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

Mikhail Brown has over 7 years of experience in photography and 4 years as a videographer. His career began at home before advancing to the University of Central Florida (UCF) from 2016 to 2019. Since graduating, Mikhail has worked as a dedicated freelancer, honing his craft and expanding his portfolio.

Initially passionate about music, Mikhail's creative vision led him to focus on creating visuals that elevate sound. His wide-ranging experience spans industries such as education, fashion, automotive, event coverage, weddings, product photography, and business marketing. By applying knowledge gained in each area, he has continuously elevated his technical skills and artistic approach. Mikhail finds immense fulfillment in taking photos and creating content.

However, his true excitement comes from seeing others appreciate and resonate with his work. Some of his career highlights include photographing for The New York Times, capturing moments with celebrities, and running his own business while staying attuned to the evolving field of photography. For Mikhail, photography is a constant process of growth, and he remains committed to learning, improving, and delivering work that inspires and excites.

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 Gasdick is an award-winning event and sports photographer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and now based in Orlando, FL, Kristen brings over five years of professional photography experience to her craft.

Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes and Ebony, showcasing her ability to capture compelling moments that resonate with audiences. Kristen specializes in freezing time through her lens, capturing emotions and intensity in every frame, whether on the field or at high-energy events. Beyond her technical skills, she has a deep commitment to inspiring others to chase their dreams, just as she continues to pursue her own.

Her dedication to elevating her art and her clients' visions has made her a trusted name in photography, helping her create impactful imagery that leaves a lasting impression.

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

Dartalian Williams Headshot

Nearly a decade ago, Dartalian Williams discovered his passion for visual storytelling while attending Florida State University. What began as a love for photography quickly evolved, as he expanded his creative expertise to include videography and graphic design. Over four years, Dartalian refined his craft and made a bold move from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando in 2020. By the age of 25, he achieved a milestone many only dream of—opening his own production studio. Dartalian’s mission is not only to create but to inspire, empowering others in the industry to unlock skills they never knew they had. His dedication to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of great photographers has become a defining element of his career. Whether behind the lens of a camera or editing a video frame, Dartalian remains driven by a singular passion—to pour knowledge and creativity into others, leaving a lasting impact.

Dartalian
Williams