Community Engagement

For the past 20 years I have lived in the Triton District. In addition to being an educator, I am also a professional photographer. Actively engaged in many communities in the area, my freelance includes events, local restaurants, and family portraits. The relationships I have developed over the years are rewarding both personally and professionally. Whenever I am out in the community, I bring my Triton business cards with me. My camera attracts attention, and people tend to ask me about photography. When those conversations get started, I always talk about how great the Visual Communications program is. The grassroots approach to advertising is an effective way to spread the word about the program.

Elmwood Park: I feel lucky to be able to photograph so many fun events for the Village of Elmwood Park. From Fight Night, to classic car shows, to the Taste of Elmwood Park, it is always a good time. Over time, I have formed friendly relationships with the residents, the police and the village officials.

Schiller Park: Since 2014 the students of VIC have been showcasing their work in a rotating art exhibit at the Schiller Park Library. I have been the faculty member in charge of the exhibit. Due to COVID we have taken a pause from displaying work. Once the pandemic concludes the exhibit will likely resume.

Maywood: Working with NOMCO (North Maywood Community Organization), and the Historic Preservation Society, I photographed the homes and created the brochure for the annual Historic House Walk. The many historic homes throughout the village are beautifully preserved and deserve to be seen.

Forest Park: Before coming to Triton College, I worked at La Piazza in Forest Park. Chef Gaetano, and I have kept in touch over the years. As an artist himself, he has been very supportive of the VIC department, and allowed my VIC263 Advanced Digital Studio Photography class to visit his restaurant and practice food photography. It was a great experience for all involved.

River Forest: Dominican University in River Forest hosts an annual fashion show for their graduates in Fashion Design. Andrea Blaylock from Triton's ENT program connected me with this opportunity. VIC photography faculty and students had the opportunity to take photos at the dress rehearsal. The Fashion students benefitted from getting professional images of their clothes, and the Triton students benefitted from getting practice shooting events.

The swimming images are from the River Forest Tennis Club. I was hired to photograph the end of season tournament, and to create a slideshow presentation for the awards festival. At the club I was able to talk with young artists about photography, and give them tips for sports photography.

Graphic Designer and former VIC adjunct Fran Gregory, and I collaborated on a successful ad campaign for Trinity High School. Working with the students of Trinity on photo shoots was a fun time for all. I have also been a guest speaker for the Trinity Photography Club. Having the opportunity to connect with high school students interested in the visual arts is great for the VIC program.

Oak Park: I am actively involved in photography at the Oak Park Country Club. My photography ranges from private events and portraits, to food and architectural photography of the club. I have also worked extensively over the years with Poor Phil's Shell Bar in Oak Park. I have been involved in their menu and web design as well as food photography for marketing and advertising purposes.

Grand Chamber - Mont Clare - Elmwood Park - River Grove: For the Grand Chamber, I photograph their annual golf outing as well as the Chamber of Commerce Installation dinner. These events are always a great time with wonderful people.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America: I am a merit badge counselor for photography with the Boy Scouts of America. For several years, Triton hosted the Boy Scouts on campus for a merit badge day. For the photography badge we worked in the studio, exploring shutter speed with long exposures, and then edited the images in Adobe Photoshop. For many years I was involved in Girl Scout Troop 41368 in River Forest. I participated as the troop went from Daisy to Brownie to Junior Girl Scouts. As co-leader I helped with the yearly food drive as well as the monthly meetings.

St Luke School and Parish: Since 2013, I have been involved with St. Luke Catholic School and Parish in River Forest. As a parish member and parent of a student, I have been volunteering my talent and time to photograph events, sports, school and church functions.