Around Campus

Campus Inspiration

Staff member Matt Boltz standing on campus with a camera
Black and white photo of men's basketball team before a game with coach kampe watching them

"I saw the players huddled together and thought that would make a nice photo, but then I saw Coach Kampe off to the side watching them and wanted to get him in the frame as well. I like getting shots that represent the bond between teammates, and I felt making it black and white added some starkness."

Black and white photo of men's basketball team playing. A close up on two players, with OU player driving to the basket.

"I got this shot of Jalen Hayes during Oakland’s game at Eastern Michigan in December 2017, and like that it shows his concentration driving to the basket."

Pink, orange and yellow sunset on OU's campus with the tower and recreation center in the distance

"I caught this sunset on the walk to my car after work. I was walking to the parking structure and happened to run around and catch the incredible colors reflecting off the clouds."

Color photo of Vandenberg Hall and Bear Lake with crystal clear blue sky and reflection of buildings in water

"I got this shot on one of my walks through campus. Vandenberg Hall often reflects pretty clearly in the lake on sunny days with no wind."

Black and white photo of Vandenberg Hall and bridge over bear lake in winter time. The lake is frozen and there is snow on the ground.

"I took this shot from the bridge over the lake on a walk through campus shortly after returning from winter recess. I made it black and white to highlight the mood of the cold and wind in early January."

Sunset photo of bear lake fountain looking east toward human health building

"I took this shot after finishing a run around campus at sunset. I love the variety of scenery on campus available as natural backdrops fo sunrise and sunset photos."

Color photo of human health building reflection in pond in front of the building.

"I realized that I rarely get over to the Human Health Building and don't have many pictures of it despite it being surrounded by some nice scenery. It was a bright, clear day and I thought the reflection in the water was a nice bonus."

Yellow, orange and pink sunrise photo look at bear lake overhead from wilson hall. Vandenberg Hall in the background.

"This was a sunrise photo on one of my last days working in Wilson Hall. Being on the fifth floor provided some great views especially at sunrise and sunset."

Color photo of rainbow in the sky over the Engineering Center. Storm clouds to the right over the Elliott Tower.

"I took this photo in October 2017, walking to the office after a morning rainstorm. I was fortunate to glance up while the rainbow was clearly visible and I like the contrast between the white clouds, dark clouds and blue sky, as well as the light hitting the Engineering Center."

Around Campus

icon of a calendarDecember 19, 2018

icon of a pencilBy Mandy Summers

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Matt Boltz may not be a typical Instagram standout. As assistant athletic director of business operations, Boltz’s day-to-day responsibilities include providing business support in all fiscal matters pertaining to budgetary control, accounting policies and procedures, financial analysis and special projects for OU Athletics. He got into photography as a hobby, beginning with his desire to shoot concerts and sports. “I didn’t really have a defining moment that led me to photography; I just decided at some point I wanted to try my hand at capturing images of some of the things I enjoy,” said Boltz.

One of his passions lies in capturing Oakland University’s campus structures, symbols and student athletes. “My biggest inspirations on campus are the natural beauty, the ability to see several different scenes over the course of a short walk,” said Boltz “and the amazing sunrises and sunsets that literally cast a different light on campus.” These moments happen in daily walks around campus and almost always happen spontaneously. Capturing the natural beauty of OU may seem simple, but Boltz has a way of creating contrast and framing for his photos that really make an impact.

Follow Matt Boltz on Instagram @mattboltz

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