Just a Good Conversation

Mike Orloff loves to surf, play music, play baseball and is a professional photographer. Mike went Santa Monica College and learned photography. His love of baseball was from his father who played the game till late in his life. Mike passed along his love for baseball to his sons Ben and Matt. Mike had a great studio in LA where he shot food, motor bikes and he did an ad for Nike. Now retired he attends his son's baseball games, both coach, one in high school and the other in college.

Stuart Born is the owner and CEO of Born Outdoor.

Stuart went to the United States Military Academy at West Point United States Military Academy and received a BS, Engineering ManagementBS, Engineering Management from 1984 - 1988. He spent 8 years as a Captain serving as a Field Artillery Captain, Field Artillery US Army. He went Ranger School, Airborne School, FAOBC, FAOAC Units. Stuart spent over 20 years in the medical field.

Born Outdoor was founded in 2017 out of the concept to build the highest quality and most comfortable gear for people like us who live for outdoor adventure. We have launched our company with the Badger Bed; a new take on the classic bedroll. www.bornoutdoor.com

Matt Kennedy is a motion picture stills photographer from California. Matt has worked on movies including Spiderman, No Way Home, Black Panther, Fast and Furious 8 as well as the new Obi Wan Kenobi series for Disney, Star Trek Picard and many more movies that you’ve probably seen. Matt has been nominated for several International Cinematographers Guild awards, In 2018, he was invited to join the prestigious Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers and some of his photographs from Black Panther are displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

After many twists and turns Matt made his way in the film industry in the mid 90's where he started his career as film loader learning from some of Hollywoods best camera crews. After working as a camera assistant for many years me made the jump to becoming a unit still photographer and hasn't looked back.

Matt is obsessed with creating. Whether chasing Mayan pyramids deep in the jungles of the Yucatán, or capturing a freezing autumn Colorado destination wedding. Over the last 15 years, Matt has recorded archaeological photography projects around the world, documented multiple Los Angeles Mayoral administrations, captured the struggle of Detroit emerging from bankruptcy, to working with Grammy-Award winning artists and Academy Award winning filmmakers. You can see his work in National Geographic and New York Times. Matt has worked as the University Photographer at Cal State University Fullerton for over 15 years.

Cristina Salvador Klenz new photo project is called INTERSECTIONS In Time. She makes images from her car. She only leaves to talk to the subjects. We talk about the project and then for a first time I go along on the shoot to see her work her magic.

Cristinaa photojournalist, freelance photographer, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism degree majoring in Photojournalism (1986). Cristina's documentary photography work on the Roma culture has been published worldwide in Aperture, Geo France, Interfacemagazine in Paris, and the textbook Photojournalism the Professional's Approach. She also received a National Endowment for the Arts/WESTAF grant for her work on the Roma culture. She was a grant finalist for the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the Nikon Documentary Grant. Her Roma images are in the collection of The Romani Archives & Documentation Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Cristina's interest in psychology inspired her to purse an additional Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Cal State University Long Beach (2005) and a Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction/Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State Univeristy (2015). In 2020 she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

She currently works as a behavior intervention assistant for Long Beach (CA) Unified School District.

Robert Beck was a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated for over 30 years. Raised in California, he played and photographed “alternative sports”  long before the term “X Games” was coined. The result of shooting outside the box has given Robert the platform to shoot even the biggest “American Games” in a slightly skewed manner with a very fresh eye. 1977 UCI history alumnus has been one of the nation’s premier sports photographers, a career he fell into almost accidentally while working as a middle school teacher and football coach. Robert borrowed his dad’s Canon AE-1 Program camera and started shooting high school sports, selling the prints to parents and students. Beck has shot 10 Super Bowls; a half-dozen Olympics; and countless games, matches and athletic achievements, such as Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking 802nd hockey goal. He has also developed a reputation for compelling portraits. Using such props as Fruity Pebbles cereal, underwater furniture, Navy jets and a herd of sheep, he has coaxed intriguing poses out of everyone from skateboarder Tony Hawk and pitcher Madison Bumgarner to hurdler Lolo Jones and Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.
www.robertbeckphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/shoot802/

Robert Beck was a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated for over 30 years. Raised in California, he played and photographed “alternative sports”  long before the term “X Games” was coined. The result of shooting outside the box has given Robert the platform to shoot even the biggest “American Games” in a slightly skewed manner with a very fresh eye. 1977 UCI history alumnus has been one of the nation’s premier sports photographers, a career he fell into almost accidentally while working as a middle school teacher and football coach. Robert borrowed his dad’s Canon AE-1 Program camera and started shooting high school sports, selling the prints to parents and students. Beck has shot 10 Super Bowls; a half-dozen Olympics; and countless games, matches and athletic achievements, such as Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking 802nd hockey goal. He has also developed a reputation for compelling portraits. Using such props as Fruity Pebbles cereal, underwater furniture, Navy jets and a herd of sheep, he has coaxed intriguing poses out of everyone from skateboarder Tony Hawk and pitcher Madison Bumgarner to hurdler Lolo Jones and Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.www.robertbeckphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/shoot802/

Simply put, Tim De Frisco loves to make great images. Whether they be moving or still, finding unique and interesting ways to look at the world continues to motivate Tim every day.

