Biography:
I am a multifaceted professional with a broad skill set, including expertise in technology, computer repair, sculpture, photography, videography, audio technician, graphic design, woodworking, teaching, exhibit installations, disaster preparedness, and writing. My passion for continuous learning has driven me to dedicate at least 5 hours weekly furthering my education for the past 28 years.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Technology and Visual Media at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, where I oversee all technological aspects, including computer networks, computer repair, and audiovisual systems. My role encompasses extensive photography and video production responsibilities, including creating TV commercials for Spectrum Networks and PBS.
With over 28 years of experience at the Museum, I have also excelled as the Exhibits Manager for 19 years before taking on my current role. I was responsible for installing numerous exhibits and sculptures, and have held the position of Director of Security at the Museum.
As a contributor to ProToolReviews.com, I specialize in woodworking, reviewing tools, and writing instructional articles. My teaching experience includes over a decade of digital photography classes for various audiences.
I hold a BFA in Studio Arts with a minor in Industrial Technology from Appalachian State University, which has been instrumental in my ability to bring creative ideas to life through fabrication in various materials. While at ASU, I was the first undergraduate to receive an Instructional Assistantship, where I was responsible for the art building’s sculpture lab and advised art students on how to fabricate their projects. My early career included an apprenticeship with sculptor John Henry, leading to my long-term position at the Polk Museum of Art.
Outside of work, I contribute my skills to my church and engage in hobbies such as home renovation, playing Minecraft, and spending time with my dog, Colby. Colleagues often compare me to MacGyver for my resourcefulness, though I consider myself a laid-back perfectionist, focusing on what I can control and adapting to what I cannot.
Curriculum Vitae:
Professional Experience
Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida
Director of Security, Technology & Photography (1996 - Present)
Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida
(Note: My former position was Exhibits & Technology Manager until summer of 2015 when I started doing technology full-time. In 2016 I was also asked to be the Director of Security, Technology and Photography where I was put in charge of the facility, the operations and security staff).
Responsibilities as Director of Technology:
Overseeing a network of 30+ Windows workstations, supported by a VMware server hosting 4 Windows Server virtual servers, alongside a Synology backup systems.
Administering additional local physical networks on the Museum Campus for Florida Southern College and a dedicated network for security, HVAC, industrial controls, and IoT devices.
Handling the Museum's cloud services and annual billing for platforms like Mail Chimp, Dropbox, Donor Perfect, and over 35 iCloud/Apple accounts.
Ensuring comprehensive computer and network security with UTM, content filters, firewalls, antivirus solutions, encrypted backups for offsite storage, and cloud backup systems.
Maintaining, upgrading, and procuring all computer hardware, digital signage, and audiovisual equipment.
Collaborating with Matt Belcher to revamp and relaunch the Museum's website.
Managing the Museum's email services through Google Apps for Non-Profits, where we have over 80 emails.
Leading iPad initiatives for digital photography and art education, deploying 20 iPads in 2015 and an additional 15 in 2019.
Architecting the Museum's wireless and physical infrastructure, encompassing three physical and four virtual networks, supported by 9 enterprise-grade access points.
Lead the transition from an outdated PBX phone system to a contemporary hosted voice solution.
Partnering with Florida Polytechnic University teams on three distinct projects, with one featured in the Museum's digital gallery for over a year.
Developing and maintaining the Museum's Video & Digital Art Gallery.
Producing content for various digital signage installations.
Upgrading the internet and phone infrastructure from coaxial to gigabit fiber optics in 2018.
Active participation in Infragard and regularly attending industrial trade shows such as Infosec World and InfoComm.
Here I am photographing a portrait of Rembrandt by one of his students using a tethered Nikon D800E which uploads directly into my laptop as I take each photo to make sure it is sharp and in focus.
Responsibilities as Director of Photography:
Virtual tour of an exhibition on Norman Rockwell and NC Wyeth at the Polk Museum of Art . I was the cameraman, director, editor, and producer
Primary photographer and videographer for the Museum, also serving as the main producer, director, and editor for various projects.
Filmed, edited, directed, produced and sometime wrote the script for over twenty TV commercials promoting the Museum’s exhibits and Mayfaire by-the-Lake, which are broadcast on our local PBS station (WEDU) and Spectrum channels.
Developed and created 11 instructional videos for the Art (Un)Box program in 2020, highlighting the Museum's American art collection and featuring local art instructors, with each video offering 30 to 60 minutes of content.
Responsible for creating video documentation of lectures and producing video content for gallery exhibitions and online platforms. Videos can be seen at PolkMuseumofArt.com/resources
Photograph artworks and Museum events for inclusion in catalogs, magazines, promotional materials, and online publications.
