- November 17, 2024
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Since its inception 50 years ago, the Daytona State College photography program has grown and developed with the change of the industry, attracting accomplished faculty and producing renowned alumni.
Dan Biferie, photography program chairman, has been involved with the program 46 of those 50 years. He first enrolled as a student in 1969, when what was then Daytona Beach Junior College began offering an associate of science degree in photography. Biferie recalls that as a pivotal year for him and his career, citing a professor who inspired him to understand the art of photography and define his goal of becoming a teacher himself.
While making his way for Fort Lauderdale to take a job as a teacher at The Art Institute, he stopped off to see his old professors. They interviewed him on the spot and, to his amazement, he is still there 40 years later.
“Some people gasp when they hear that, but I have to say that in a field like this, there has always been opportunity for me to develop and grow professionally,” Biferie said.
Biferie has seen the program evolve with the opening of the Southeast Museum of Photography, which is celebrating 35 years, and a partnership with the University of Central Florida, which is celebrating 10 years.
But the biggest change Biferie has seen is the dawn of the digital age.
“Photos became more complex, required a whole new set of skills,” he said. “But ultimately what sets the photographer apart is not the camera or technology, but the ideas that they have and their ability to communicate their ideas.”
Photography has changed over the years, not only in the tools but with the mobile devices. Biferie sees this affecting the professional field in both good and bad ways.
“Now, everyone with a phone has a camera, and so now everyone is taking pictures,” Biferie said. “And that doesn’t make them a photographer any more than having a typewriter or a computer makes someone a journalist.”
This is a challenge Biferie said he works through with his students while preparing them for their careers.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a young student skyrocket in their career,” Biferie said.
Celebrating alumni
Two graduates of DSC’s School of Photography will share their insights 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Hosseini Center Ballroom, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Stephen Crowley, a 1975 Daytona State graduate, is considered one of the major influences working in photography today.
In 2002, he was named Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association for a portfolio that included his essays, “Voices of Afghanistan” and “A Day in the Life of President Bush.” The same year, the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography was awarded to Crowley and four other photographers at The New York Times for work produced during the war in Afghanistan. In 2005, American Photo Magazine included Crowley on its list of the 100 Most Important People in Photography.
Lawrence Cumbo is a 1992 graduate of Daytona State and forged a successful career as a documentary filmmaker, writer and producer before purchasing one of America’s oldest movie theaters four years ago and transforming it into a cultural arts landmark. The venue is the home of the Smithsonian Channel music series, Opera House LIVE!
In 2002, Cumbo filmed, wrote and produced “Search for the Afghan Girl,” the story of Afghan refugee Sharbat Gula, whose photograph first appeared on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1985. The film was nominated for an Emmy and has won several awards, including a CINE Golden Eagle Award and a Gold World Medal at the New York film festivals.
IF YOU GO
A Photographic Tribute to Bruce Moyer and David Martin, Alumni
Where: Photography Building, Gallery 202, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
When: 4-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20
Info: Bruce Moyer was the deputy director of photography at the Tampa Bay Times and named National Press Photographers Association Picture Editor of the Year four times throughout his career. David Martin, a longtime Associated Press photographer, is said to have covered nearly every major news event in the southern United States over the past 30 years. Their photos will be on display through Oct. 30.
