The Art of Photography: Perspectives from ASU Library staff

Published Aug. 08, 2025

Photographs have the power to capture memories, life, love and people.

Photography allows people to visually record the places they come from and the places they’ve been. Whether a quick snapshot using a phone camera or the long exposure of a large DSLR camera, the resulting images share the ability to have a significant impact. Since its invention in the 1800s, photography has been the chosen medium to document the physical and abstract.

ASU Library holds a vast collection of materials that demonstrate the history and power of photography. Until the end of August, the Hayden Library Public Services department has arranged “The Art of Photography” display featuring selected works from the collection. Find this collection on the lower concourse of Hayden Library next to the information desk. Here you can browse selections and check out photography books to take home.

However, the photography showcase does not stop there. ASU Library staff have arranged a collection of images to present the skills and photographs that they have taken! Please enjoy the many different views and snapshots that ASU Library staff contributed to this online photography showcase.

Ornate gazebo with a black roof, white columns, dark wood railing, and surrounding greenery under a clear sky

Alison Noble, “Untitled”

Modern building at night with illuminated trees and a cloudy sky with a visible moon

Au'jae Mitchell, “Hayden at the Midnight Hour”

Photo of Hayden Library during a full moon

Tokyo Tower at night, viewed from below with bright orange illumination highlighting the steel framework

Christina Sullivan, “Tokyo Tower Looking Up”

This was my favorite view of the Tokyo Tower.

A Goodyear blimp flying over a mixed urban and rural landscape.

Danielle Schumacher, “Zeppel in Midair”

Two clear canoes on a shoreline with mangrove trees framing the ocean view

Holly Kruper, “Orlando, Florida”

Infrared image of a pathway lined with palm trees and lamp posts.

John Gallaher, “Untitled”

Telescopic image of nebula illuminated white and purple surrounded by stars.

Jonathan Wilcox, “Orion Nebula 2021”

Orion and Running man taken with a Canon 6D attached to a Skywatcher Esprit 80 telescope. A total of around 11 hours worth of data compiled for image.

Triple exposure image showing a decorative house with flowers overlaid on a street intersection with palm trees, a bike and a blue sky

L.T., “at the intersection of your memory (pt 5)”

A bird in silhouette flies over a shadowed street in a black-and-white photograph.

Michael Eger, “Untitled”

Decorative dragon on a green-tiled roof overlooking a hillside city.

Olivia Sparks, “Baguio Bell Church Observer”

Taken on an overlook on the Bell Church (a Buddhist Temple) in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines (just outside of Baguio City) in summer of 2024.

Butterfly with transparent wings on a white flower surrounded by green leaves.

Sierra Schuman, “Butterfly on Flower”

Taken at the Desert Botanical Garden during their butterfly exhibit, I especially loved the composition! The butterfly is so crisp and clear when zoomed in.