Through the Lens: A Decade of Belmont Moments

Editor's Note 

When Sam Simpkins joined Belmont's communications team in 2016, he brought more than technical photography skills — he brought an artist's eye and a storyteller's heart. Over the past nine years, Sam has documented thousands of moments that define our University: groundbreakings and graduations, performances and protests, ordinary Tuesdays and extraordinary milestones. As he begins his 10th year at Belmont, we asked him to reflect on what he's seen, learned and captured through his lens. What follows is both a love letter to this community and a master class in paying attention. 

— The Editors 

A Gift of a Life 

In August, I started my 10th school year at Belmont. I never thought I would last this long as a photographer in this art-filled town. It has been the gift of my life to be here. I have literally watched thousands of students grow and mature in front of my eyes. 

What's even more fun is watching those same students come back to work beside me. 

This place is special. All the people we work with are special. 

The People Who Make It Matter 

My buddy Christian Saddler, whom I met as a graduate student, texts me every Monday to tell me he is praying for me and wishing me a good week. 

I'm on a group text with my buddies Joe, Luke and "Sick Nick," and we talk about all the fun things on campus and razz each other. 

I fondly remember all the selfies with Maddie Cook — "Cookie" — and all the road trips on buses and planes with Coach Bart and the women's basketball team. 

It was here I got to spend time with Betty Wiseman, our beloved Belmont Betty. I did not know her journey and history, but I quickly became aware of how special she is and how special she makes Belmont. We have shared many meals together, and I am blessed beyond my dreams to have that time with her. 

I have had some great student workers along the way. Many are still shooting and doing great things. 

Up in the Air 

In summer 2017, I asked if I could go up in the crane while Tall Hall — now Benz Hall — was being built. They said yes. 

On June 29, 2017, I met up with Todd Gunn of R.C. Mathews, and he told me the plan. I was going to climb the ladder, and they would send my camera up by crane in a little basket. When I got to about the sixth floor, the crane started moving. At this height, I could feel the crane actually swaying back and forth, like a tree swaying in the wind, and I could visually see the crane twist as it turned to the right. I sat down for about five minutes trying to get myself together. I felt sick in all the ways. But nothing was going to stop me. "This is what you wanted," I kept telling myself. 

When I got up to the operator's cabin, I knocked on the door and a little hatch opened. I hopped up in there — in a panic now. The operator was really cool. He gave me a piece of gum and said it would help calm my nerves and help my head with the motion of the crane. It was super fun, but I never want to do that again. 

Beyond Campus 

With Belmont, I’ve traveled abroad to London, Belfast, Northern Ireland and Edinburgh. 

I went on a mission trip to Mexico, and we built a house in four days for a family there. It was amazing to bond with the family and their kids and to hang with the Belmont students. 

A Debate to Remember 

The 2020 Presidential Debate was cool to be a part of. I had been told a couple of days before that I would probably not get to shoot the actual event. The night before, I got the green light. On the inside, I was told I had to stay in the back of the room, which was OK since I had rented a 500mm lens. 

About 30 minutes into the debate, my contact asked if I wanted to go to the front. I grabbed the cameras and lens and headed up. At one point, I knelt next to a Secret Service agent on my left with my long lens and monopod leaning against my hip. It slipped and fell over, and the monopod leg struck the agent in the calf. Kind of hard. I looked up at him scared, like I was going to get tackled or worse — thrown out. The agent was gracious, saw the terror in my eyes and simply nodded that it was OK. 

Turning 50, Looking Back 

I had a big birthday this month. You guessed it: 50. As I reflect upon my life, I often wonder if the pictures I take are doing enough good in this community. Aside from my marriage, this photographic journey has been the highlight of my life. Honestly, I never thought I would be this old. I still feel like I'm 25. But now, here I am, eligible for an AARP card and the shingles vaccine. 

So now, as I turn 50, I'm looking back with a full and emotional heart. 

This job has never just been about taking pictures. It's been about capturing life, laughing and smiling with campus and telling the story of a community I deeply love. 

I've been blessed beyond anything I could have imagined. 

The Story Continues 

The story's not over yet. I may be turning 50, but I still have plenty of shutter clicks left in me. 

Much love, Belmont. 

Sam