Our Instructors

Chris Knight was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and hardened by the sweaty, nearly chewable, humidity of Florida. He combines his unconditional love of art history with his conditional love of technology, topping it off with a flair for the cinematic and an uncompromising eye for detail. His work has appeared in or on Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, L Official, GQ, People, MSNBC, ABC, Oxygen, Ocean Drive, and others.

Chris is the author of The Dramatic Portrait, a Profoto Legend of Light, Fujifilm Creator, and an instructor at Pratt Institute as well as the New York Film Academy.

Acclaimed, award-winning photographer Joe McNally is known worldwide as the quintessential “pro’s pro;” an extremely versatile, deeply experienced assignment photographer whose jobs have brought him to over 70 countries and counting.

McNally is often described as: Authentic, empathetic and articulate, an exceptionally skilled technical photographer who pairs extraordinary camera know-how with a vivid imagination and an ongoing, vibrant creativity. Always curious, always adapting to the conditions at hand and the relentless advances in camera technology, he has photographed FIVE cover stories for the National Geographic (amongst an overall FIFTEEN coverages), and SEVEN covers of LIFE Magazine. He photographed the very first all-digital coverage for National Geographic, which was considered such a significant, watershed moment in the history of that venerable publication that the entire coverage has been incorporated into the archives of the U.S Library of Congress.

In addition to inspiring editorial work, McNally has covered FOUR Olympics for such diverse clients as ABC Television, Sports Illustrated and TIME magazine. McNally is known for his penchant to get his camera in “a different place” and has twice climbed the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in addition to climbing the Empire State Building four times. He is that rare photographer who has successfully made the bridge between the commercial world and the editorial world, and is highly regarded by clients for his versatility, and willingness to be a team player. Joe McNally, a proud Nikon Ambassador, has an extraordinary ability to photograph simple assignments with intimacy and grace, as well as master movie-scale productions with large crews, tremendous pressure and countless moving parts.

Widely regarded as one of best wedding and portrait photographers in the world, Jerry and his wife Melissa are based in Las Vegas, USA and Melbourne, Australia and travel frequently on international photography and speaking assignments.

Jerry is the most awarded photographer of the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International organization (WPPI) and became their first Grand Master. He was also included in their list of top five wedding photographers in the world. Jerry was also named by American Photo Magazine in their first list of top ten best wedding photographers in the world and was also given a United Nations Leadership Award by the International Photographic Council.

A Nikon Ambassador, Jerry was named the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) Fashion Photographer of the Year and represented the wedding and fashion industries in the landmark Nikon D850 camera campaign.

Heather Larkin is a portrait photographer and SIGMA America Ambassador located in Athens near Atlanta, Georgia. Heather has been shooting professionally since 2003, and is internationally known for creating colorful, authentic images for clients around the world. Her business, Fairyography, has been featured on The Today Show,, Sigma USA, Professional Photographer Magazine, Canon Cameras, Clickin Moms, Scary Mommy, Online Athens, Southern Distinction Magazine, and more.

"In 2019, I picked up a camera for the first time, and it changed my life completely. I started photographing everything that caught my interest, and through that lens, I discovered what truly matters to me. I practice street photography, social documentary, and portraiture—ranging from fashion editorials to street portraits. Recently, I partnered with Fujifilm and my favorite camera store Unique Photo to lead photowalks and create social media content. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing this journey with them. My photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about making a difference, one frame at a time."

Bobby Stormer is an award-winning and published wildlife photographer based in northern New Jersey. Inspired by wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, Bobby has been fascinated by animals since childhood. He has volunteered for wildlife rehabilitation rescues, dog rescues, and conservation efforts throughout his journey, and credits this experience as instrumental to his success in reading animal behaviors, tracking wildlife, and capturing those treasured moments. Through his work, Bobby hopes to make a positive impact on animal welfare across the globe, as well as inspire others to pursue their own passions.

Shiv Verma, FPSA, HonNEC is a published author, photographer, educator and technologist. He is a Panasonic Lumix Global Ambassador, Wacom Pro-Artist and an X-Rite Coloratti. He has been photographing for over 50 years and has evolved his photography to express his intense devotion to wildlife and nature. He belongs to multiple photographic clubs and associations and serves as President of the New England Camera Club Council and Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Camera Naturalists. He is the immediate past Vice President of Learning and Technology of the Photographic Society of America. He is a member of the Professional Photographers Association of America; past Board Member, General Chairman of the PSA International and Chairman of Nature Division, PSA (Photographic Society of America). In addition, he is a member of the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA), and Greater Lynn Photographic Association.

