Senior communication studies and media studies and production graduate student Aidan Gallo first picked up a camera a few weeks before their Klein GO: Communication & Cultures of the American Southwest in New Mexico trip during their sophomore year. However, during the trip, Gallo found themself wanting to take pictures of the stars and landscape.
They felt inspired to capture the art and scenery around them. With little experience in photography, Gallo created their final project with the pictures they took on the trip.
After spring break, the passion continued with photographing everything in their space, from friends to their band. Gallo enrolled in more journalism classes, focusing on photography courses. Now, their photography work has taken them to new heights, earning accolades such as a second-place recognition from the EPPY awards, a finalist spot in the 2026 Hearst Photo News/Features competition and more.
“It’s a form of expression and extension of myself, Gallo said. “It felt like it was something I could process how I was feeling at the time.”
By the end of the semester, the then-rising junior had immersed themself into research and communication with Scott Gratson, chair of the Department of Communication Studies. They enrolled in CMST 4628: Empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Community Through the NYC Pride March: Exploration of a Social Movement, where students volunteer at NYC Pride, and Gallo took photos during the parade. Gratson saw not only the impact of this important work but also Gallo’s impact as a person.
“We have had some of the best conversations,” said Gratson. “They stop in, and we just chat. Sometimes it’s about the weather, but most of the time it’s about their work. And the impact that their work has on so many people.”
The next year, Gallo and junior communication studies major Colt Gunn presented Survivor’s Ink at the 2025 Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity at Temple University. Gallo and Gunn wrote about tattoos representing past traumas and history. Gallo took photos, and Gunn composed research and writing.
The pair met a year prior in the Annenberg Hall Atrium during Gallo’s photo exhibit.
“Upon seeing his photos for the first time, it evoked strong emotions in me,” Gunn said. “After talking to him a bit, I found him to be very introspective and a deep thinker. I thought he would be the perfect person to help collaborate on my Survivors Ink project ... It bloomed into something much more, and we ended up doing a lecture at the Undergraduate Research Symposium about our work.”
Throughout the last year, they took several photojournalism opportunities to build an extensive portfolio.
This past summer, as a photojournalism intern for FunTimes Magazine, they covered local African and Caribbean festivals, local protests and other relevant stories. In the fall, Gallo became assistant photo editor for The Temple News. They work with the editorial staff to provide photojournalism coverage for local events in the Live In Philly section. Lastly, this past January, they became a photography assistant for Vikrant Photography.
Gallo’s impressive portfolio demonstrates that hard work and dedication can lead to great recognition.
This past fall, Gallo and photo editor senior journalism major Brian Nelson placed second in EPPY Best Photojournalism on a College/University Website. The pair wrote and photographed “No Kings draws thousands of protesting Philadelphians together.”
In January, Gallo was named a top 20 finalist in the 2026 Hearst Photo News/Features competition. Their entry was selected out of 134 entries originating from 72 different schools.
After graduation, they intend to freelance for national publications and go on tour with their band.
“If you’re slacking off in class, you’re not going to get a good photo story,” said Gallo. “I felt like for every assignment I did in class, I thought, ‘What can I do that will be better than the last?’ I think that kind of work ethic was instilled in me through photography classes.”
Those who familiarize themselves with Gallo’s work see that his process is truly one-of-a-kind.
“Gallo is a great photographer because he is a great person,” Gunn shared. “He is funny, charismatic and extremely empathetic. This allows him to enter spaces and take photos of people or places that are normally off limits. He also has an eye for creativity and goes outside the box. He is comfortable with being uncomfortable and doing things that no one else is doing.”