About Us – Happy Valley Snapshot
At Happy Valley Snapshot, we believe every athlete deserves the spotlight. Based in State College, PA, we are a mission-driven sports media outlet committed to showcasing the heart, hustle, and humanity of high school and college athletes—especially in sports that are too often overlooked.
Founded by longtime photographer John Zangari, Happy Valley Snapshot was born from a simple frustration: too many powerful sports stories go untold. After years of delivering dozens of high-quality images per game—only to see a few used and the rest forgotten—John launched HVS to give those “leftover” moments a permanent home and a platform that values every frame.
We cover more than just the mainstream. From the fierce determination of a track athlete to the grit of a rugby scrum, our work highlights the energy and emotion of athletes in sports like lacrosse, swimming, tennis, and more. We don’t believe in token coverage or a one-image story—we deliver deep galleries and thoughtful storytelling that capture the full picture.
Happy Valley Snapshot is built to grow—with help from our community, sponsors, and future contributors. Our goal is to expand our team, support student photographers, and continue lifting up the athletes whose stories matter just as much as the Friday night stars.
This isn’t just about photos—it’s about legacy. Welcome to the snapshot that sees everyone.
Meet The Team
John Zangari – Lead Photographer and Writer
John Zangari has spent over seven years mastering the art of freezing time—specifically, the heart-pounding, sweat-soaked, and often overlooked moments that define athletics. A versatile photographer with a knack for adapting to any gear—from consumer cameras to professional setups—he’s covered everything from football’s thunderous collisions to the silent focus of a swimmer’s final turn.
His work with Kutztown University Athletics and his former venture, Zangari Media, sharpened his eye for storytelling. But John thrives where the crowds thin out: on rain-soaked rugby fields, at sunbaked track meets, or courtside for tennis matches most photographers skip. While others chase headlines, he chases moments—the grit of an underdog, the quiet triumph of a personal best, the raw emotion buried in the “archived” shots nobody else uses.
For John, sports photography isn’t just about technical precision (though he’s got that down). It’s about ensuring every athlete’s hustle, heart, and history are seen—not just once, but in full galleries that honor their entire journey.
When he’s not on the sidelines, you’ll find him working at the Sociology and Criminology department at Penn State University as an Admin Assistant.
Email John at John@happyvalleysnapshot.com
Juliette Phillips – Photographer
Juliette is one of our newest photographers on the team. With years of experience at Kutztown University, she specializes in sports and portrait photographer. Juliette covers the eastern half of Pennsylvania and western New Jersey sports.
Email Juliette at Juliette@happyvalleysnapshot.com