He's grateful to have made a successful career out of something he fell in love with early in life. The continual evolution of hiswork and the medium itself is always a great motivator.

Tim began in photojournalism but always felt a strong desire to explore other areas of photography. One of his first photography jobs as Allsport photography agency. In the past few years Tim have moved into video work, first as an experiment to see if he would even like the process and found that it was a very natural fit for my style.  Tim worked for the Colorado Avalanche and NBA Denver Nuggets, Runners world and Sports Illustrated to name a few. You can see Tim's work at his website defriscovisuals.com

student & faculty activities, arts and athletics.  

Jaren graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in English in 2001. Jaren has worked in the University Photography office since 1998, and was hired as a full time photographer in 2004. He has won numerous state and national awards for his photography and teaches an introductory photography class in the Visual Arts department. In 2015, the University Photographers Association of America named Jaren a "Master of the Profession." He is the youngest photographer to ever receive this designation. 

Mark Holtzman is a California native with over 25 years of experience as both a photographer and pilot. He began taking pictures at an early age, under the guidance of his father, who was also an amateur photographer. 

By age 10, Mark and his father could be frequently seen in their make-shift darkroom at home. At age 17, Mark got his pilot's license and has been flying ever since. But the idea of aerial photography was not fully realized for several years, although recently uncovered film and slides indicates that Mark has been shooting pictures from airplanes for years. 

Over the years, Mark has explored a variety of careers, studying Music at Cal State Northridge, working as an LA County Beach Lifeguard and Paramedic, and even trying his hand at acting - making a brief appearance in All the President's Men. 

In early 2000, Mark combined his two passions, photography and aviation, and started West Coast Aerial Photography. He gave up another job to pursue aerial photography full-time in 2007. By 2008, Mark's son, Steven, joined the West Coast Aerial Photography team full-time. 

Today, Mark and his son can be seen shooting aerial and ground images throughout the world. Many of Mark's photos have been seen globally, both online and in print. www.markholtzman.com

David Ochi is a persistent entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in early-stage companies, having started his first enterprise at the age of 13. Since then, Ochi has started over a dozen companies in diverse industries such as fashion, technology, international distribution, startup incubation, clean tech, biotech, mobile, social media, and education. He is a regular speaker at industry events throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, most notably on topics involving startup strategy and early-stage funding. 

Currently, Ochi is the Executive Director of the CSUDH Innovation Incubator, where he focuses on expanding the entrepreneur mindset and skillsets into diverse communities. Ochi currently sits on the Board of Directors of a handful of startup companies and is actively involved in the growth of several early-stage companies. Ochi is also very actively involved in several charity and industry organizations including seven organizations at UC Irvine as well as a former board member of Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) in Orange County. Ochi was a co-founder of the not-for-profit MORE Foundation, whose mission is to connect intellectual property opportunities with undergraduate students at local universities.

Spencer Durrant Outdoors is the modern sporting journal for those who define their lives by what they do. From hunting, backpacking, camping, and fly fishing, to trolling for lake trout or peak-bagging in the Rockies, we all have something about the outdoors that shapes our lifestyle. Spencer Durrant Outdoors is the home for those stories – and anything else helpful in your journey. 

Spencer Durrant is a fly fishing writer, outdoors columnist, and novelist from Utah. He’s had work appear in Field & Stream, American Angler, Trout Magazine, Sporting Classics Daily, Hatch Magazine, Southwest Fly Fishing Magazine,and other national publications. Known in the fly fishing world for gear reviews and humorous stories about bachelorhood and trout, Spencer created Spencer Durrant Outdoors to serve as the home base for the stories he has to tell. 

Whether you’re new to the sporting world, or you’ve been at this game longer than most of us have been alive, there’s something for you here. One of the most amazing things the outdoors does is bring people together who otherwise would never meet. The hope is that the connections built through Spencer Durrant Outdoors are as rich and fulfilling as any friendship forged on early-morning drives, long stretches of quiet fishing, and the backbreaking satisfaction of hauling big game off the mountain.

Checkout the Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@venturesflyco

The company website venturesflyco.com

Andy Vargas, acclaimed successor to the throne of Latino soul music in the U.S., has been making waves in the music industry for over two decades. As Santana’s lead vocalist since 2000, he has collaborated with musical titans such as Juanes, Mana, Chris Perez, Frankie J, The Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, and Enrique Iglesias.

