Jack Power, a senior at Montana State University, is set to graduate from the university’s photography program in the College of Arts and Architecture and will also receive an honors baccalaureate degree from the Honors College. Power, originally from Dallas, has built a diverse portfolio through his work as a sports photographer for MSU Athletics and through internships that have taken him across the United States and abroad.
Power began his studies at MSU with interests in engineering and marketing but shifted to photography after realizing his passion while photographing football and volleyball games during his freshman year. In 2022, he joined MSU Athletics’ visual media intern team, where he documented key moments for Bobcat Athletics. His assignments included covering men’s basketball at March Madness tournaments, the 2024 RMISA Skiing Championship in Bozeman and Big Sky, two Big Sky Championship track meets, several Brawl of the Wild football games against the Montana Grizzlies, and events such as ESPN’s College GameDay visit to Bozeman.
Brian Morse, director of MSU Athletics’ creative services, said Power’s contributions have significantly shaped how fans experience Montana State Athletics. “Jack has had a major effect on how fans and students experience Montana State Athletics today. Whether they realize it or not, a huge percentage of the excitement, energy and pride surrounding our programs, especially on social media, has come from the content he’s helped produce,” Morse said. “When you give a talented, motivated student real responsibility and real exposure, they don’t just grow — they elevate the entire department.”
Ian van Coller, one of Power’s professors in photography at MSU, noted Power’s ability to capture compelling images during fast-paced sports events. “To create a good sports photograph is to compositionally make sense of that chaos,” van Coller said. “That’s where his work stands apart.”
Power’s interest in photography began in sixth grade in Dallas before continuing through high school in Maine. This year he expanded his experience by interning with the White House Photo Office over the summer. He documented events including a B-2 bomber flyover on July 4th and a signing ceremony for federal legislation related to fentanyl regulation. “All my raw photos and all of my edits are going to eventually be put into the Presidential Libraries archives, so anyone can search my name and see all my photos,” Power said. “I have a little part in history.”
Before working in Washington D.C., Power studied abroad at New York University’s Florence campus during spring semester. While there he photographed F.C. Pistoiese—a semi-professional soccer team—and worked with teams competing in Italy’s semi-professional American football league.
After graduation this December at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Power plans to travel with his father to Antarctica—completing their goal of visiting all seven continents—and will seek further opportunities as a photographer within collegiate or professional sports or politics.
“It just goes to show: Don’t be scared to choose what you want to do in college, and choose the major you enjoy,” Power said.
