EDUCATION
Azusa Pacific University – Azusa, CA – Graduate Work – 2018 to 2021
M.F.A in Visual Art – 2021
Southwestern Assemblies of God University – Waxahachie, TX – Graduate Work – 2013-2018
M.A. Bible and Theology (2015); M.Div. Theology (2018)
University of La Verne – La Verne, CA – undergraduate work – 2009 to 2012
B.A. Photography, Organizational Management - May, 2012
Summa Cum Laude, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Departmental and Institutional Honors
Mount San Antonio College – Walnut, CA – undergraduate work – 2008
Photography, Radio Broadcasting
Tri-Community School of Photography – Covina, CA – Diploma – 1999
Photography
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner – Bess Photography – Covina, CA – 1985 – Current (www.davidbess.com)
Staff Photographer – Campus Times – La Verne, CA – Spring 2011
Freelance Photographer – Dog’s Life Magazine – Santa Monica, CA – 2007 to 2012
Staff Photographer – Union Rescue Mission – Los Angeles, CA – 1992 to 1993
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Professor of Photography - California Baptist University, Photography Department - 2023 to Present Senior Adjunct Professor – University of La Verne, Photography Department – August 2012 to Present Photography Instructor – Palm View Christian School – Whittier, CA – 2007
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Finalist, Excellence in Research Award in Photography – University of La Verne - 2012
First Place, Newspaper Environmental Portrait – University of La Verne - 2011
PUBLICATIONS / PROFESSIONAL WRITING
Vista La Verne – La Verne, CA – 2012 (book)
Dog’s Life Magazine – “Nuts for Mutts” – 2008 - Writer and Photographer
Where Magazine Las Vegas – 2003 - Stock images of the Mirage and Treasure Island resorts
SHOWS/INSTALLATIONS
"The Domesticated Landscape" -EXIT Gallery - Azusa Pacific University - July 2021 to September 2021
“Refractions” – Azusa Pacific University – Azusa, CA – January 2019
“Capture and the Seamless Stream” (group show) – University of La Verne – La Verne, CA – March 2018 Dissent (group show) - University of La Verne – La Verne, CA – October 2012
Altar Egos (group show) – University of La Verne – La Verne, CA – May 2010
Panoramic Photograph of Maineiro Square – Permanent Collection – University of La Verne
PHOTOGRAPHIC SKILLS
Skilled in the use of both film and digital camera systems: 35mm, medium format, large format.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Royal Photograhic Society
Society for Photographic Education (SPE)
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
COMMITTEES
Pierce College Photography Advisory Board – Woodland Hills, CA – 2013 University of La Verne Scholarship
Award Selection Committee, University of La Verne - Photography Department: 2010 – 2018
Juror – PVAA Photography Exhibition – Montclair, CA – 2017