Shiv was honored as a Fellow of the Photographic Society of America in 2020, and as an Associate of the Photographic Society of America in 2013. He was elected an Honorary Member of the New England Camera Club Council in 2022 and a Master Member in 2008.

Tony Gale is an award winning portrait photographer. Tony was raised in Bellingham, Washington (90 miles north of Seattle) and spent most of his time as a child exploring the woods behind his parents’ house. At 19, after visiting Bruce Lee's grave in Seattle, and taking his first photo with a disposable camera, he bought his first camera. He promptly broke it and bought his first SLR. At 21 he moved to Seattle to pursue photography and in fall of 2000 moved to NYC, the center of the world. Tony shoots for a variety of editorial, corporate and advertising clients, creating compelling images to tell his clients stories. Tony has taught at Parsons, SVA, and FIT, has led workshops and spoken about photography across the country. He is the APA National president and a triathlete in his spare time.

Meg Loeks lives in a remote part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with her husband, four young children and several animals. Her photography journey started when she was young, shooting with film and developing her own prints. Drawn to low light and color, she is a portrait and lifestyle photographer. Meg is also a mentor and instructor at Clickin Moms and a Profoto Legend of Light. She is also a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a nonprofit organization which gifts families battling pediatric cancer a free photo session.

Blake Rudis is a classically trained artist who started as a painter. He transitioned into printmaking and sculpture while attending the University of Delaware, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Fine Art. His passion for all things Fine Art shifted when he decided to double down on his love for the American landscape. Shooting analog film starting in 1998, he took up digital photography in 2006. His journey through the American Landscape led him to start a blog and YouTube channel in 2010. Blake incorporates his knowledge of Fine Art, aesthetics, and color theory in his courses and is known for his acclaimed Photoshop® workflow.

Blake is a self-published author and works as an independent photo educator. Some of his partnerships include Topaz Labs, ON1, and Creative Live. Throughout his teaching efforts on his website, f64Academy.com, Blake has helped hundreds of thousands of photographers excel in photo post-production, turning ho-hum photos into stellar works of art.

Caroline Jensen, a Sony Artisan of Imagery, is a photographic artist living on the prairie in southern Minnesota with her husband, four children, and many pets.

Caroline is a creative photographer specializing in emotive portraiture, macro, and still life imagery. She seeks to find emotion in every image and finds her niche in painterly images with dramatic light. She enjoys focusing on one subject, whether that be a person or a flower. Her style, while ornate in processing, strives for a simplicity that guides the viewer’s eye to the heart of the image.

Temu Nana has been a photographer for over 12 years and has spent much of that time leading small group photographic tours to international destinations on all seven continents. He has won awards in nationwide competitions for travel and photojournalism, but his true photographic passion is for astrophotography. He began shooting the stars 10 years ago and has since expanded into teaching and educating others about the night sky and how to capture its beauty. When not traveling for work, he spends clear nights imaging deep space objects with highly specialized equipment. Many of these images have been shared on social media by the country's largest astrophotography accounts.

Tim Hughes is a content producer and Part 107 licensed drone pilot.

"When I was younger I always had an interest in RC airplanes and Helicopters. This quickly shifted when the first DJI drone was released in 2013. I have taken this hobby and now turned it into a career and passion. My drone work has been featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, music videos, real estate offerings, and countless advertisement campaigns. My passion for drones and capturing content started with this first drone, and has grown rapidly as the technology has continued to elevate. I pride myself on capturing a unique perspective that my clients have grown to expect. I continually push myself to learn more and understand the full capabilities of the drone. After being on numerous drone jobs and being asked if I do videography, I started to hone my skills with a regular camera. This has allowed me to continue to grow my company and learn even more about videography. I have a passion for teaching and truly enjoy passing on the knowledge that I have learned over the years."

Conservation photographer and Filmmaker, Kristi Odom, has worked in some of the earth's most remote locations to help document stories that will help protect our planet's biodiversity. She is an internationally awarded photographer, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Nikon Ambassador and a motivational speaker.

She believes strongly in the power of photography to help create positive change and ultimately help protect the planet's wildlife. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who fight to protect the natural world.

Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards. She also was included in National Geographic’s 2021 collection for Best Animal Photos and her work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Washington Post, New York Times, Forbes, Rollingstone, NIkon, Microsoft and Outside Mag.

