The Tripepi Smith team continued its work with Scripps College by collaborating on the fall 2022 issue of the Scripps College Magazine.
In this issue, the magazine dedicated two recurring departments to a Scripps Presents performance: First, a “Focus on the Faculty” spotlight on Associate Professor of Dance Kevin Williamson, which would require imagery to draw in its readers. Second, a two-page spread of event coverage as part of “Seen & Heard.” Business Analyst Nolan Voge was engaged to deliver a gallery of high-quality images featuring the work of Professor Williamson, such as this image, featured in the article.
Nolan photographed three sequential events in two different venues on the Scripps campus. The evening began at Garrison Theater with Keith Johnson’s SERIES, followed by a visit to the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery to view the multimedia installation to get there from here with a live performance by its authors, including Williamson. The night ended with a finale of works by LA Contemporary Dance Company and Rebecca Lemme, Acts of Matter.
“Photographing a dance performance in a dark theater presents multiple challenges, including low light conditions, fast movement and dynamic lighting,” said Principal Katherine Griffiths, who supported account management and logistics for the assignment. “Nolan also was challenged by limited access to the stage, which affected the angles and perspective available for him to follow the dancers’ movements and capture shots.”
Working with the stage manager and other key staff prior to the performances was key to a successful photoshoot. After meeting with the crew and lighting team, Nolan determined the best positioning.
“Proper preparation helps tremendously when documenting an event,” he said. “Knowing the lighting, blocking and crowd size was crucial to capturing everything properly.”
On the day of the event, Nolan used the camera’s silent shutter and knowledge of photographing fast-moving subjects to ensure he did not miss a story beat. Proper planning and top-notch technology allowed him to focus without disrupting the small, intimate audience’s experience. He also employed constant observation, pulling away from the camera to look for the best moment to capture.
“This was one of my favorite events I have ever documented,” he said. “I am glad to know that a mix of technical and creative knowledge helped to tell stories worth sharing.”
“Tripepi Smith truly gave the work of our esteemed faculty member the spotlight it deserves. The photography work provided was a key asset to this issue of the Magazine that we couldn’t do without, capturing the beauty of dance and the light that Professor Williamson brings to his students,” said Director of Creative and Editorial Strategy Maureen Panos.
Tripepi Smith also provided strategic guidance, project workflow management, editorial and creative direction, copyediting and production support for the magazine.
“Photography has the power to bring written content to life, so it was an honor to have the images I captured used in this piece. Investing in professional photography can elevate any communications piece to the next level,” said Nolan.
About Scripps College
When Scripps was founded in 1926 in Claremont, California, it was one of few institutions dedicated to educating women for lives of commitment and engagement. Since then, Scripps has continued to champion qualities of both mind and spirit in accordance with the vision of its founder, newspaper entrepreneur and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. Scripps today offers a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, a robust intellectual community, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a rich residential experience designed to shape the next generation of women leaders.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Duarte, City of Grover Beach, City of Santa Paula, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Napa, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Learning Center and Climatec.