Given his first shot by legendary producer and managers Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, and Lou Adler, Andy inked a record deal at the age of 16 to Ron Fair at RCA, BMG. Here, he wrote and recorded Pop, Latin funk, and R&B Soul music. This caught the interest of Clive Davis and Carlos Santana, who asked him to support the worldwide smash “Supernatural” record.

Vargas has crafted a unique music genre, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. He has also expanded his professional reach by co-founding Malaspalabras Records (MPR) alongside acclaimed comedian George Lopez and music distribution giant, United Masters. MPR is committed to safeguarding artists’ rights and launching fresh talents in both conventional distribution and the evolving Web3 arena.

This year marks a significant milestone in Andy’s journey as a musician. He has earned solo recognition, securing a coveted spot among the illustrious lineup of the Dave Koz Friends at Sea Cruise. For two weeks of musical bliss sailing through the Mediterranean, he’ll share the stage with fellow superstar musicians, promising an unforgettable experience for all aboard.%

But Andy’s musical odyssey doesn’t end there. He’s set to join his mentor, the legendary Carlos Santana, and the Santana Band for the 2024 Oneness tour, featuring the iconic Counting Crows. This collaboration with musical giants is a testament to Andy’s talent and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Vargas is dedicated to giving back. In 2015, he founded The Andy Vargas Foundation (AVF), a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire, mentor, and educate underprivileged youth with dreams of making it in the music industry. AVF offers a host of free community programs, such as instrument training, vocal coaching, music composition and production workshops, music business courses, and college scholarships.

Amidst these grand ventures, Andy remains deeply connected to his roots, finding solace and joy in performing on his favorite local So Cal stages, Spaghettini in Seal Beach and Herb Alpert’s Vibrato, throughout the year. Here, amidst the cozy ambiance and intimate setting, he shares his gift with fans, creating moments of magic that linger long after the last note fades.

As a photographer and filmmaker, David McLain specialize in exploring big questions across a range of subjects by telling intimate stories about real people. He has shot seven feature stories for National Geographic Magazine, photographed the NYT best-selling cookbook Blue Zones Kitchen, shot for major brands like Sony and Apple, and was Director of Photography for the feature documentary Bounce, which premiered at SXSW. His primary tools are curiosity, an ability to listen, and deep empathy for people who inhabit different realities than his. Attentiveness to others, to his craft, and to his clients are at the core of everything he does.

Gina Ferazzi grew up in the small New England town of Longmeadow, Mass. Gina went to the University of Maine for Journalism. Four years at the Lewiston Sun-Journal in Maine and other four years at the San Bernardino Sun. She has been a staff photographer with the Los Angeles Times since 1994. Her photos are a part of the staff Pulitzer Prizes for Breaking News in 2016 for the San Bernardino terrorist attack and for the wildfires in 2004. She’s an all-around photographer covering assignments from Winter Olympics, presidential campaigns to local and national news events. Her video documentaries include stories on black tar heroin, health clinics, women priests and Marine suicide. A two-sport scholarship athlete at the University of Maine, Orono, she still holds the record for five goals in one field hockey game.

Dr. Carrie Lane studies the changing nature of work in the United States. Her current research concerns the professional organizing industry, in which organizers are hired to help people manage their belongings, homes, and workspaces. Professor Lane teaches about work, community, gender, disability, and interdisciplinary research methods. She co-leads the American Studies Internship Program, has led study abroad trips to South Africa, Denmark, and Bali. As CSUF's first Scholarly Publication Faculty Fellow, she helps other faculty revise and publish their work.  

Nate serves as a university photographer to tell BYU’s visual story. His work includes photography for university news, arts and athletic events, campus scenics and administrative initiatives.  

Nate graduated in 2013 with a BS degree from Utah Valley University with an emphasis in photography. Since graduating he has worked for the LDS Church photographing for the Ensign, Liahona, and New Era magazines, as well as the church's’ worldwide general conferences. He also worked as the Photography Manager for Marketing and Communications at Utah Valley University in 2014 for two years before joining BYU Photo in 2016.  

Although young in his career, he has won many awards, including Best of Show at the University Photographers Association of America (UPAA) year-end competition in 2016, and Photographer of the Year in 2017. He has also won many CASE awards in the short time he has been at BYU, including Gold for individual photography and a CASE Platinum Award for Excellence in Photography in 2018. 

Nate loves the diversity of assignments and the wide variety of things he gets to experience and learn while photographing for the university. But one of the things he values most about BYU are the people he works with and their continual support and encouragement. 

