Meet photographer Olivia Sandoval, a senior Psychology and Independent Scholars major at JMU. She is excited to display her original series of photographs of music groups and icons. Welcome to “Encore” in Taylor Down Under.  

Sandoval’s interest in photography came from her mom, who is a photographer of “everything from weddings to fine art portraiture.” In high school, Sandoval was involved in Yearbook and specialized in sports photography. Sandoval’s music photography began when she joined the JMU yearbook as a staff photographer, covering local music events and bands. Through the groups she met, she made connections with others and was soon taking photos for many different bands around Harrisonburg.   

She’s been working with one local band in particular, Shady Trace, since she was a first year. “Now they’re traveling the state, recording albums, doing huge stuff, and they still contract me as their photographer,” she says. “They’ve just been really amazing to work with over and over, and they let me experiment. I like that they really let me learn with them.” 

Not only Shady Trace is included in this series, however. Sandoval has included big names like Yung Gravy, Flo Milli and Briston Maroney, from shoots she’s done throughout her time at JMU. “It’s something that I’m really, really passionate about. This is a collection of some of my favorite stuff I’ve done.” Overall, she says that the gallery represents her growth. From beginner photography to stunning moments and from small artists to headliners.  

Sandoval believes that the purpose of a photographer is to translate the creativity from another artist into photos. “I love that it can be really personal,” she says. “You get to be close to the artist and feel the crowd behind you just like they do.”

View the full collection here