faculty

Digital Photography Faculty

Tim Owens

Tim’s passion for video and audio production began early, setting the stage for a career brimming with creativity and innovation. What started as a childhood interest evolved into mastery as Tim sharpened his skills in college and launched his professional path as a Producer/Director for Time Warner Media. From concept to completion, his expertise has fueled projects with prestigious organizations like NCAA Women’s College Sports, Reality Check of New York State, and the Catholic Dioceses.

 

Tim’s talents extend far beyond traditional media. As a dedicated electronic dance music producer, his tracks have been released on global record labels, showcasing his ability to excel across creative disciplines. His versatility doesn’t stop there. After transitioning from Syracuse, NY, to Orlando, FL, Tim hasn’t just embraced new opportunities—he’s thrived. He earned certification as a legal videographer and devoted himself to community impact by managing church media departments, producing live broadcasts, and delivering compelling content across multiple platforms.

 

Whether capturing professional photography, producing high-impact event videos, or leading industry-grade media projects, Tim’s dedication embodies the success stories celebrated at F.I.R.S.T. Institute. His career highlights the power of hands-on training and a love for the creative process in shaping a lasting impact in media and production. Tim’s story proves that with the right education and commitment, incredible opportunities await.

Tim Owens

Mikhail

I’ve been doing photography for 7 years and being a videographer for 4 years. I started my career from home then into UCF from 2016 to 2019. Since then, I have continued to work as freelance till today. My passion was music at first. But then wanted to create visuals for said music. 

My experience ranges from a variety of jobs. Working with Schools, the fashion industry, the car dealership business, event coverage, weddings, product photo shoots, multiple businesses. I’ve used a lot of what I learned and utilized each category to elevate my experience!
I love taking photos or creating content but. Seeing someone love my work is another type of excitement.

Taking photos for the New York Times, taking pictures of celebrity’s, or Running my own business and learning more of how photography is evolving. All of these contribute to growth and that will be never ending.

Mikhail
Brown

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Jessica Danser started her career over twenty five years ago by starting a wedding photography business in Orlando.  

After running a successful event and wedding photography business for over ten years she made the switch to pursue her passion in the commercial photography industry.

Jessica began shooting behind the scene photography and advertising for film and television productions working on sets for Golf Channel, NBC Sports and a variety of other film and commercial projects.

While freelancing for numerous clients Jessica sharpened her skills in the studio and on location photographing portraits, commercial headshots, editorials for print and online publications as well as product and food photography for Publix and other industry leaders.

With such a diverse set of clientele and projects she also focused on developing her talents for photo editing, composite artwork and graphic design.  

Jessica has enjoyed the wide variety of projects and clients she has had the opportunity to work with and continues to grow her skills pursuing video projects and offering her knowledge of the industry to others.

Jessica
Danser

Kristen photography instructor

Kristen is an award-winning event and sports photographer originally from Pittsburgh PA and currently residing in Orlando FL. Kristen brings over five years of experience as a professional photographer and has been published in Forbes and Ebony, to name a few. Her passion is capturing moments and inspiring others to follow their dreams.

Kristen
Gasdick

Logan Photography instructor

Logan is a multi-disciplined visual artist specializing in active lifestyle imagery. Growing up in a suburb of Cleveland, he was fascinated by all forms of art and exploring what was possible in the world. Spending time with traditional art, music, and even performing, he eventually discovered that cameras had a lot less cleanup than painting,  and poured all of his focus into photography. He began shooting professionally in 2008 as a photojournalist, and his passion for making, combined with storytelling and a love for action in the outdoors, has fueled him to build a life of adventure and creativity. Whether it be with stills, motion, or drones, his works have been hired and published by clients such as GoPro, LifeProof, Sports Illustrated, The Orlando Sentinel, FILA, CBS, and Fox Sports. Logan has always been passionate about sharing his love for image making with others, and has been teaching photography since 2011.

Logan
Robertson

Photography instructor

When I was eight years old, I took my first great picture. It was at the zoo, back home in Puerto Rico, and in that moment photography became part of who I am today. As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of many special moments for people to remember a lifetime. My Puerto Rican heritage defines my cinematic style with vibrant colors and rich darks. My passion for photography and my desire to share it, are the reasons why I’m here. With over 10 years of freelance experience, I want to inspire a new generation of artists, so they know it is possible to create a career of something you love.

Anthony
Rodriguez Monge

Houston White

I am a working studio and art photographer passionate about teaching and learning. I enjoy the studio scene working with lighting techniques and a variety of subject matter to create a perfect image. I also enjoy adding artistic elements and metaphors to my photographs allowing the viewers to decipher an image’s meaning. 
I have a B.S. degree in photo-technology from UCF and have been showcased in the southeast museum of photography. I have photographed many of Florida's local music artists and helped create their promotional and music album images. I have also worked with many local businesses, photographing their products and services, and helping them grow their brand.
I grew up in the country side of Florida and found an appreciation for art in nature that still inspires me today. I'm also a big fan of modern contemporary art, I can be found either walking around the local museum or a local nature trail. My favorite quote is from Ansel Adams, who helped create and protect our national parks with his images, “A photograph is often looked at, seldom looked into.”

Houston
White

Dartalian Williams Headshot

Nearly a decade ago, I embarked on a journey in the world of visual storytelling. My passion for photography ignited during my time at Florida State University. Over the course of four years of being a photographer, I began strengthening my skills by adding videography and graphic design to my creative arsenal. This evolution led me to make a significant move from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando in 2020, where I fulfilled my dream of opening a production studio before the age of 25. Over the years, I’ve been able to provide people with skills in the industry that they didn't know they were capable of. Over time, this has led me to where I am today, pouring into the next generation of great photographers. Whether through the lens of a camera or the frame of a video, my passion will always remain for pouring into others as well as myself.

Dartalian
Williams

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Meet Leon Orange, a proud graduate of Full Sail University's Master's program (Class of 2020) and a seasoned photographer with over 15 years of experience bringing stories to life. Originally from Milwaukee, Leon has been an integral part of Orlando's thriving creative scene since 2008.

His impressive portfolio features high-profile projects, including Nick Cannon's Wild 'N Out, Power 95.3, and countless energetic nights capturing the spirit of downtown Orlando's nightlife. But for Leon, photography isn’t just about big events or bright lights—it’s about the art of storytelling.

Leon’s passion is rooted in street photography, where he finds extraordinary beauty in the everyday. By capturing raw and authentic moments that others might miss, Leon creates images that connect, inspire, and preserve the stories that truly matter. Each shot reflects his dedication to finding connection and meaning through his lens.

Leon
Orange