to seize the quiet moments of scholars making their solution to class within the morning. Wilson Field Bridge is often my first cease as I make my approach up from the parking storage, and irrespective of what number of instances I take completely different variations of this similar photograph, it at all times appears to make my closing edit.
Kevin Remington, supervisor of images
This picture is a commencement photograph that was taken for Brianna Benoit ’25. Brianna embodied the W&L expertise. She graduated with levels in enterprise administration and studio artwork, was a student-athlete on the ladies’s lacrosse crew and was a frontrunner in a number of golf equipment on campus.
This photograph is of Melissa Kerin, director of the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics and professor of artwork historical past, and her daughter, Elsa, at Belfield. I’ve identified Elsa since she was 3, and it’s been a pleasure to look at her develop into the well-rounded girl that she has develop into. And she appears a lot like her mother is wonderful. Melissa would level out that she is an inch shorter, although.
Graduation is bittersweet yearly as I say goodbye to college students I’ve gotten to know and have watched develop into wonderful individuals over their 4 years right here. I met Georgia Bernbaum ’25 early in her first 12 months at W&L. It was seen then that she was so filled with surprise and pleasure. She at all times gave the impression to be having fun with the second to its fullest potential — working example.
Bo Torbert ’20 and Madison McNair ’20 have been all smiles after their wedding ceremony rehearsal in University Chapel this previous July. Madison radiates enjoyable — she was a joyful bride and at all times appears to be having a good time. Bo isn’t too dangerous, both!
I like capturing sports activities, with soccer being considered one of my favorites. My purpose is to at all times catch motion with individuals within the air. In this shot, I like how the trident is seen because the ball comes off of Buster Couhig ’26’s foot in W&L’s 7-0 win over Regent University throughout Young Alumni Weekend in September.
In this photograph, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. take part in W&L’s third annual NPHC step present competitors. Step exhibits are a lot enjoyable to shoot as a result of there may be a lot power and emotion to seize.
I like the best way A.J. Thomas ’26 flies by way of the air on this photograph from W&L’s 78-75 win over Averett University. A.J. is a very nice individual off the courtroom and is at all times enjoyable to see on campus.
I’ve heard trustee emerita Lizanne Thomas ’82L discuss Lettie Pate Evans quite a few instances, and the story at all times fills me with emotion. Lizanne is so passionate and completely embodies the spirit and power of Lettie Pate Evans. I hope to listen to her inform the story many extra instances. This photograph was taken whereas she was giving the keynote handle on the Alumni Weekend Opening Assembly in University Chapel.
You might really feel the power constructing on the sidelines of the boys’s lacrosse ODAC championship recreation in opposition to the University of Lynchburg because it went into extra time tied at 12. The pleasure erupted when Elliot Cohen ’26 hit the game-winning purpose to clinch W&L’s thirteenth ODAC championship.
Another thrilling second was when ladies’s soccer goalkeeper Kate McEnroe ’28 was doused with a cooler of ice water whereas posing along with her sophomore classmates after defeating Virginia Wesleyan by one penalty kick in double extra time on Watt Field.