The College Seen Photo Contest launched a faculty judging portion for the first time in 2010. These judges will assist our panel of College Seen judges in the final judging round to determine the winners in each category. Our four judges have a combined 55 years of teaching experience and even more in photography.  They are dedicated to the mission of the community colleges to provide affordable and accessible education to all Californians.

We are currently accepting applications for faculty judges for College Seen 2011.  Get more information and apply here >

Timothy Buckles | Assistant Professor, Cuyamaca College, Butte College, Sierra College

Website: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/timbuckles/ Years teaching: 22 Years in photography: Since first Nikon in 1970 Photo tips: 1. Good composition is the most important element.  2. Look for the unusual, and the aesthetic in all objects.  3. Don't worry if every shot isn't a gallery piece, only a small number of images are worthy.  What do Community Colleges mean to you?  Community Colleges are the inspirational spring boards to higher education. As educators, we should encourage students to pursue their vocational interests, and foster appreciation for the gift of knowledge and creativity.

Deanna Horvath | Instructor of Photography and Video, Photography Program Coordinator, Las Positas College

Years teaching: 5 Years in photography: 20 Photo tips:   1. Photograph what interests and excites you. 2. Move around when you photograph. 3. Photograph or learn a technique that is new and difficult. What do Community Colleges mean to you? Community college means educational opportunity for all who want to pursue it.

Lillian Sophia Payn, PhD | Graphic Communications Department Chair/Professor, Palomar College

Website: http://graphics.palomar.edu/lpayn Years teaching: 15 Years in photography: 25 Photo tips: 1. Be inspired by the great classic photographers, such as Ansel Adams. Learn from them. 2. Apply the principles and elements of design to your photographs. Learn them so you can apply them intuitively. 3. Plan your composition and set up your shot through the viewfinder before you snap your shot.  What do Community Colleges mean to you?  Having taught at traditional four-year universities and conducted corporate training, I embrace the community college for its mission to facilitate innovative educational practices for the non-traditional learner, the older learner, and the full range of diversity including class, gender, and ethnicity.

Roger Vargo | Asst. Adjunct Professor, Los Angeles Pierce College

Website: www.piercecollege.edu/departments/media_arts/index.asp Years teaching: 13 Years in photography: > 30 Photo tips: 1. Watch the background.  2. Use Photoshop as a tool, not a crutch. 3. Never stop playing with photography. 4. Remember to back up images.  What do Community Colleges mean to you?  Our community college system provides a learning experience open to all students. Some students use it as a transitional gateway from high school to a four-year college. Others use it to explore educational and career options. Many older students attend community colleges to supplement their knowledge in a particular subject or, in today's economy, learn new skills.