Featured Alumni
Carlos Baez
Photographer, Owner
Carlos Baez Photography
Associate of Science in Photography, 1987
Carlos Baez graduated in 1987 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with an associate's degree in Photography. Through the years, Carlos has photographed numerous celebrities including Salma Hayek, Daisy Fuentes, Sofia Vergara, Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, and Emilio Estefan. His work has also been featured in various local and national publications including: Martha Stewart, Town & Country weddings, Wedding Style, World Class Weddings, Just For Brides, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, W, People, Ocean Drive, Selecta, and Vanidades.
Originally from Virginia and making his home in Miami, FL, Carlos worked in fashion and editorial photography both in New York and abroad. His singular style is documentary and cinematic. In his wedding photography, Carlos beautifully captures one of the most memorable days in a couple's life.
What makes Carlos' photography unique from others is that he instinctively selects the perfect angle to capture a spontaneous instant. His vision has been refined through years in the fashion and editorial world, which requires the photographer to think like a director who can make an outcome fresh, diverse and edgy. From the first consultation, Carlos focuses on his clients' needs and plans according to their tastes. He makes them feel comfortable and each of his weddings bears the stamp of originality.
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Carol Guzy
Award-Winning Photojournalist
The Washington Post
Associate of Science in Photography, 1980
Carol Guzy is a three-time, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and is currently on staff at The Washington Post. A former nurse with a craving for photography as a hobby, Carol graduated in 1980 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with an associate degree in photography.
In 2000, while on assignment with The Washington Post, Carol received her third, and most recent Pulitzer Prize for pictures of Kosovo refugees passing a child over a barbed wire fence to safety. She won her second Pulitzer for a photo of America soldiers protecting a Haitian man during the US intervention there to restore the president-elect to his post, also on assignment from The Washington Post. Carol's first Pulitzer was for her work during a mudslide in Armero, Colombia, while on assignment for The Miami Herald.
Carol received the 1990 Newspaper Photographer of the Year Award in the National Press Photographers Association/University of Missouri Pictures of the Year Competition, the first woman to win the title. Her 46-photo portfolio included photo stories about the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, and a homeless Washington couple who attended George Bush's inaugural ball.
One of Carol's first photojournalism teachers at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale says, "She went out with the idea of shooting feelings rather than shooting pictures. I think that's what put her in the big leagues."
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Christopher Logan Slough
Staff Photographer
Rosetta Stone, LTD.
Associate of Science in Photography, 1998
Christopher Logan Slough graduated with an associate's degree in Photography in 1998 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and is the staff photographer for Rosetta Stone, LTD., language learning software. A recent commercial ran during the Olympics featuring gold Medalist Michael Phelps. Christopher works with producers and language experts to compose photographs that are pedagogically sound and visually stunning. He is a stylist and make-up artist for shoots and his photographs have been featured in educational CD's, print/TV/web marketing and advertising, in-house promotions, and worked on a language project for US soldiers to learn foreign languages.
Originally from Virginia, Christopher entered The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's photography program because, "I wanted a commercial based education with less emphasis on artsy fartsy and more on real world work scenarios." Some of his most memorable moments were, "staying up late at night, photographing friends and strangers for my classes, and the supportive staff that nurtured my creativity."
Some of Christopher's high profile clients have included Cher, Sisqo, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Abercrombie, Hollister, and Ralph Lauren.
Of his experience at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Christopher says, "It was a stepping stone for a lot of great things in my life. The staples of my education at the college are the foundation of what I do today and I'm proud to be an alumnus. I learned to not be afraid to make mistakes. It's how we all grow as artists and professionals."
When asked what words of advice he would give to potential students, Christopher commented, "Shoot pictures EVERY DAY… every single day….Don't be afraid to network or jump into something that you may feel over your head… and remember that there is always someone hungrier and younger right behind you. Do the VERY best everyday.. and in the real world you're only as good as your last picture… so make it memorable."
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Diana Zalucky
Photographer
Yellow Shoes Advertising Agency
Associate of Science in Photography, 2004
Diana Zalucky is a 2004 graduate in Photography from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale who is part of the Yellow Shoes Advertising Agency team responsible for creating all of the images used to advertise and promote Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide including Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Lines, Media Relations (editorial), Disney Corporate (ESPN, ABC, etc.), Fairytale Weddings, Groups & Conventions, Travel Industry MKTG, and Alliance Marketing which includes Kelloggs, Kodak, McDonalds, and Disney Visa.
