photos: Behind the Scenes with SU Cheer

When Seattle University scheduled their basketball game with Loyola-Marymount on January 1, the venue was as symbolic as the date: Key Arena. As exciting as the milestone game was for the team and alumni, it was equally as exciting for the cheerleaders; the television cameras and large crowd alone were a source of constant giddiness. These photos focus on their preparation and makeup, for which the team brought in MAC makeup artists.

Though it was a long, tiring day — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. shortly following New Year's Eve festivities — it was extremely fun to be a feature photographer roaming freely behind the scenes. I was able to capture moments and experiment with angles and lighting and subjects that I hadn't previously had the opportunity or ability to do.