Formento & Formento come out of a hybrid lineage of art and fashion. You might call them Third Picture Generation Artists. Their work conjures the sensibilities of an art film and extends it through lengthy series. Although their work is not explicit fashion, they tend to observe high fashion standards in casting, hair and makeup, which invariably injects a frisson of glamour into the scenario. Their locations and their light are first rate, giving a genuine cinematic sensibility to the photographs with big screen values, but Formento and Formento are a duo that travels light and manages to achieve soundstage quality without Hollywood budgets.

Richeille Formento a former graphics designer, styles and art directs the pictures while her husband BJ Formento lights and photographs. In their first major body of work they created a dramatic portrait of the American West, traveling in an 25 foot Airstream and finding locations and casting on the fly.

Heather Palecek is an analog, experimental photographer working through concepts of humans' complex relationship with the environment. She works primarily in pinhole photography and camera-less processes, exploring ways to collaborate with Mother Nature in her work. Palecek has a degree in fine art education and photography from Montclair State University and has been a high school photography teacher in NJ since 2010.

Beyond the classroom, she extends her passion for alternative and historic photography processes as the leader of the NJ Pinhole Club and through immersive workshops conducted worldwide. Her award winning work has been exhibited locally and internationally.

Jonathan Thorpe is a Washington DC based photographer whose technical ability to light and direct a story rings true in the images he produces. His approach drums emotion, yet maintains a level of verisimilitude in the form of his narrative portraiture. Since switching to photography in 2008 from a profession in optometry, Jonathan shoots full-time nationally and local to his home in Washington D.C. He is currently a Tamron Image Master, Westcott Top Pro, Rangefinder magazine people choice award winner and Holdfast Gear Ambassador.

Alongside his photography, Jonathan teaches and lectures around the world helping other photographers grow confident in their careers and forays into photography. When not shooting with clients, Jonathan enjoys building and riding his motorcycle, skating with his friends, and doing personal projects to keep his creativity sharp.

Padma Inguva is an IT Professional who discovered photography while going through a difficult time in her life. Photography became her passion and safe haven to recharge and renew. She became well known for her floral and architectural portfolios as well as her impressive teaching skills in just a few years. Padma is also part of the leadership team at Adventures in Photography, offering workshops, presentations and customized portfolio development.

As one of the leading wedding photographers in the world, New Jersey wedding photographer Mike Zawadzki has a distinctive style that helps his couples remember their wedding day memories in a timeless, bold, and genuine way. Mike has been photographing weddings for 10+ years and enjoys a technically challenging low-light situation as much as he does a stunning once in a lifetime sunset + sky. He typically starts with traditional poses that will make older members of families smile. Then, based on the rapport he builds with clients, he mixes in more personalized and creative shots of couples based on their preferences, and vibe. Mike enjoys meeting new couples, and learning about their unique love stories, which helps his subjects feel comfortable in front of his camera no matter how shy or introverted they may feel.

specializes in wildlife, landscape, and nature photography along with editing with Photoshop and Lightroom. Matt was inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame in 2014 and is the best-selling author of over 20 books. Matt loves to educate others and spends much of his time creating courses for his website as well as teaching around the world. He is also a Sony Artisan of Imagery.

"I'm a photographer based out of Lyndhurst, New Jersey. I'm a husband, father of 3, love playing the guitar and I have been fortunate to be chosen as Top Photographer and Videographer for 2021 by IAOTP (International Association Of Top Professionals).

Besides the obvious, like getting to create awesome images and spending a day with amazing people, why do I love to photograph weddings? Stories! Our lives are one great story divided into many chapters. That's why I LOVE photographing weddings. I am given the opportunity to witness and capture the creation of an epic chapter of your life story. I've been blessed to be part of hundreds of these new creations. My parents had a great story. My wife and I have a story. Every couple has a love story to tell. Let me tell yours. It's never too late to do something you love."

Will Cadena is an experienced photographer and business owner with the skills and know-how to break conventional photography rules to deliver a sleek, polished look without re-touching. Combining a modern, edgy look with traditional photography, Will has a rare ability to interpret the exact moment a client wants to be captured. An active member of the PPA and WPPI , Will has led national and international clothing photoshoots, portraits, headshots, and private and public events. Will began assisting as a young boy with his Uncle, eventually moving up the ranks to photographer. He instantly fell in love with the art of photography, specifically painting with light. He is devoted to the field and demonstrates his support and passion by speaking on behalf of The Canon Experience Center, Fundy Inspiration Workshop, and more to inspire Disney's Fine Art photographers at Disney World. He's spoken at WPPI, Imaging USA, Photo Plus NY, and is a Speaker & International Judge at WPPI. He spoke hands on for Canon USA workshops. He’s spoken and judged internationally in Italy, Malaysia, Greece, and Iceland. Representing or working with some of the top companies in photography is a profound honor and a distinct privilege.

