SMU student Gigi Samuel walks across the boulevard bundled in layers during a sudden November temperature drop on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2025, outside Dallas Hall in Dallas. The photo was taken to document shifting fall weather conditions on campus. (Photo by Johnny Crowley) Trying to take this photo outside of Dallas Hall wasn’t nearly as simple as it looked. The assignment was to capture weather—to make the temperature visible —which is something that honestly sounds easier than

A Highland Park home displays subtle Halloween decorations beneath strong morning light on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Dallas. The photo was taken for a photojournalism assignment examining seasonal décor and natural lighting challenges. (Photo by Johnny Crowley) When I took this picture of the Highland Park Halloween house, I thought I had something good — a clean subject, nice seasonal decorations, a quiet fall atmosphere. But looking at it now, I see more of what I missed  

A home at 3711 Beverly Drive glows with Christmas lights and wreaths on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Dallas. The photo was taken for an SMU TV holiday feature, highlighting the house’s symmetrical décor and nighttime illumination. (Photo by Johnny Crowley) Taking this photo of the Christmas-decorated house wasn’t just for fun—I was doing it for SMU TV, which made the experience feel more real and professional. It wasn’t just me messing around with a camera anymore. I knew this sh