This is a composite of two or three photos and is one of UofL photographer Tom Fougerousse's favorite photos from 2016.
This is a composite of two or three photos and is one of UofL photographer Tom Fougerousse's favorite photos from 2016.

University of Louisville photographer Tom Fougerousse has curated his favorite pictures from 2016, showcasing a visual retrospective of a year that had it all – from the Cardinals’ first-ever Heisman Trophy winner to a new College of Business initiative aimed at inspiring elementary students to earn their high school diplomas.

Fougerousse picked 87 photos for his annual “Favorites” collection. He started the project in 2010 when “everything started going digital.” He adds his favorites to a folder throughout the year and then revisits all of his assignments at year’s end to make sure he doesn’t miss anything that stuck out.

His favorite shots are those with motion. He also likes shooting music and theater events.

“They keep me entertained while I’m working,” he said. “But I always try to pick diverse styles for this project. There are still-lifes and portraits, too.”

The subject, he adds, is what makes for an interesting picture.

“A lot of times, I’ve tried to shoot with a minimal depth of field so you know what the subject is in the photo or what I want you to see in focus,” Fougerousse said.

Fougerousse explains a handful of photos from the latest “Favorites” project, including the cover shot of students walking around the Cardinal bird painted on a sidewalk on the Belknap Campus.

“This is a composite of two or three photos. It took a while to do. I like how it shows the movement on campus and I like how the people in the background are in focus,” he said. The photos were taken with 2-second exposures, or “a slow shutter speed with a flash.”

Professor James Grubola.
Professor James Grubola.

Professor James Grubola, from the Department of Fine Arts and the Hite Art Institute, shown drawing ballet dancers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professor Cate Fosl
Professor Cate Fosl

Cate Fosl, professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and director of the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice. “I like this one because she’s working next to a photo of Anne Braden,” Fougerousse said.  

 

 

Professor Cherie Dawson-Edwards
Professor Cherie Dawson-Edwards

Arts & Sciences portrait series for the “I Think, Therefore I …” campaign. Fougerousse said he liked the black background of these portraits, as it was dramatic and “something different.”

 

 

Fine Arts Studio series
Fine Arts Studio series

Fiber Arts Studio series, including mannequins, baskets and other pieces of art. Fougerousse said he liked how these photos used a lot of negative background space.

 

 

 

The pendulum in Grawemeyer Hall.
The pendulum in Grawemeyer Hall.

The pendulum in Grawemeyer Hall. Fougerousse laid on his back underneath the swinging pendulum to capture the movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandeis School of Law commencement.
Brandeis School of Law commencement.

Brandeis School of Law Commencement. “I like the idea of the kids walking across the stage, too,” he said.

 

 

 

The Theatre Arts Department's "Fences."
The Theatre Arts Department’s “Fences.”

UofL’s Theatre production of “Fences.” Fougerousse said this one especially sticks out now, since the movie adaptation of “Fences” is winning coveted awards.

 

 

 

UofL's Lamar Jackson
UofL’s Lamar Jackson

Finally, UofL’s quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson. “I try to pick a couple of sports pictures every year, even though I don’t shoot a lot of sports. With Lamar, you could tell he was going to be something special,” Fougerousse said.

 

Jackson was UofL's first Heisman Trophy winner
Jackson was UofL’s first Heisman Trophy winner

Fougerousse’s entire “2016 Favorites” collection is available online

 

 

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Alicia Kelso
Alicia Kelso is the director of social media and digital content. She joined UofL in 2015 as director of communications at the Brandeis School of Law. She also serves as a senior contributor at Forbes.com, writing about the restaurant industry, which she has covered since 2010. Her work has been featured in publications around the world, including NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.