Photos of the Year

Throughout the year, the university photographers roam the Medford/Somerville, Boston and Grafton campuses to document life at Tufts, from students’ arrival through graduation and beyond.

Photographers Alonso Nichols, Kelvin Ma and Nicholas Pfosi, A16, have picked out a few of their favorites—and tell us a bit about what went into making each image.

To see more of their work, go to the archive of Tufts Now Spotlight photos.

It Starts Here

“When I was applying to colleges about 15 years ago, everything was done via snail mail. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see if that was still the case, so I dropped in at Undergraduate Admissions. Though the method of delivery has changed, the volume is as high as ever, and the hard-working staff members at Bendetson, like Pat Roderick, still have to make room for all that paper.” —Kelvin Ma

 

Let Me Tell You

“I had photographed Edwin Diaz back when he was a freshman, and we’d seen each other around campus somewhat regularly over his four years at Tufts. The familiarity came in handy as we were able to joke around and catch up, allowing me to easily capture Edwin’s jovial personality.” —Kelvin Ma

 

Helping Hand

“We often talk about the relationships and partnerships that we have with our communities in Boston, Grafton and Medford/Somerville. It is gratifying to see that dynamic as one of equals, learning from one another and enjoying the process.” —Alonso Nichols

 

A Penny for Your Thoughts

“Technology in and of itself can be impressive, but its true significance lies in how we have come to relate to and depend on it in our everyday lives. Finding ways to convey that concept visually can be tricky. Thanks to Evan Krause and Cindy for bridging the gap.” —Alonso Nichols

 

Rainbow View

“Best. Mohawk. Ever. When I saw Julia Pilowsky in the lobby of Granoff after the graduate student awards last spring, how could I not snap a frame of that glorious mohawk?” —Kelvin Ma

 

Celebration!

“Dayo works for my department down at the Boston campus, and being in an office environment, we don't have all that many opportunities to show off our dance moves. Getting your PH/PD degree seems like as good a reason as any, though. This photo makes a lot more sense if you imagine Pharrell Williams’ 'Happy' playing in the background.” —Kelvin Ma

 

Need a Lift?

“Does anyone still make house calls? Rachael Gately and her students at the Tufts Ambulatory Service spend their days traveling from farm to farm, in fields and barns, tending to creatures great and small.” —Alonso Nichols 

 

The Big Move

“This was one of the first frames that I shot of Anna for our project on two BEST/BLAST students as they prepared to arrive at Tufts. I think that no matter who you are, what your background is or how far or near you are to Medford, this feeling of standing in your bedroom with all your stuff packed in boxes the night before you head to college is universal.” —Kelvin Ma

 

Ring Around Ballou

“Think about how disoriented you were when you first arrived on campus as a freshman. Now imagine doing it in a foreign country. At night. Blindfolded. That’s pretty much what was going on here for the international orientation, and I couldn’t help but notice the humor of their situation.” —Kelvin Ma

 

From New York to Boston

“Matriculation is such a time of high anticipation. Each year we welcome a new undergraduate class of more than 1,300 students from all over the world. Everyone is eager to know and welcome the new arrivals. I am grateful that Mateo Galeano and his family were gracious enough to have me along for our project on two incoming students as they enjoyed his last evening at home in Queens, saying goodbye as he began his Tufts journey.” —Alonso Nichols

 

Move In

“These moments can potentially be flat, just people carrying stuff. But I found nice light, a good mood and some movement to connect us to the excitement of the day.” —Nicholas Pfosi

 

On Your Marks, Get Set

 

“When a carnival comes to campus, it is likely to be a good picture opportunity. A little friendly competition was just the way to enjoy this orientation event for these incoming freshmen.” —Alonso Nichols

 

Here’s Looking at You

“Our student intern, Nicholas Pfosi, did a nice job of looking for a photo during this routine event assignment. When the circumstances are dramatic—travel in a beautiful part of the world, for example—the pictures seem to make themselves. It can be much more challenging to look at your everyday world and find a compelling image.” —Alonso Nichols

 

Who Are You Staring At?

“I couldn’t get over the eyes of this owl.” —Alonso Nichols

 

All Dressed Up

“The Music Department hosts an array of excellent concerts, but never have I seen a singing carrot come out from backstage.”—Alonso Nichols