Photo 125, San Jose State University Photographers

Written by Kah Mun Chia Photography by Avni Levy Yvonne Bellido

Written by Jonathan Fung Instagram fungfolio

San JoSe State UniverSity

’ S photo 125 coUrSe, taught by Professor Jonathan Fung, introduces students to basic beauty, advertising, and editorial techniques using digital and film cameras, studio and location lighting, and digital image processing. They learn about the fashion industry and styles from top fashion photographers.

Student assignments are designed to develop both technical and aesthetic skills to help them succeed in the industry. They conduct research and pitch their concepts for approval for each shooting assignment as they would for a potential client. They are encouraged to build a team for editorial projects that includes a make-up artist and hair and clothing stylists. Also, detailed class critiques are an important component that helps each student grow and improve their skills as an artist. The fall 2021 semester was historically unique due to the ongoing COVID-19. Photo 125 was a hybrid course that Professor Fung organized for half of the course to be in person so students would experience demos, collaboration, hands-on learning in the studios and on location, and shooting models with professional hair and make-up.

Working with Daniel Garcia, Content’s Cultivator, for the third collaboration in two years was again another invaluable experience for SJSU students. Not only did they learn how to become better professionals, deliver quality work, and meet deadlines, they also came to understand the thought process of an art director who might be selecting their work to publish. Students were pushed to be the best versions of themselves, not settling for a lesser version, but having a spirit of excellence. Not all the students were selected for this issue, only the ones that created the strongest fashion editorial work.

Joseph Mayo

1 Andrew Koscheski is a student at San Jose State University majoring in photography. Some of the major themes of his work include abstraction, technology, originality, and nature. Instagram: gigadude916

2 Joseph Mayo is a 24-year-old photographer and contemporary artist who received his BFA in photography from San Jose State University in 2022. His work focuses on the culture of skateboarding. Instagram: jo3mayo

3 Haleigh Bei is a freelance photographer based in Winters, California. Haleigh recently graduated from San Jose State University with a BFA in photography. Instagram: bei_photography_

4 Hang Huynh is a contemporary artist who is passionate about sculptures, oil paintings, and photography. She is pursuing a BFA degree in spatial art and a minor in photography at San Jose State University. Instagram: hahu.sj.sg

5 Leila Khabagnote is a photographer receiving her BFA from San Jose State University. Her photographic work often revolves around introspective topics ranging from mental health to memories and regret. Instagram: wahladdle

6 Matt Langford is a fashion and portrait photographer based in Los Angeles who recently graduated from San Jose State University with a BFA in photography. Instagram: coastonblu

.7 Max Pinedo is a BFA student at San Jose State University who evokes visceral emotions through a photographic medium. Instagram: maxpiinedo

8 Julissa Durán is a portrait photographer and a BFA student at San Jose State University. She is based in San Jose, California, and hopes to inspire people through her work. Instagram: heyjulissaa

9 Mikayla Crisafulli is graduating from San Jose State University in graphic design. She has been pushing her creative freedom within a different medium—fashion photography. Instagram: m_c_graphicdesign

10 Zack (Biu) Lam is a portraiture and commercial photographer based in California. He likes to photograph both men and women aesthetically and capture products. Instagram: zackl.b

11 Nicole Weyant will study photography at San Jose State University and specializes in digital studio photography. She uses the studio to push the boundaries of photography. Instagram: nicoleweyant_photography

12 Ron Mina is an artist based in San Jose, California, and linked to digital photography and graphic design. His work often captures urban life, texture, and identity. Instagram: thevisualpemina

13 Tori Cudal is passionate, thoughtful, and strong-minded. She attends San Jose State University, where she is studying advertising with two minors—public relations and photography. Instagram: cudalsphotography

14 Yvonne Bellido is a graduate of San Jose State University who works in the Bay Area and LA. She draws inspiration to tell her own stories in captivating ways. Instagram: yvonnebellido