Steve Vaccariello captures the unexpected in his subjects. It's the moment most often overlooked that Vaccariello interprets and immortalizes on film. With suggestive lighting, evocative shadowing, and unique printing techniques, his work explores the idea of ethereal and evocative beauty, the nuances of form, and the subtleties and extremes of physical expression. "My work draws upon - but transcends - my experiences," he continues. "I'm a purist at heart - camera, light, and composition - striving for that look of unique, but timeless beauty."

Ricky Shoebio has made himself a fixture in the Lifestyle, Footwear, Editorial, Commercial spaces for his and teams visual storytelling. Through the conceptualizing of said pieces, content segments, campaigns, commercials they have laid their stamp on the industry as an agency. Working alongside Nike, Foot Inc, BMW, Revolt, Hulu, Disney, FX, Sony, AT&T, Converse, Adidas, Jordan Brand, Popsugar, Live Nation, Red Bull, FIBA, Eastbay, NCAA, Sony Music, Comic Con, Jack Daniel's, Under Armour, Reebok, Mountain Dew, Oakley, Tesla, Google, The NBA, The Recording Academy (Grammys), HBO, and many others he continues to establish himself as a true visionary and asset.

His works with Ciara, Run DMC, Carmelo Anthony, Angus Cloud, Broderick Hunter, Juvenile, Don C, Damien Lillard, Elton John, Eddie Huang, Ryan Penagos, and Visual artist King Saladeen; have garnered him a well respected reputation in a short time. Leading KYD to be a one of the most prominent Black Owned Agencies in New York. And also helping SOCIAL Magazine and SOCIAL TV grow to a 50,000+ print subscription with a 500,000+ UMV, and 255,000+ subscribers with over 100,000,000+ in only two years; Shoebio has made a phenomenal following for himself and the people and organizations he has supported.

Anabel DFlux is a published photographer living and working in Las Vegas. She is known for a vast array of photographic work. Art is her passion in life, and in 2009 she made her dream a reality by establishing Deliquesce-Flux Photography. Since then, Anabel has become renowned for her innovative work including exotic animal photography, live music shooting and dynamic, imaginative portraits. In 2019, she became a SIGMA Ambassador, and continues to work tirelessly throughout the country with the latest SIGMA lenses by her side.

Rick Friedman has been a photojournalist for over four decades. Based in Boston, he travels the world for numerous publications, corporations, advertising assignments, and film and television productions.

His published work has appeared in Time, National Geographic, Newsweek, The New York Times, Nature, USA Today, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Stern, Discover, and many other publications. His photographs have appeared on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Nightline, 60 Minutes, Saturday Night Live, and in numerous documentaries. He has produced over 75 book and magazine covers and worked on 20 movies.

JC Carey is a lifetime image maker that like many photographers was terrified of lighting until he was gifted with a class in 2007. The class was terrible with too many of the “recipes” that people love to share rather than teach how to light, but it lit a fire that has never stopped burning. That gift changed everything. It transformed him from someone that barely took pictures of people and knew nothing about lighting into someone still trying to figure out how to light everything.

The last 15 years have passed with him being blessed with a daughter, a career doing what he loves, multiple magazine covers, and with meeting amazing people and trying to create great images of them. The art of photography and taking pictures is his passion but the ability to make his vision a reality in a photograph is what truly drives him. JC has taught all over the US including being part of the Staff at Summit Workshops.

JC is a professional photographer based in New Jersey as well as proudly joining Westcott as their East Coast Sales Manager in 2020, using their gear for the entirety of his lighting lifespan.

Todd Lauther is an artist and educator who works primarily in photography and bookmaking. He received his M.F.A. from Syracuse University and his B.F.A. from Montclair State University. He held teaching positions at Mercer County Community College, Ursinus College, and Syracuse University. Currently, Todd is the Education Coordinator at Unique Photo's Philadelphia location, where he teaches a variety of classes.

Todd’s work has been shown in various museums and galleries such as The Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia, PA, Point of Contact Gallery in Syracuse, NY, Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, and Candela Gallery, Richmond, VA.

Bob Davis is no newcomer to the photographic industry. He's been a professional photographer for over 30 years. It was obvious to him at an early age that being a photographer was what he wanted to do with his life.