Ronald C. Modra was a Sports Illustrated photographer for 25 years. He has seventy SI covers to his credit and several of his photographs were selected for Sports Illustrated's 40 Best of All Time and The Century's Best Sports Photos. He is also the two-time winner of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Best Photo of the Year award.

He has shot covers for some 200 publications worldwide and contributed to dozens of publications including Time, Newsweek, People, National Geographic, Playboy, New York Magazine, TV Guide, Philadelphia and Parade to name a few.

ingo Chiu, also known as "The Machine," is a distinguished photojournalist, honored with the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography and recognized as a 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist in the same category. Notably, he is the first Chinese-born photojournalist to receive the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in photography.

Chiu has a particular affinity for covering wildfires and protests, finding inspiration in capturing the intense moments of firefighters battling fires and the raw emotion and expression of protests that narrate the story behind each event.

Born in China and raised in Hong Kong, Chiu earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Chu Hai College of Higher Education. Additionally, he obtained a second B.A. in a Special Major with an emphasis in Photojournalism during his tenure at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

His early career in Asia involved significant contributions to Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Sing Tao Daily, and Evening Post, covering events such as the Eastern China flooding, Sino-British meetings in Beijing, amnesty for Chinese illegal immigrants in Macau, and the Hong Kong Handover.

Currently residing in Los Angeles, Chiu works as a freelance photographer for reputable organizations such as Los Angeles Times, Associated Press (AP), Agence France-Presse (AFP), Reuters, European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), Getty Images, Xinhua, and Zuma Press. Additionally, he serves as a Senior Photographer for California State University, Northridge (CSUN) following over two decades as the chief editorial photographer for the Los Angeles Business Journal until 2023.

Chiu has established a remarkable track record, delivering award-winning, exclusive, and distinctive spot news, sports, and enterprise images published in newspapers worldwide. His achievements include:

• National Press Photographers Association's (NPPA) 2021 Best of Photojournalism, First Place in Sports Feature.
• Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles' (PPAGLA) 2019 and 2021 Photojournalist of the Year (POY).
• Los Angeles Press Club's 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2021 Southern California Photojournalist of the Year (POY).
• 2021 Award of Excellence in Editorial by Communication Arts and Photography (Magazine).
• Canada's Photojournalism Photography Award Winner in Applied Arts Magazine Annual Contest 2007.
• Best Hong Kong News Photography in 1992, 1993, and 1994."

Dr. Michael Spagna has a degree in Communicative Disorders from Northwestern, Special Education from UCLA and his PhD from University of California. Now working at California State University Dominguez Hills as the Provost. I heard him talk about dyslexia which I have. If you don't know what Dyslexia is, it's a is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language. We talk about why jumping into the family of study and moments that changed his life for the better.

Becoming a photographer almost didn't happen for Jim Gund. A chance meeting with Rich Clarkson at a basketball game changed his life for ever. After years at a newspaper Jim made a bold decision to become a freelancer and move to Atlanta. Jim would find himself photographing some of the greatest athletes in the world, from Deion Sanders, Tiger Woods and Gail Devers for Getty and Sports Illustrated. Jim is now retired and living the dream.

Garrett Campbell was hired full-time as an assistant coach in 2016. He officially became the FC head football coach in 2019. Coach Campbell is no stranger to Fullerton College as his father, Dick Campbell, was on the Hornet coaching staff for 15 seasons during the Hal Sherbeck years. As a young boy, Garrett served as Fullerton's ball boy and then later grew to become a quarterback and wide receiver for the Hornets from 1995-96.

In 2022, Campbell led the Hornets all the way to the SCFA championship game along with winnng the program's 27th conference title going 5-0 and 9-1 overall. The Hornets finished 3rd overall the state's final 3C2A rankings.

Coach Campbell wrapped up the 2023 season with another conference title going an undefeated 7-0 in the SCFA Southern conference with a 10-1 overall record. Fullerton ranked No. 1 at the end of the season by the November 13th JCAB poll.

Born and raised in southern California Campbell, earned his bachelor's degree at nearby California State Fullerton in 1998. He then went on to earn his master's degree at Northern State University in 2002.

Campbell got his start in coaching at Fullerton College in 1998 and has since coached at Northern State, Willamette University, Menlo College and Carthage College and Illinois College.

Prior to joining the Hornet coaching staff, Campbell was the head coach of the Illinois College football team for eight seasons. He posted an overall record of 51-30 and led the 2011 Blueboys to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III football playoffs.

Campbell has coached 75 all-conference selections and 209 academic all-conference selections, while guiding an offense that has consistently ranked among the best in NCAA Division III. From 2011 to 2013, Campbell's offense was ranked #8 out of 241 teams. In 2014 and 2015 they were ranked #9 and #10. In 2014, Campbell was voted the Midwest Conference Southern Division Coach of the Year leading the Blueboys to the 2014 MWC Southern Division Title. He also led them to four consecutive winning seasons, a first since the 1934-1937 seasons.

