Photography

Harvard’s campus and community through the lens of our photographers.

All from this series

  • Capturing curiosity

    Harvard labs open their doors to let a photographer record the essence of discovery

    Professor Robin Hopkins and Izzy Acevedo looking at plants.
  • What a difference a year makes

    Students who described themselves in three words last fall get a chance to change their answers.

    Myra Bhathena, Nali Gone, and Austin Wang.
  • New president, new year, new directions

    “Why not?” asked Claudine Gay, Harvard’s 30th president, in her inauguration address, reaffirming the University’s commitment to the hard work of cutting-edge exploration and deep engagement with global challenges. But first, it was time to celebrate.

    Claudine Gay.
  • Off and running in first week of class

    Snapshots from the first week of class capture enthusiasm for the year ahead.

    Students use motion trackers and sensors in “The Physics of Sports.”
  • ‘These are all just young people like us, figuring themselves out’

    High-schoolers get taste of everyday campus life through archival materials, some featuring Harvard’s most famous alumni.

    Page from 1973 Harvard class book includes Bill Gates.
  • Lost in fictional maps

    Fantasy worlds from Middle Earth to Westeros come to life in Harvard Library exhibit.

    A Map of Narnia and the Surrounding Countries.
  • Murder, misguided creativity, and other tales in salt prints

    The early photo technique — and stories of people in front of, behind camera — get new exposure as Harvard digitizes vast collection.

    People in a group potrait in 1865 looking in different directions and not at the camera.
  • Happy together

    Photo gallery features images that reflect moments of joy, quiet contentment, and companionship.

    Lulu August ’26 (center) is hugged by her proud parents, Kakuri and Agnes.
  • ‘To serve higher education’

    As Harvard’s 29th president prepares to step down, we look back at a tenure marked by profound challenges and ambitious initiatives.

    Larry Bacow in his Loeb House office on the first day of his presidency in July 2018.
  • Pomp and circumstance — and surprises

    In photos, we look back on a week of festivities celebrating 2023 graduates.

    Nate Warren and Elizabeth Sapia silhouetted against Commencement backdrop in Harvard Yard.
  • Arts First sets the stage for spring

    Arts First took over stages, museums, and other venues across Harvard’s campus during the four-day festival.

    The Harvard University Band performs during the Arts First Festival.
  • City of poets

    Eight student poets pick a corner of the city with historical, personal meaning and read an original work.

  • First lesson in Japanese boatbuilding: Don’t speak.

    Students make 22-foot skiff in “silent” workshop that puts emphasis on observation — and a good hammering rhythm.

    Students gather around instructor Douglas Brooks as they build a Japanese river skiff.
  • Picture this

    Over a two-day workshop, students created a charcoal drawing of someone important to them.

    Lauren Chen ’24 (left) and Minjue Wu ’22 work on their portraits
  • An exhibit with legs

    Harvard’s Pacific octopus specimen has lived on campus since about 1883. Now, fully restored, the model hangs in the Northwest Labs building.

    Giant Pacific octopus hanging from celing.
  • War-scarred land

    Makeda Best on images she chose for award-winning “Devour the Land,” which depicts environmental toll of militarism in U.S.

    "Dried Pond along the Rio Grande."
  • Our favorite pictures of 2022 have a theme: Zoom, out

    Harvard photographers document the vibrant return to campus life after two years of pandemic restrictions.

    Collage of 2022 Gazette photos.
  • Through the looking glass

    A kaleidoscopic view of campus.

    Lowell House is reflected in the surface of a car.
  • Start-the-day rite

    To start the day right or wind down in peace, many of us rely on rituals, whether physical or spiritual. Here are four rituals that carry us through.

  • Sniffing for smiles

    Meet Sasha, newest member of Harvard police force. Her duty? To spread joy.

    Sasha extends paw to Officer Steven Fumicello.
  • Defining moment

    We asked a group of first-years to tell us about themselves. Read their answers now, before they change.

    Students enter campus gate.
  • A look ’round the Square

    The students and the shops may change in Harvard Square, but its spirit and streets carry on.

    Rainbow in Harvard Square.
  • Face to face with ancient Egyptians

    Realistic mummy portraits, on view at Harvard Art Museums, shed light on life, death in multicultural Roman era 2,000 years ago

    Three mummy portraits of bearded man wearing white tunic, woman wearing white tunic with purple sash, and woman wearing a purple tunic.
  • A week of firsts, and the first of a last

    Classrooms across Harvard College came back to life last week with the start of the new academic year.

    Professor Katherine Merseth.
  • Learning can be fun. Just ask these ‘Explorers.’

    Harvard Ed Portal program offers skill-building activities for Allston-Brighton students in grades 2-8.

    Maxwell Luo (clockwise from left), Raymond Wang, Michelle Luo, and Alan Wang examine skeleton samples in the classroom.
  • The still moment

    Gazette photographer Kris Snibbe captures the geometry found in spaces and places on campus.

    CGIS South cherry trees.
  • How to move a dragon — fast

    Harvard’s Dragon Boat racers find fun, fellowship, and amazing views of Boston.

    Benika Pinch paddles during Harvard Dragon Boat practice on the Charles River.
  • Triple the joy

    Festive rites and poignant moments as Classes of 2022, 2021, and 2020 gather to mark milestone.

    Harvard graduates celebrate Commencement 2022 in Tercentenary Theatre.
  • Looking up

    Photographer captures the campus details that often go over our heads.

    Dexter Gate greets visitors to Harvard Yard with the inscription: “Enter to grow in wisdom."
  • ‘Arts First has come back to life’

    For the first time since 2020, Arts First returned to live performances on Harvard’s campus.

    The Harvard University Band performs in the Science Center Plaza.