"It is very exiting to see my pictures published in magazines (People, Us Weekly) and newspapers nationwide," says Diana. She had the opportunity to photograph celebrities P. Diddy, Michael J.Fox, John Corbett, Smash Mouth, Barenaked Ladies, Ashanti, and Kelly Ripa. "It is very exiting to walk around Downtown Disney and see ads I have shot being displayed everywhere from bus stops to windows. I think it's pretty amazing how our work is used in everything from billboards to brochures to credit cards to cereal boxes. I feel very lucky and honored to be here and I really admire and respect the four men I work with and am learning so much from them everyday!
Diana's words of advice to students is, "There are resources available to you, use them! Do your networking and make your connections while in school. You have to be persistent and fearless in the pursuit of getting where you want to be. If it was easy, anybody could do it."
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Hester Esquenazi
Photographer, Owner
Hester Esquenazi Photography, Inc.
Associate of Science in Photography, 2002
Colombian-born Hester Esquenazi was a high achiever at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Not only did she graduate with Associates of Science degree in Photography in 2002 and earn the Highest Achievement Award, Hester also won first place in five photography competitions. This would be her second degree; the first was a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Parson's School of Design in New York.
Hester believes that you cannot get your information from a single source in this world and she created "extraordinary relationships" with all of the faculty and staff members that she met at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She says, "Photography has given me the unconditional freedom of self expression and technology has given me the power to bring it to the next level. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale provided me with that technology."
"My greatest achievement is my family," says Hester and she has chosen to place that in "the proper scale of priorities" in her life. Her advice to students is, "If you want to have it all, you must be willing to sacrifice it all. If you can't handle the risk, then you'll have to settle for less."
In addition to owning her own business, hester esquenazi photography inc., in Hollywood, FL, Hester also serves on The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Advisory Committee for the Photography Department and she is on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).
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Jennifer Stephens
Photographer
Laser Tech Color
Associate of Science in Photography, 1999
Jennifer Stephens graduated with an associate's degree from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Photography in September of 1999. Jennifer is very talented and is incredibly vivacious. Her enthusiasm is an essential ingredient of her success. Jennifer began as an assistant photographer at Laser Tech Color a commercial photography company. Jennifer was recently promoted to staff photographer. Her ambition and talent are certainly paying off.
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Joseph Lapeyra
Architectural/Interior Photographer, Owner
Joseph Lapeyra Photography, Inc.
Associate of Science in Photography, 1994
"I guess I've always had a fascination with photography, but it really became a passion after my parents gave me my first 35mm camera," states 1994 Photography graduate Joseph Lapeyra. Little did his parent know that the simple gift of the camera would lead their son to become one of the area's most established Architectural/Interior photographers.
After working as a first assistant for three years and graduating from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Joseph launched his own business - Joseph Lapeyra Photography Inc, which he has cultivated for the last four years. Within his first year of business, his publishing credits included five regional and national magazine covers and about a dozen feature articles. "That year, and every year since, every client of mine that entered design/architecture competitions using my photography has won prestigious awards from Interior Design and Architectural industry organizations such as ASID, IIDA, IFDA, and AIA.
Joseph's photos have been featured on numerous magazine covers and feature articles including Architectural Digest, Antiques, Boca Design, Broward Design, Carolina Architecture & Design, Casa & Estilo, Charlotte, Charlotte Home Design, City & Shore, Entertaining Places, Florida Architecture, Florida Design, Florida International, Hospitality Design, Interior Design, Polo, Robb Report, South Beach, Southern Accents, Sunshine and Veranda.
In high school, Joseph took a beginning and an advanced photography course but felt he needed more. He turned to local technical schools, but found that that was not enough either. "That's when I found The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Simply put, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale changed my life. Besides giving me the obvious technical knowledge and expertise necessary to become a commercial photographer, the faculty and staff helped me lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning in the field." He wants all The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale students to know, "Aim high, and settle for nothing less than the best you can be!"
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Kevin Rouse
Photographer, Owner
KEVRO Gallery & Imaging Studio
Associate of Science in Photography, 1982
Kevin Rouse (a.k.a. Kevro) is the owner of KEVRO Gallery & Imaging Studio in Delray Beach, Florida, and Westwood, NJ. A 1982 graduate in Photography, Kevin is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).
