Klein pupil embraces pictures path

Senior communication research and media research and manufacturing graduate pupil Aidan Gallo first picked up a digital camera a couple of weeks earlier than their Klein GO: Communication & Cultures of the American Southwest in New Mexico journey throughout their sophomore yr. However, in the course of the journey, Gallo discovered themself eager to take footage of the celebrities and panorama. 

They felt impressed to seize the artwork and surroundings round them. With little expertise in pictures, Gallo created their last mission with the images they took on the journey.  

After spring break, the eagerness continued with photographing every part of their area, from mates to their band. Gallo enrolled in additional journalism lessons, specializing in pictures programs. Now, their pictures work has taken them to new heights, incomes accolades equivalent to a second-place recognition from the EPPY awards, a finalist spot within the 2026 Hearst Photo News/Features competitors and extra. 

“It’s a form of expression and extension of myself, Gallo said. “It felt like it was something I could process how I was feeling at the time.” 

By the tip of the semester, the then-rising junior had immersed themself into analysis and communication with Scott Gratson, chair of the Department of Communication Studies. They enrolled in CMST 4628: Empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Community Through the NYC Pride March: Exploration of a Social Movement, the place college students volunteer at NYC Pride, and Gallo took photographs in the course of the parade. Gratson noticed not solely the affect of this essential work but in addition Gallo’s affect as an individual. 

“We have had some of the best conversations,” mentioned Gratson. “They stop in, and we just chat. Sometimes it’s about the weather, but most of the time it’s about their work. And the impact that their work has on so many people.” 

The subsequent yr, Gallo and junior communication research main Colt Gunn offered Survivor’s Ink on the 2025 Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity at Temple University. Gallo and Gunn wrote about tattoos representing previous traumas and historical past. Gallo took photographs, and Gunn composed analysis and writing. 

The pair met a yr prior in the Annenberg Hall Atrium throughout Gallo’s picture exhibit.

“Upon seeing his photos for the first time, it evoked strong emotions in me,” Gunn mentioned. “After talking to him a bit, I found him to be very introspective and a deep thinker. I thought he would be the perfect person to help collaborate on my Survivors Ink project … It bloomed into something much more, and we ended up doing a lecture at the Undergraduate Research Symposium about our work.”

Throughout the final yr, they took a number of photojournalism alternatives to construct an in depth portfolio.  

This previous summer season, as a photojournalism intern for FunTimes Magazine, they lined native African and Caribbean festivals, native protests and different related tales. In the autumn, Gallo grew to become assistant picture editor for The Temple News. They work with the editorial employees to present photojournalism protection for native occasions in the Live In Philly part. Lastly, this previous January, they grew to become a pictures assistant for Vikrant Photography. 

Gallo’s spectacular portfolio demonstrates that exhausting work and dedication can lead to nice recognition.  

This previous fall, Gallo and picture editor senior journalism main Brian Nelson positioned second in EPPY Best Photojournalism on a College/University Website. The pair wrote and photographed “No Kings draws thousands of protesting Philadelphians together.”  

In January, Gallo was named a prime 20 finalist within the 2026 Hearst Photo News/Features competitors. Their entry was chosen out of 134 entries originating from 72 totally different colleges. 

After commencement, they intend to freelance for nationwide publications and go on tour with their band. 

“If you’re slacking off in class, you’re not going to get a good photo story,” mentioned Gallo. “I felt like for every assignment I did in class, I thought, ‘What can I do that will be better than the last?’ I think that kind of work ethic was instilled in me through photography classes.” 

Those who familiarize themselves with Gallo’s work see that his course of is actually one-of-a-kind. 

“Gallo is a great photographer because he is a great person,” Gunn shared. “He is funny, charismatic and extremely empathetic. This allows him to enter spaces and take photos of people or places that are normally off limits. He also has an eye for creativity and goes outside the box. He is comfortable with being uncomfortable and doing things that no one else is doing.”