Garrett Campbell was hired full-time as an assistant coach in 2016. He officially became the FC head football coach in 2019. Coach Campbell is no stranger to Fullerton College as his father, Dick Campbell, was on the Hornet coaching staff for 15 seasons during the Hal Sherbeck years. As a young boy, Garrett served as Fullerton's ball boy and then later grew to become a quarterback and wide receiver for the Hornets from 1995-96.

In 2022, Campbell led the Hornets all the way to the SCFA championship game along with winnng the program's 27th conference title going 5-0 and 9-1 overall. The Hornets finished 3rd overall the state's final 3C2A rankings.

Coach Campbell wrapped up the 2023 season with another conference title going an undefeated 7-0 in the SCFA Southern conference with a 10-1 overall record. Fullerton ranked No. 1 at the end of the season by the November 13th JCAB poll.

Born and raised in southern California Campbell, earned his bachelor's degree at nearby California State Fullerton in 1998. He then went on to earn his master's degree at Northern State University in 2002.

Campbell got his start in coaching at Fullerton College in 1998 and has since coached at Northern State, Willamette University, Menlo College and Carthage College and Illinois College.

Prior to joining the Hornet coaching staff, Campbell was the head coach of the Illinois College football team for eight seasons. He posted an overall record of 51-30 and led the 2011 Blueboys to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III football playoffs.

Campbell has coached 75 all-conference selections and 209 academic all-conference selections, while guiding an offense that has consistently ranked among the best in NCAA Division III. From 2011 to 2013, Campbell's offense was ranked #8 out of 241 teams. In 2014 and 2015 they were ranked #9 and #10. In 2014, Campbell was voted the Midwest Conference Southern Division Coach of the Year leading the Blueboys to the 2014 MWC Southern Division Title. He also led them to four consecutive winning seasons, a first since the 1934-1937 seasons.

Lynn Johnson is an American photographer known for her contributions to National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and Life among others. Johnson is known for photographing vanishing languages and challenges to the human condition, with a focus on Africa and Asia.  is an American photographer known for her contributions to National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and Life among others. Johnson is known for photographing vanishing languages and challenges to the human condition, with a focus on Africa and Asia. “I’m short,” says Lynn Johnson. “That’s one of the things I pack in my camera bag.” Also invisibility, compassion, sunscreen and outrage. Recently awarded a National Geographic fellowship, Johnson is known for shooting elusive subjects—language, disease, rape, water—and for asking tough questions. Her thesis as a Knight Fellow at Ohio University probed hate crimes; at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications she challenges master’s students to push past their own comfort levels. Dedicated to exploring the far reaches of the human condition, she spends maybe two months a year at home in Pittsburgh, packing that camera bag over and over.

Paul Chato is a Canadian comedian and writer, the president of a web design company, and a former television executive. Chato grew up in the first planned community in North America, Don Mills. Graduating from Don Mills Collegiate  in 1973, he went on to graduate from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Radio Television Arts.

From Ryerson, he went on to become an art director with Kelly’s Stereo Mart and from there joined Rick Green to form Green and Chato, a two-man comedy team. In 1979, Green and Chato joined up with Dan Redican and Peter Wildman to form the comedy group The Frantics.

From 1989 to 1991, Chato was head of television comedy at CBC Television. 

Apart from his continued association with The Frantics, Chato is the president of Your Web Department (formerly Electramedia), an international web development company.

Chato has a channel of IT-related comedy tech on YouTube and Odysee, named Call Me Chato, where he reacts to entertainment media as a "former Network executive". He also has a channel of social commentary and news reaction called aPauling News.

England has a diverse culture. Its differences can be viewed from many perspectives including politics, fashion, language, religion, class, customs, traditions and interests. My definition of a ‘tribe’ begins with a group of people who share one or more of these perspectives. However, it goes further to encompass a bond between members that manifests in a need to identify with each other. This becomes visible through the beliefs, behaviour, signs and signals the ‘tribe’ emanates.  It is possible for people to belong to more than one ‘tribe’ at any one time. Furthermore, the existence of these modern ‘tribes’ demonstrates one of the most important cultural values we share as human beings, the tolerance of other tribes. I believe that this is a vital aspect of being English.The reason for my selection of certain groups over others as ‘tribes’ is reinforced by a very important underlying philosophy based on the concept of identity. We are all social animals by nature. Contemporary society is based upon community involvement. Together, we are greater than the sum of the individuals. In this respect, tribes that welcome new members become enriched and constantly evolving. Much has been written in the past few years about the importance of belonging to groups in order to combat isolation and depression. Some believe that belonging to a group can improve life expectancy and membership if multiple groups can have an even greater benefit. I am not going to argue that people should join groups for these reasons. What I believe from my work with groups is that they get people out of the house, meeting others and having fun. In this respect, they are living life to the full. Modern Tribes of England documents some of the groups that go to make up our 21st century society.
David Wright

John Free is a social documentary/street photographer who lives in Los Angeles. His photographic essays range from railroad tramps in California to street life in New York, Paris, and London and around the world. His other bodies of work include automobile abstracts and still lifes.

