Mission 100 Days: Notes from a photographer, athlete and storyteller

By: Chloe Cohen-Breen, Multimedia and Sports Layout Director

This is what I captured, learned and lived.

My Favorite Moments as a Photographer

The Shot That Made Me Believe: Photographing the Women’s Track DMR relay team was more than just capturing an image, it was telling a story. They weren’t seeded to win, but against all odds, they finished second. I bounced between the top deck and the track, getting all the emotions. It was unexpected, unforgettable and the kind of story I’ll always be grateful to have in my camera roll.

The One That Almost Got Away: During last year’s MAAC Championship quarterfinals, Canisius Men’s Basketball faced a heartbreaking loss, ending their season. In the final moments, Head Coach Reggie Witherspoon comforted his player bent over in defeat. It was one of the last photos and moments of Witherspoon as head coach, a powerful ending I almost missed.

The Hardest Shot to Take: The Mt. Joy concert at RIT, not because of the lighting, the movement or the crowd (all though all of this was tricky), but because I was so caught up in the moment. Photographing one of my favorite bands was a dream come true, but balancing between being a fan and a photographer made it one of the most challenging shoots I’ve ever done.

Distance Covered as a Runner

Miles run in Buffalo: Over 2,000... yay long-distance running!

My Toughest Journey: Being told I’d never run again, the endless physical therapy appointments, surgeries, hours in the trainer's room and the constant cycle of setbacks. I was on a bumpy road, one with a lot of injuries and self doubt which was both mentally and physically exhausting.

Most Meaningful Race: My first MAAC race after over two years of being injured. Crossing that finish line with a personal record felt like more than just a race – it was proof to myself that anything is possible. That moment was more than just a race, it was a triumph over the challenges that almost stopped me from doing something I love.

My Griffin Highlights

• Sports sections designed: 63!!!

• Article I’m most proud of: “From the Borderlands Pit: My First Festival Photography Experience.” This experience taught me more than just how to capture better photographs, it showed me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone (I am no concert photographer), so photographing a festival for the first time was craaaazy. 

• Favorite photography experience at Canisius: Taking photos on the roof of Old Main and exploring inside the Dome with Ava and Maddy. I had no idea I would be inside the Dome that day, so that is now checked off my bucket list. 

Important Lessons I’m Leaving Behind

Embrace Every Opportunity, Even if it Scares You!

Growing up, I was the shyest kid in the room, always observing, rarely speaking. It wasn’t that I had nothing to say, I just didn’t have the confidence to say it.  I almost didn’t join The Griffin because of fear, and even when I did, I spent my time quietly in the corner, headphones in. Photography became my way of expressing myself, and sharing my work on social media gave me a voice. It wasn’t until my junior year that I truly found my voice with the moments I captured and the stories I told through my photos.

Seek Adventure.

Going outside your comfort zone will change you in ways you never expect. Whether it was running in an unfamiliar place, taking on a new creative challenge or stepping onto a rooftop for the perfect shot, the moments that scared me the most were the ones that shaped me the most. 

Final Farewell

My official peace-out to Canisius, my temporary home for four unforgettable years. The place I always returned to after long summer road trips, weekend race trips and endless photoshoot days. No matter where I went, Canisius was always there (even when I didn’t want to go back), shaping me in ways I never could have imagined. The lessons I’ve learned here – some heartbreaking, others remarkable – will stay with me long after I leave. Go sniffs. 

With Love,

Chloe Cohen-Breen AKA ChloeBreenImages AKAA Clover