Remember This? A Long Center Photostory with Suzanne Cordeiro
We’ve been going through our photo archives lately and thought you might wanna see, too! So we asked our good friend and go-to freelance photographer Suzanne Cordeiro to pick out some of her favorites from over the years. Enjoy!
GAHSMTA (NOW THE HELLER AWARDS FOR YOUNG ARTISTS!)
I have been privileged to photograph every single Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards show and what I absolutely love about this event is the energy. Each year, students dress to the nines to come and experience exciting musical performances from each of the Austin area high schools while cheering ecstatically for their own. The energy is pure magic! Most of the students love posing for the camera, resulting in some amazingly energetic and fun images.
BUBBLEPALOOZA
Everyone, young and the old, loves bubbles! It’s no wonder that Bubblepalooza is always a joy to shoot. This annual free celebration attracts families of all ages and the folks at the Long Center go above and beyond to provide some amazing family-centric activities, games, music, and yummy food trucks. For a photographer, Bubblepalooza is a dream because everyone is so happy and full of smiles. The front lawn spills over with happy families. What a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day!
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ
Having the opportunity to hear renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz speak about her craft was an absolute thrill. The work of this living legend spans well over 40 years and it was more than a little surreal for me to photograph someone I consider to be one of the best photographers in the world. Coming home with a beautifully autographed book that now sits on my living room coffee table was an added bonus.
SANTA ON THE TERRACE
With the magnificent Austin skyline as its backdrop, there is no better place to document your family’s holiday memories than during the Long Center’s “Santa on the Terrace” event. I remember my own kids being absolutely terrified by the idea of sitting on Santa’s knee, so I can’t help but smile when I see other children start screaming the second it’s their turn. Knowing the effort that goes in to getting these little ones all dressed up only to have them totally meltdown is pretty hysterical. Although they won’t walk away with the ideal photo that they envisioned, the shot they do receive will become a joyful and cherished memory.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
Neil deGrasse Tyson makes regular appearances at the Long Center and I always look forward to photographing his Meet & Greet sessions. I’ve shot many of these types of events but what makes his special is the time and care he puts into each brief meeting. He listens to stories, interacts with everyone, and ensures that each photo is special and fun. It is especially cute to watch him kneel down to connect with his younger audience at their eye level.
TEXAS TAILGATE
Football and dogs — what more can a photographer ask for! With Nulo Pet Foods sponsoring this Texas Football official watch party, families were encouraged to bring their furry friends. It was a blast seeing the Long Center lawn overflowing with puppies! Texas Cheer and Longhorn mascot “Hook ‘Em” engaged with the revelers and posed for selfies. The Austin skyline served as a backdrop for the huge outdoor screen and an abundance of food trucks was available for snacks and drinks. What a fantastic way to watch a game!
FIT KIDS FEST
Filled with fun activities promoting active children and healthy eating, capturing images of the Long Center’s Fit Kids Fest was an absolute blast! The Long Center puts on a number of these free events geared towards families and the staff go out of their way to provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages. What I enjoyed the most at this particular event was watching the staff participate and encourage families to join in on the various activities. So much fun!
LONG CENTER 10TH ANNIVERSARY w/ THE AVETT BROTHERS & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
It was such an honor to celebrate the Long Center’s first decade with exciting performances by The Avett Brothers and Texas swing legend Asleep at the Wheel. Although I’m not part of the official staff, I’ve been honored to have been a part of many of the Long Center’s events, celebrations, and milestones. Celebrating and capturing images of their 10th Anniversary was a joy and this event was pure class. I am so proud of the work that they do.
Suzanne Cordeiro is an Austin-based freelance editorial and commercial photographer with over 10 years of industry experience. Suzanne’s service-oriented and creative approach has made her a favorite photographer for events across Austin and beyond, as well as a contributor to international news & media publications. Check her out on social media @suzannecordeiro, or visit her site to book her to cover your next event!
