Capturing Memories with Temple Athletics
My name is Aidan Wunderly and this September I started working with Temple University’s Athletics Department as a creative intern. As an advertising major concentrating in art direction, I have been searching for creative experiences that I can use to learn new skills, build on existing skills, expand my portfolio, and form new connections.
As a creative intern, I attend a variety of different sporting events for Temple’s sports teams. I take and edit photos and videos at these events to be used on socials, in graphics, and on the athletics’ website. Some of the sports I have attended this semester were women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, crew/rowing, and football. Being able to work a variety of different sports not only helps me to be more creative, but it has allowed me to meet a lot more great people, and get to capture some amazing moments.
My favorite work from this semester comes down to two specific days. One was shooting photography for men’s soccer on their senior night. It was an amazing performance with a 5-1 victory. I got some great shots of the seniors playing in their last game which was extremely rewarding. I also got some of my favorite photos from the semester, of the team celebrating and embracing each other. The men’s soccer team brought so much energy and it was so much fun to be able to capture that on camera. The other most memorable moment was spending the day on the Schuylkill River for Temple Rowing and Crew’s Navy Day Regatta. It was such a cool experience getting to be immersed in the crew/rowing culture and capture a day of rowing out on the water. I got to put together two highlight reels recapping the day for both teams of which I am really proud.
It has been really rewarding getting to capture such memorable moments for Temple’s different sports teams. I have seen the sacrifice, dedication, and hard work it takes to be a part of these athletics programs, which makes capturing these moments so much more meaningful. We’re not just capturing action shots, we’re capturing memories that will live with these athletes for the rest of their lives. Only, with the help of the creative team, they will be able to see and relive these moments forever.
One of the most inspiring aspects of working with the creative team has to be the people. The team of creatives I get to work with are all remarkably talented in their own way. Everyone has vast skill sets and varying experiences, but we come together to create cohesive and consistent content. I love getting to see what the people I work with create. Seeing their work not only inspires me, but it pushes me to try new things and get outside my comfort zone.
The environment this creative team has facilitated allows interns to push the boundaries of creativity. Working with the creative team also allowed me to try new things. I got to use gimbals, mics, telephoto lenses, and monopods for the first time. The team is more than a group of colleagues or coworkers, we are friends. It is clear that everyone wants the best for each other and is willing to help out in any way possible. This has made it the perfect environment for learning and improving as a creative (not to mention it has made working feel like fun). It has been such a blessing getting to be a part of this team, and I am so thankful for the opportunity and the experience of working with Temple Athletics.
