Snapshot Moments: A Peek into UTC’s Photo Night Extravaganza

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Caption: Billy Weeks on the Right interviews AP photographer Wade Payne, who shows some wildlife, his favorite subject to photograph. The photo of the owl was a twelve-hour process. It took three hours to get to the location and three hours back, with six hours of waiting, only to be packing up when it finally happened. The last 45 seconds of light were when the owl showed up, and that was the only time that day that the sun peaked through and lit up the owl. Twelve hours, of which only 45 seconds of shooting was needed to get the photo he went there to get.

Lights, camera, action! It’s that time of year again when lenses are polished, shutter speeds are adjusted, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga transforms into a haven for all things photography. But wait, it’s not just any ordinary night—it’s the much-anticipated University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Photo Night, orchestrated by Billy Weeks, the maestro of imagery himself.

Caption: Portrait photographer Marielle Jai Echavez Mathis talks with Billy Weeks on stage about her work. She commented that she works with customers on “Photo Date Nights.” This is where she captures them together over a while to capture the couple’s love for each other.

Now, let’s be honest here. Billy knows that while photographers may excel at capturing moments frozen in time, they might not always be the best at verbalizing their artistry. Hence, he graciously extends an invitation to a stellar lineup of outside speakers, ensuring his students not only receive a hefty dose of inspiration but also learn from the best in the business.

Caption: Kevin Lilies shared this photo of a guy being saved in a tent revival because he said, “I am that guy. I have gotten so many second chances.” Kevin’s theme was about how much grace he has experienced. Before Billy asked any questions, he thanked him for all he did for the photo community. Kevin appreciates people like Billy and Bob Rosata, who have mentored him, and he always wants to give shout-outs to people.

Picture this: Kevin Lilies, the man behind the lens capturing the essence of the Atlanta Braves, takes center stage alongside documentary virtuoso Kathleen Greeson, AP’s very own Wade Payne, and the master of portraits, Marielle Jai Echavez Mathis. With such a star-studded cast, one can only imagine the flashbulbs going off in the minds of aspiring photographers.

Caption: Kathleen Greeson, a former student of UTC, embraced some of her low points and even shared that Billy Weeks had fired her from the Chattanooga Times. Kathleen shared photos from a community she started photographing just because kids played basketball at a community net. This was the beginning of a long project that, after 21 years, she made prints of the people from the earlier work and found them again recently, photographing them holding prints of themselves 21 years younger than today. She likes to go deep in her connections with people. I felt like Kathleen leaned into conflict and tension in her life and the lives of her subjects because I think she knows this is the key to the change that happens to the hero of a story.

But Billy’s meticulous planning doesn’t stop there. Oh no, he’s got this evening choreographed down to the millisecond. With students strategically placed in the audience armed with cue cards, Billy ensures he doesn’t overstay his welcome on the mic. Because let’s face it, even the most captivating storytellers can lose their audience if they drone on too long.

Caption: Some people interviewed in the student video projects showed up at the Photo Night. This guy with Asperger’s who loves the band KISS came dressed up like Paul Stanley of KISS and came on the stage at the end of the video, showing him putting on his makeup and playing the guitar he taught himself to play.

And then there’s the highlight reel—literally. Each speaker selects three of their most iconic photos and a video snippet. Billy then takes the reins, peppering the presenter with questions that peel back the layers of their creative process, all while providing invaluable insights to the eager audience.

Caption: Billy Weeks shares how he was behind this guy on a motorcycle, photographing a lady who was 102 years old. So Billy sets up that for him to stop doing that. The shaft of light he saw on the guy made him come out, and just as he did, the guy blew a puff of smoke from his cigarette. Billy also talked about “Being on the shadow side of the photo,” another way he likes to use light.

But what’s a night of photography without a bit of drama? Fear not, for Billy has it all under control. With video story projects showcasing the talents of UTC’s budding photographers sandwiched between speaker sessions, there’s never a dull moment. It’s the perfect blend of showcasing student work while keeping everyone on the edge.

Just when you thought the curtain was about to fall, Billy Weeks himself walked in, ready to take the hot seat. Interviewed by Bethany Cothran, the NPPA Chapter president at UTC, Billy flipped the script and became the subject of scrutiny. But hey, if anyone can handle the spotlight with grace and humor, it’s Billy Weeks.

Caption: Kevin Lilies is taking a moment to publicly thank Billy Weeks for all Billy does for the photo community.

As the night draws to a close, amidst the laughter, applause, and perhaps a few camera clicks, one thing becomes abundantly clear—UTC’s Photo Night isn’t just about snapshots and shutter speeds; it’s a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and the timeless art of storytelling through the lens. And with Billy Weeks at the helm, every moment is worth capturing. Cheers to another unforgettable evening in the world of photography!