Kevin's work has been featured in numerous publications including Great Output Magazine as a 'Digital Printing All-Star, Art Business News Magazine, National & International Collector's Edition of The Gallery Guide, and on the cover of Photo Marketing, the world's largest photo marketing association.
In addition to his photography, Kevin is a published artist, national award-winning designer, fine art giclee pioneer, MAC guru, and industry speaker. Last year he was a finalist for Small Business Person of the Year & recipient of the Ken Ellingsworth Community Service Award.
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Leonardo Carlos Thillet La Puerta
Photographer
Imagen Nuestra Revista
Associate of Science in Photography, 2004
Leonardo Carlos Thillet La Puerta graduated in 2004 with an Associate of Science degree in Photography and is currently one of the hottest commercial photographers in his native Puerto Rico producing sizzling, slick covers and inside fashion photo layouts for Imagen Nuestra Revista magazine. He also freelances on the weekends with modeling agencies and fashion designers on the island such as NoNo Maldonado and Eddie Guerrero. An international student looking to achieve his photography dream, Leonardo joined his brother, mentor, and closest friend Hektor who was already enrolled in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Media Arts & Animation program.
"My first quarter hadn't started yet when I was already in the labs to play with Photoshop. I was like a kid in the coolest arcade room. I liked it so much, I got a job in the photography lab and became friends with almost everybody. Instructors Don Sheffield, Benny Hoyland, Lloyd Morley, Ms. V., Bill Cadieux, and Diane Blazy kept me on target and gave me valuable feedback. I will also never forget the day I won my first contest. It was like an energy boost that let me knew I had a chance in reaching this dream that at one point seemed impossible."
"Thank you Art Institute for giving me the tools to become the artist I am today. Thank you Hektor for being my permanent teacher and guide. Thank you James, Alvaro, Mike, Omar, Josh, and Gary, for being true friends. Thank you Mom for teaching me how to fight till there's no energy left."
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Liz Ordonez
Architectural/Interior Photographer, Owner
Liz Ordonez Photography
Associate of Science in Photography, 1998
When Liz first walked into The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, the only thing she knew about photography was how to "point and shoot." She soon realized the technical complexities of capturing and interpreting light.
A native of Honduras, Liz moved to South Florida to pursue higher education and receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton in 1991. "I went into real estate to pay for my college tuition and move ahead. It was a career that chose me."
Twelve years later, her hunger for artistic expression brought her to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "Never in a million years did I imagine I'd become a professional photographer; an architect maybe. I found the camera to be the perfect tool to express my creativity." Liz graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's "Best Portfolio" award in 1998. Everything came full circle after she began photographing private residences for a local magazine. "It was scary and exciting. The ink on my diploma was not even dry yet and here I was photographing the cover and feature story for an architecture & builder magazine."
Liz credits being passionate about her work as the secret to her success. The progression of her photography career has been amazing. She landed the job as the official photographer for the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show while still in school and has been covering the event ever since.
"I am thankful for the education and support I received at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Most of all I am thankful for my instructors who where always up to the challenge of my 2000 questions."
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Maria Menendez
Photographer
Marlyn Photography
Associate of Science in Photography, 1999
Maria Menendez graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with an associate's degree in photography degree in September of 1999 at the top of her class. Her inspiring work won Highest Achievement Award. Maria's captivating style in fashion and photojournalism landed her first job at Supreme International, shooting Perry Ellis clothing line. Maria's determination to succeed encouraged her to take on a second job working for Maryln Photography where she had completed an internship. Maria attributes her success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Maria discloses her success comes from having instructors who are using current techniques in photography and their ability to encourage individual styles of shooting. Maria also gives thanks to the graduate employment advisors for their hard work in developing opportunities for the graduates.
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Rick Ferro
Freelance Photographer, Author
Associate of Science in Photography, 1985
Rick Ferro graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1985 with an associate degree in Photography. In addition to wedding photography, his clients have included 7-UP, Sprint, the Miami Dolphins, Master Card, and Mercedes Benz.
In 1993, Rick became Senior Wedding Photographer Walt Disney World after he established its wedding photography department. As the department grew, it also became an avenue for television weddings. Rick was a photographer for ABC's "Weddings of a Lifetime," and the syndicated television wedding specials on "Regis & Kathie Lee."
