Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: California State University, Chico

Title of entry: Graduating Streamers and Screamers

About this entry: The last few graduates are crossing the stage, the cap-and-gown-clad crowd is antsy and knows the moment of tassel turns and celebration has almost arrived—that’s when University Photographer Jason Halley pulls three students to the middle of the aisle. Just as the president wishes grads “a heartfelt and hearty congratulations,” confetti cannons pop, graduates celebrate, and Halley snaps this perfect image.

By skillfully using composition, angle, and framing, Halley has created an image that conveys the sense of joy, accomplishment, and excitement associated with graduating. He positioned the camera at a low angle and used a wide-angle lens to capture the three graduates in the foreground, while intentionally framing the celebratory streamers overhead. This was done to emphasize the joyful and triumphant mood of the occasion. He chose this composition to create a dynamic and visually engaging image that showcases the graduates' excitement and sense of celebration with the streamers overhead. By timing the shot to include the streamers, Halley added a festive element to the scene, resulting in a lively and memorable image that captures the essence of the graduates' Commencement experience.

The image, which visualizes the ultimate goal of a college education—attaining your degree—has been used in canvas prints, recruitment materials, the University magazine, websites, digital ads, and more.