John has been inspiring photographers of all ages and skill levels for many years through teaching sold-out classes and workshops that carry on the tradition, values and discipline of “street photography”: full frame, candid, available light. He teaches year-round in Los Angeles, and around the country and the world, including New York, Paris and London. Part stand-up and part evangelist, he speaks from the heart to inspire new generations of photographers through his workshops, YouTube videos, classes, and his blog. He is also involved with several non-profit organizations teaching inner-city kids the excitement and power they can get from being dedicated photographers.

John’s work has been featured in numerous publications from U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek to Photographic Magazine to Smithsonian and The Sun. He was among the international photojournalists selected to take part in the project that resulted in the book 24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles. John's work has been featured in a wide range of exhibitions, including the California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles, Laguna Festival of Art, Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena and the Bagier Gallery in Ojai, California.

Mark grew up traveling the world, the son of an Air Force pilot. Picking up a camera at the age of 12, he started documenting his travels and knew the camera was the way to explore the world.
At the age of 18, Mark was accepted to Brooks Institute of Photography and graduated with honors in 1982. Shortly after graduation he moved to New York City to work as a stills assistant for some of the major commercial photographers of that time. Moving to the other side of the US to San Francisco, he transitioned into the motion picture industry and worked as a location scout. Directors started to take notice of my photographs and eventually he was asked to shoot 2nd unit. Eventually becoming a Director of Photography, he joined the International Camera Guild, Local 600 in 1992 and based myself in Dallas, Texas.
Mark have lensed over 200 commercials, documentaries and short films in a multitude of genres. His work has taken him all over the world including Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and New Zealand. Relaxed but focused, He was comfortable hanging out the door of a helicopter over the North Atlantic ocean as filming the CEO of General Electric.
Dedicated to his craft and bringing the vision of the director to film, Mark seek to collaborate with directors that share a passion for filmmaking on a wide range of projects including commercials and short films.
Mark can be contacted at markthomasdp@gmail.com and see his reel at www.markmthomas.com

Sonja Ulrich is a true survivor. Born in Germany, raised by a single mother in high society and at times move from town to town. Her mother joined the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and become a Rajneeshee. Ulrich lived alone in Germany from ages 12 to 13, then at different European satellite communes for the next four years, all the while separated from her mother. When she turned 17, she was finally old enough for her chance to join Rajneeshpuram in Oregon. Despite swirling rumors of criminal activity and FBI infiltration of the site, Ulrich still wanted to go. As she arrived it was all falling apart and she found her self alone in the US. Ulrich enrolled at CSUDH in the early 2000s as a human services major, but then discovered her love of anthropology—the study of humans, and why they do what they do. Sonja graduated from CSUDH in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and minor in bellydance history, then went on to earn her master’s degree in anthropology from CSU Long Beach. She began teaching as an adjunct professor at CSUDH in 2015, and over the course of her academic career, has found “amazing healing” through her discipline.

After graduation from prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography and with many years of experience as a photographer, Richard continues to be motivated by the same goals - to tame the technical demands of an assignment, nurture an idea and then set it free with creative inspiration.
Whether it be Dodger Stadium, a commercial studio set or wine country...he has come to believe in some principles, both practical and poetic, that shape his work.

Rich was the Dodgers team photographer from 76-84. A World Series Champ in 1981 and covered Fernandomania. He was kicked out of major league baseball game by a major league umpire in Veterans Stadium. Has a new book The Dodger Collection as well as his own podcast www.ultimategamefaces.com

George Horton was born and raised in ⁠Downey, California⁠ and graduated from ⁠Downey High School⁠ in 1971. He played on the ⁠Cerritos College⁠ baseball team in 1972 and 1973 under coach ⁠Wally Kincaid⁠. Horton then played two seasons under head coach ⁠Augie Garrido⁠ at ⁠Cal State Fullerton⁠ in 1975 and 1976. He was on the Fullerton team that made the school's first appearance in the College World Series in 1975. Horton began his coaching career the same place he began his collegiate playing career, ⁠Cerritos College⁠. He coached there for two seasons before moving onto ⁠Los Angeles Valley College⁠. From there he went back to Cerritos College as an assistant before eventually becoming the head coach. He was later hired by his former coach, ⁠Augie Garrido⁠, to be an assistant at Cal State Fullerton. When Garrido left in 1996, Horton was hired to replace him.