After three years with Disney, Rick became a freelancer and in 1999, he wrote his first book Creative Techniques for Lighting and Posing. The book analyzes over 60 of his highly-acclaimed and award-winning images. Another book is in the creative stages.
Rick, a member of Professional Photographers of America, often speaks at professional guilds, conferences and conventions. He has numerous awards including the Kodak Gallery Masterpiece Award.
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Tabatha Mudra
Freelance Photographer
Associate of Science in Photography, 2002
Tabatha Mudra is a Commercial Photographer who received her associate's degree in Photography from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2002. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles and worked with several magazines including SPIN, Atomic, and NYLON. Tabatha later returned to South Florida where she has been freelancing and contracted for catalog and editorials. Her motto is: No matter where you go, there will always be something to photograph.
"It was my dream to further my education," says Tabatha. "I was the first person in my family to go to college directly after high school. The age old saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know" and in my case, who I met. I have noticed that the world gets a little smaller every year in business. Networking is key, and word of mouth can be a huge compliment. Be wise in following up."
Tabatha's advice to students interested in photography as a career is, "Passion is nothing without perseverance. You can measure everything by cause and effect. How you treat school/classes, is direct reflection of how you will treat the 'real' world. Stay FOCUSED, and ultimately know what you want to get out of the experience or take what is offered, and get back to work."
In addition to her commercial endeavors, Tabatha has a goal of campaigning for non-profit organization and travel work documenting progress in underdeveloped areas of the world such as Guatemala.
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Todd Chappel
Senior Editor/Photography
The Tampa Tribune
Associate of Science in Photography, 1986
Since graduating in 1986 with a degree in Photography, Todd Chappel has put the skills he acquired at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to work at The Tampa Tribune. Seven of those years were spent as a photojournalist. In 1996, he was promoted to Assistant Photo Chief, and in January 2004, he was again promoted to Senior Editor/Photography. As a manager, he is responsible for the photographic content in all full run sections, regional sections and specialty projects. He supervises 23 full-time photographers, 2 lab technicians, one assignment editor, a night picture editor, and two team leaders.
The NewsCenter and its converged partners (WFLA-TV/NBC affiliate and TBO.com) have been profiled in magazines such as Editor & Publisher and News Photographer (National Press Photographer's Association).
Over the years, Todd has had work published in The New York Times, Parent's magazine, News Photographer magazine, and People magazine.
He feels his education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was very beneficial. It, along with his internship at The Miami Herald, prepared him for his present career.
"One instructor in particular, Sterling Clarke, was partly responsible for my success. As a former working photojournalist, Mr. Clarke had the unique ability to push you towards visual excellence. As a student I was resentful, as a professional, I am grateful."
Todd's advice to students at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is to take full advantage of the instructor's knowledge, school resources, personal contacts, and internships.
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Valan Evers
Photography Instructor, Author
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Associate of Science in Photography, 1975
Affectionately called "Ms. V.", 1975 Photography alumna Valan Evers shares her knowledge and background with the students at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as the lead faculty member for the Photography department. She has headed a committee devoted to positioning The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Photography department in the forefront in transitioning photographic imaging to the digital capture and printing. "I love The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because the administration encourages the faculty to 'stay ahead of wave';, and backs it up with the new equipment and facilities it takes to be the best!" Before joining The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as an instructor, Valan worked in Europe as a successful fashion photographer.
Ms. V has written four books in four years! Three are about her favorite software program: Painter, the last one is about her passion: Seeing, Creativity and Design. "It is the book I always wanted to write, and now it is real. It is quite an experience to go into a bookstore and see your book on the shelf. I can hold it in my hands and it is beautiful!"
When choosing a college to attend, Ms. V decided on The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because it offered a course in Photography designed to provide the skills needed to become a successful commercial photographer. She learned from inspirational instructors such as Dennis Harkins who taught by his example as well as by his classroom work the meaning of words 'immaculate technique and professional presentation.' She says, "He helped me polish my skills till they shined!"
Ms. V reminds students, "Talent alone will not insure your success. You need to pay serious attention to business skills and have a solid marketing strategy."
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If you have a success story of your own that you would like to share, please submit it to our Alumni Coordinator at aiflalumni@aii.edu or call 1-800-275-7603, ext. 2611.