Bob's cameras have always been a passport for him, allowing him a front seat to history. While at the paper, he had covered countless amazing events, such as presidential elections, Michael Jordan's entire career with the Chicago Bulls, and many faith celebrations and rituals. Bob has traveled around the world photographing weddings and human-interest stories for non-profit organizations. Bob has since moved on from the newspaper industry. Now, a partner with his wife Dawn Davis, Bob & Dawn Davis Photography & Design's client list reads like a "Who's Who" of entertainment's elite. They have had the honor of photographing Ashley's wedding, of ABC's TV show The Bachelorette, to J.P. in Pasadena, California, and many other "A" list weddings such as Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, La La Vazquez and Carmelo Anthony, Tracey Edmonds and Eddie Murphy, and many other fabulous events with Oprah Winfrey. Bob's work has been featured in publications such as O, People, OK, Inside Weddings, Town & Country, Munaluchi, Grace Ormonde, The Knot, Ritz-Carlton, Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, and Popular Photography.

Lee Varis is a Fujifilm X-Photographer and photo-illustrator now working in the Boston area. He's been involved in commercial photography for over 45 years, and started working with computer imaging over 25 years ago. He currently works with digital as well as conventional photography in conjunction with computer graphics to create images for use in print advertising.

Lee's work has been featured on movie posters, video box covers, CD covers, numerous brochures and catalogs. He was responsible for the moth on the "Silence of the Lambs" movie poster, as well as photos of the Starship Enterprise for the Star Trek movies!

Matthew Christopher has had an interest in abandoned sites since he was a child, but started documenting them a decade ago while researching the decline of the state hospital system. His two books, "Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream" and "Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences" and his website, also titled Abandoned America, have chronicled the stories of modern ruins of all kinds across the United States and abroad. He also has recently created an Abandoned America podcast to share interviews and stories that delve into the mysteries, histories, and stories of abandoned places.

Matthew has an MFA in Fine Art Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and has taught photography at a college level and now teaches photography workshops. He has had gallery shows across the US, lectured on abandoned spaces and mental health history, and his work has been in dozens of publications and media outlets including the New York Times, ABC and NBC News, PDN, The Atlantic, Photographer's Forum, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail, NY Daily News, and many more.

Taylor Ballantyne (CEO & Founder of Ballantyne Films Inc) is a Sony Camera and Nanlite endorsed Director and Photographer. She specializes in commercial advertising, print, editorial, music and film. Over the course of 20 years in the industry she has developed her reel and portfolio working with celebrities, super-models, athletes, musicians, creative agencies, license branding companies, and production companies globally.

Taylor has achieved at a high level in the industry by cultivating long lasting relationships with her clientele. She has received national attention for her accomplishments; some include 7 Sports Illustrated Covers, director of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's "In Her Own Words" short film & photographic series as seen on Good Morning America & Cannes Lions Film Festival. She directed a top charting music video across all genres featuring Kelly Clarkson and a feature film entitled "Trouble Is... 25 The Film" featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd released on Amazon. She currently resides in Nashville, TN and continues to expand her commercial and film portfolio traveling all over the world.

is a corporate, portrait and luxury wedding photographer in Austin, TX. She has been an influential speaker in the community for well over a decade. Starting her photographic journey in 1998, she has since been named a Canon Explorer of Light, an accolade given to only 5 wedding photographers in the country, earned 5 college degrees, and a PPA Photographic Craftsman degree.

Vanessa is trusted by brands like Hilton Grand Vacations, Bravo, Profoto, Lexar and more, and has spoken at almost every major convention and platform in the photography and wedding event industry such as CreativeLIVE, WPPI, ShutterFest, Imaging USA, Wedding MBA. She hosts personal workshops and international photography adventures around the globe. Recognized for her talent and more so her business sense, her clients love working with her and industry peers love to learn from her tangible, informative and open-book style of teaching.

Dani Mack's photo career began as a hobby but rapidly blossomed into a successful career. Starting out as a "soccer mom with a camera" she was noticed by her daughter's coach for the quality images she was creating. That connection provided her with the opportunity to photograph other teams, leading to Dani photographing over 150 teams in a little over a year, including the 2023 Little League Softball World Series champions and Staten Island Ferry Hawks.

To further improve her skills, Dani learned from some of the best in the industry, including Brad Deel, Jaison Sterling, JC Carey, Jean Fruth, and former Sports Illustrated editor Steve Fine. Her remarkable work has been featured in the NY Post, and she's collaborated with brands like Kilogear and the American Flag Football League. Dani has established herself as a prominent figure in the sports photography field, extending her portfolio to include sports portraits, and boutique volume photography.