In 2003, Horton was named 2003 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America.

In 2004, Horton would face off against his old boss in the ⁠2004 College World Series⁠ championship series. The Fullerton Titans won the series and the national championship. While at CSF Coach Horton record was 490–212–1.

In September 2007, Horton was named the head coach of the ⁠University of Oregon⁠, which reinstated its baseball program starting in the 2009 season after being a club sport since 1982. In his first season at the helm of the Ducks the team was 14–42.

In 2010, Horton led the Ducks to the ⁠NCAA⁠ Division I baseball Tournament for the first time since 1964. The 2010 Ducks baseball team finished the season with a 40–24 overall record. He finished with a record of 375–281–1.

Mark Comon is the President of Paul's Photo in Torrance, CA

Mark finds passion and inspiration in all things. Photography is how he expresses that passion. Around here, Mark seems to be everywhere at once. He is indefatigable.
When not assisting customers, answering questions camera and lens related or not, teaching classes, interacting within the community, leading trips around the US and the globe, he'll be found at his desk (occasionally napping).  If you can't find Mark you must not be listening for him. You can reach him or the store at paulsphoto.com

Gene Blevins is a contributing photographer from the Los Angeles Daily News for almost 30 years. Gene has covered fire, major storms as well as the North Hollywood bank shootout and the space shuttle Columbia disaster. He has been nominated for the photojournalism pulitzer prize four times. Gene has covered over 200 space launches over the years.

Gene Blevins is a contributing photographer from the Los Angeles Daily News for almost 30 years. Gene has covered fire, major storms as well as the North Hollywood bank shootout, the space shuttle Columbia disaster and the O.J. Simpson chase. He has been nominated for the photojournalism pulitzer prize four times. Gene has covered over 200 space launches over the years.

Steve Zylius is the Managing Producer-Director at UC Irvine. Steve wanted to trying his hand in radio, thankfully someone pulled him into a college newspaper and his photography life was changed for ever. From small newspapers in the LA area to meeting his wife on a shoot. Photography has been good to Steve over the years. Now 13 years at UCI we seat down and talk about how he got here and what he has learned along the way. We also talk about his over love music.

A former Cal State Fullerton Division 1 softball player with a degree from the University had a couple tough years during that time. Family issues and some bad chooses in relationships put her in a low place. She found her way out through church and building strong relationships. She now works in sports ministry helping others found their path and work on being a better person.

Michael Der and I sit down to talk about AI and the photo industry. AI was built with the idea to help. The photo industry is on life support. Can I Ai help or hurt the photo industry is the topic. Michael hosts the podcast ARTrepreneurs which comes out weekly. It's a photography podcast that inspires photographers and visual artists to live their best creative lives. He talks business, art, about the chaotic journey through self-employment. Episodes every Friday. Hosted by Michael Der. www.artrepreneurspod.com. Instagram: @artrepreneurspod

International award-winning photographer Dave Sandford is best known for his dramatic collection, Lake Erie - Liquid Mountains.  Submerging himself into the freezing waters of Erie, Sandford’s striking images reveal the violent & breathtaking beauty of this Great Lake.

His viral waves paved the way for a lifelong dream, a meaningful career in conservation & wildlife photography.

Sandford, a native of London, ON. Canada originally established himself as a world class photographer around the ‘frozen ponds’ of the National Hockey League. During Sandford’s time at his Alma Mater - Toronto Metropolitan University, Sandford channelled himself into the world of professional sports photography. Sandford’s work in sports quickly grabbed the attention of others & he found himself with a rinkside seat at the professional ranks before he even completed his degree.

Sandford’s storied career in professional sports brought him international recognition & established Sandford early on as one of the leaders in the industry. With over 25 years of experience Sandford’s work has landed him roles with sports giants such as the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Sports Illustrated and Getty Images to name a few. While Sandford still has a foothold on pro sports, these days you are more likely to find Dave face to face with a polar bear on frozen tundra or dancing with whales under the sea.

Throughout Sandford’s career the call of the wild continually whispered in his ear.  Sandford’s passion for nature and wildlife led Dave down a path with strong ties to conservation. In 2015 when Sandford’s Liquid Mountain’s grabbed the world by storm, Sandford channelled that momentum at this pivotal point in his career, to make the shift into nature photography.

Seizing opportunities in wildlife conservation, Sandford quickly transitioned into this role, once again establishing himself as sought-after leader in the industry.  Sandford turned this into his opportunity to roam where the wild things are.

