Jonathan Lopez '02
Jonathan Lopez arrived at Millbrook in the fall of 2000 as a repeat Vth former. He excelled in the classroom, was a starting member of the boys varsity basketball team, and became a dorm leader in his VIth form year. He matriculated to Colgate University and played basketball there while majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing. After graduation, Jon went to work with the Boys’ Club in New York City and began to do freelance photography and writing. In 2013 life took a brief detour. Millbrook School needed a stellar photographer and storyteller, and that spring Jon convinced his girlfriend, Alexa, to move to campus. She could teach Spanish, and he would join the communications office and coach basketball. Two years, several advisees, dozens of games and practices, and thousands of beautiful photos later, Alexa returned to graduate school at Columbia, and Jon committed to pursuing his passions by launching a career as a professional photographer.
"The only time I ever took a photography course was with Rick McWilliams at Millbrook," said Jon. His time as Millbrook faculty was rewarding but Jon eventually decided to pursue his love of basketball photography. Using his familiarity with the world of NYC playground ball, Jon began documenting the action at legendary NYC spots like Dyckman. In 2009, he accessed an apartment building adjacent to the court at Dyckman and set his photography career in motion by capturing an overhead image of spectators crowding the court during a championship game. Assignment work for Nike, FIBA, the NBA and WNBA, and many others followed. Jon most recently has been working in the media department of his hometown club...the New York Knicks...and loving every minute.
Jon's story is of the pursuit of excellence, of relationships and integrity. It’s the story of creativity and dedication and dreaming big. It’s what we hope for all Millbrook graduates to find—their best selves.
Jon's story is of the pursuit of excellence, of relationships and integrity. It’s the story of creativity and dedication and dreaming big. It’s what we hope for all Millbrook graduates to find—their best selves.
