When senior communication studies major Oliver Economidis first stepped onto Temple University’s campus, they weren’t just arriving at a school; they were stepping into a world where they would discover their voice, their art, and a true sense of belonging. Coming from a small town, Economidis recalls feeling shy and out of place, unsure of where they fit. But Temple quickly became more than just a campus; it became a home.
“Temple was my first choice,” Economidis said. “I had a dream in high school where I was in a lecture hall, and a group representing Temple gave me this message: you belong here. From that moment, I knew this was the place for me.”
Photography became Economidis’s bridge to the Temple community, blending a love of art with personal growth. Starting as a freelancer for The Temple News during their sophomore year, they focused on campus life, events, and architectural details, building a strong portfolio while learning to tell meaningful stories. More importantly, photography reshaped how Economidis sees themself.
“I think photography really changed my perspective about what I can do,” they said.
The camera has also introduced them to a wide network of people who influenced their growth. Economidis recalls meeting mentors like Rob Crews and Sarah Landwehr, as well as peers who encouraged them to keep learning and experimenting.
Temple’s campus itself has been an endless source of inspiration for Economidis. They point to the countless angles waiting to be captured from the Bell tower to the mix of old and new architecture and the hidden pathways between buildings.
“It could be the students, the buildings, the sky, or just part of Philly city life,” Economidis said. “And I just think, wow, that would make such a great photo.”
Economidis’s artistic growth at Temple has also been a journey of experimentation and emotional exploration. They recall a class project that captured grief and vulnerability after a difficult breakup. “I had to photograph myself in a very vulnerable way,” Economidis said. “I think that really helped me grow.”
Their work spans candid shots of friends and students to carefully composed architectural images, always reflecting a desire to tell meaningful stories. “It’s made me see the beauty in life more,” Economidis observes.
Certain projects stand out to Economidis as especially meaningful. Covering “We Are the Seeds,” a Native American cultural event styled after a traditional powwow, allowed Economidis to connect with their heritage. “It was such a special moment to be able to cover my culture like that, give back, and to be able to feel at home,” they said.
Other memorable work includes photographing Eagles games, from watch parties to championship celebrations and Super Bowl parades, capturing both the energy of the crowd and the spirit of the city.
For Economidis, photography is about storytelling in all its forms. “Everyone tells their stories differently, and they’re all perceived differently,” they said about the nonlinearity of stories. Moreover, they also stress that storytelling isn’t always joyful or peaceful and that documenting difficult moments is essential for preserving truth and fostering understanding.
“I also think that human grief, human rage, need to be captured for the betterment of society. As hard as it is,” they said.
As they prepare to graduate, Economidis leaves future Temple creatives with one key message: embrace mistakes, keep your photos, practice consistently, pay attention to details, and above all, believe in yourself. “Your work is not going to resonate with everybody, and that’s okay,” Economidis said. “Don’t let that crush you, take that and run with it.”
Through their lens, Economidis has captured more than images; they’ve documented growth, connection, and the spirit of a university that helped shape who they are. They hope that their photographs allow others to experience Temple the way they do: as an archive of moments, memories, and stories worth revisiting.