Canadian to the core, and similarly to his spirit animal, the polar bear - Sandford is right at home when the mercury dips well below the freezing mark. Making his first trip to the Arctic in 1997, Sandford now has over 20 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to his credit. With saltwater coursing through his veins, Sandford has also taken his photographic skills into the world’s oceans, swimming alongside natures gentle giants (whales) or finding himself face to face with another of Sandford’s favourite subject’s, the great white shark.

Claws, paws or jaws, wide open spaces or tiny places, Sandford enjoys showcasing the beauty of our natural world, blended with exciting and insightful storytelling from his adventures both near and far. It is Sandford’s hope that by sharing what he loves, others will share in that love - promoting positive change in the preservation of our wild spaces and those wonderful creatures who inhabit them.

Amanda Pitts is the Photography Services Manager in the office of University Communications at GVSU. She received her Bachelor of Science in Photography from GVSU in 2005, and her Master of Communications from GVSU in 2010. Amanda has been at GVSU for 15 years during which time on any given day she might be found on the tops of buildings, deep underground, on a frozen waterfall, in a helicopter, on a boat, underwater, flying a drone, and sometimes even in her office!
Amanda is also an active member of the University Photographers Association of America, currently serving her second term on the board as the Corporate Relations Chair. She has won numerous awards from both UPAA and CASE during her time at GVSU.
When she is not at work, she likes to spend time with her family participating in tickle fights, scootering, hiking, camping, and especially cuddle time with her son, two cats and dog. But Amanda’s most very favorite thing to do, besides researching random useless things on the internet, is to annoy her family by stopping to take pictures every five minutes while on vacation!

Motivated by climbing and adventure, Doug Murdoch started making gear for himself and friends at The Harness Factory, in Sunland, California. Doug later worked for Mountain N’ Air Sports, Adventure 16, and Lowepro, as well as being a design consultant. Dissatisfied with the pressure to lower costs by reducing features, Doug struck out to design products that out-performed the stripped-down, less effective offerings from other companies. The original founders of Think Tank. Steven Harrison, Brian Erwin, Deanne Fitzmaurice, Mike Sturm, Doug Murdoch, Pam Austin, and Kurt Rogers started the company in 2005. Check out the website thinktankphoto.com

Jay Cohen has been playing the trumpet for over 50 years, 35 of them as a racetracker. Known for playing the "Call to Post" before each race over the years at HollywoodPark and now Santa Anita Park he was recently stricken with Bell's Palsy and has had to battle back to his calling. "This 35 years has turned into who I am," he says. A truly beloved character to his fans, he's asked to play birthdays, weddings and even funerals because. Always ready with a smile, a joke, and even a magic trick, this is Jay Cohen. Mr. Cohen has performed the "Call to the Post" to signify the start of racing more then 100,000 times.

Bruce Chambers is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Husband of Carole since 1981. Father of Ian, David, and Colin. Grandfather (“Dude”to them) of Delaney, Rhys, Braxton, and Isla. Community Pastor at VOX Christian Community, Orange County, CA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California (2013-present). Newspaper photojournalist (1979-2014). Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker (2001-2019). Avid gardener. Explorer of backroads. Boulder collector. Introvert. People pleaser (in recovery). Unemployed, yet not accepting the label of retired. In denial.

When Bruce was 25-years-old (1981), he moved across the United States to Rochester, NY, to work for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. He worked on a staff of talented photographers, who had the task of providing images for the city’s two, morning and evening edition, newspapers. Since the papers didn’t want to run the same images, there was a strong need for fresh wild art and multiple strong images from the top stories of the day. My photo boss, Dick Sroda, told me he expected two pieces of wild art every day, in addition to my assignments. Being the rule follower, he was then, he complied. That discipline, learned early on, made my career joyful as I challenged myself, every day, to “find” images that would interest my readers.

Bruce Chambers is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Husband of Carole since 1981. Father of Ian, David, and Colin. Grandfather (“Dude”to them) of Delaney, Rhys, Braxton, and Isla. Community Pastor at VOX Christian Community, Orange County, CA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California (2013-present). Newspaper photojournalist (1979-2014). Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker (2001-2019). Avid gardener. Explorer of backroads. Boulder collector. Introvert. People pleaser (in recovery). Unemployed, yet not accepting the label of retired. In denial. 

When Bruce was 25-years-old (1981), he moved across the United States to Rochester, NY, to work for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. He worked on a staff of talented photographers, who had the task of providing images for the city’s two, morning and evening edition, newspapers. Since the papers didn’t want to run the same images, there was a strong need for fresh wild art and multiple strong images from the top stories of the day. My photo boss, Dick Sroda, told me he expected two pieces of wild art every day, in addition to my assignments. Being the rule follower, he was then, he complied. That discipline, learned early on, made my career joyful as I challenged myself, every day, to “find” images that would interest my readers.