“Focused Attention,” an image for the UF Libraries’ internal photo series, Libraries are a Constant, placed eighth out of 35 in the Marketing and General Illustrations category during the University Photographer’s Association of America’s (UPAA) Monthly Image Competition (May 2026). The UPAA Monthly Image Competition started in 2004 as a way for members to share their work in friendly competition and has grown from a few images in the early 2000s to more than 300 monthly entries. The competition is judged by fellow UPAA members, who consist of photographer and videographers around the world.
The Libraries are a Constant photos are made up of more than 60 images taken over two hours. Each individual is cut out as they walk through a library space, showcasing the Gator Nation. No matter how Gators move through the Libraries, the Libraries are a constant.
Rae Riiska, UF Libraries communications assistant, is the photographer behind the series and a member of UPAA. The next Libraries are a Constant photo will take place in the historic Smathers Library.