Past Responsibilities as Director of Security:
Was directly responsible for the operations team and the upkeep of the facility. Supervised the operations team to ensure the building's cleanliness and support across departments, including event preparations.
Liaised with external vendors and maintenance contractors to maintain the Museum's infrastructure, especially security, fire, and burglar alarm vendors.
Managed the contract security team, including comprehensive training responsibilities.
Oversaw the budget for maintenance, facilities, and security.
Led the update of the Museum's fire and burglar alarm systems in 2016-2017.
Implemented an extensive security camera network throughout the building in 2014 and expanded outdoor surveillance in 2017.
Serves as the Museum’s Disaster & Hurricane Preparedness Coordinator from 1996 to the present.
Authored and annually revised the Museum's Emergency Action Plan.
Acted as the Safety Coordinator and the primary First Responder for medical emergencies, trained in trauma and advanced first aid.
Used to have a Class D Security Officer License in the State of Florida for many years.
Past Responsibilities as Exhibits Manager:
Oversaw the setup and care of exhibitions, managing everything from transport and crating to design, graphics, hanging, lighting, and construction of exhibit fixtures.
Installed over 40,000 artworks and more than 300 outdoor sculptures for the Museum and the City of Lakeland.
Utilized museum-quality techniques for framing artworks. Attended Larson Juhl’s framing course in Atlanta, GA.
Maintained the long-term preservation of the Museum's permanent collection, including environmental monitoring and control.
Conducted repairs on damaged sculptures within the Museum's collection and those part of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition.
Initiated the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition in Lakeland, drafting the competition guidelines and managed its annual installation in Lakeland, Sebring, and Winter Haven, FL.
Created gallery materials and presentations using CAD for maps and orthographic prints, operated a cutting plotter for vinyl graphics, and developed multimedia presentations for the Museum’s executive director.
Mentored over 20 curatorial interns, with several securing positions in the museum sector, including two who were employed full-time by the Polk Museum of Art.
Temporarily assumed the roles of Registrar and Head of the Curatorial Department for a total of 18 months, handling registrar tasks like condition reports, contracts, and shipping, in addition to managing the Curatorial Department's budget.
Woodworking Reviewer & Writer (2021 - 2023)
Pro Tools Reviews - ProToolReviews.com
Reviewed tools for Pro Tool Reviews, one of the most important and influential tool review websites. I also wrote many how-to articles for them. In addition to writing the articles, I also take most of my own photos for each article. Click on each one to view the article.
Here I am running First United Methodist Church’s Yamaha M7CL which I have run every Sunday for over a decade. In total I have over 25 years experience running sound on Sunday mornings. Below is two recordings of our band.
Audio Technician (1998 - 2023)
First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida
Managed sound operations for the 9:30 Contemporary Worship Service every Sunday, including sound checks and live mixing for 25 years.
Arrived at 7:30 am each Sunday to ensure all sound equipment was operational before the band's 8:00 am rehearsal.
Cleared the stage of equipment immediately following the 9:30 service to prepare for the 11:20 Worship Service.
Handled the setup and breakdown of instruments and sound equipment for the contemporary service, including pianos, keyboards, guitars, vocal mics, and monitors.
Primarily operated a Yamaha M7CL-48 digital live sound console during services.
Worked with an extensive band setup, including up to 10 vocalists, guitars, keyboards, a piano, bass, a full drum kit, and occasionally additional instruments like a harmonica, violin, cello, clarinet, and a high school marching band drum line.
Altar Designer/Decorator (Unpaid Volunteer 2019-2021)
First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL
Weekly, I prepare for the 9:30 Contemporary and 11:20 Worship services by reviewing the scripture lesson and sermon topic, then decorate the altar to reflect the theme.
Served on the Worship Design and Planning Committee for many years, contributing to the creative and thematic aspects of service planning.
Polk Museum of Art offers many different types of art classes including photography, drawing and painting
Photography Teacher (2010 - 2021)
Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida
Instructed adult digital photography classes for beginners and intermediates during the summer, spring, and fall, spanning 6 weeks with 3-hour sessions each week. Topics include camera selection, usage, photo uploading, and basic editing, along with workflow, photo backup, and other best practices.
Taught intermediate to advance digital photography in Summer Art Classes, covering specialized areas like macro, portrait, flash and studio lighting, wildlife, landscape, and sports photography.
Offered beginner and intermediate courses in Digital SLR Photography.
Conduct day-long workshops for beginner and intermediate photography students.
Presented a lecture on portrait photography techniques during the Annie Leibovitz: Women exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art.
Taught a class on the Art of Framing & Hanging.
Provided guidance on setting up a home photography studio and studio lighting techniques.
Addressed Polk County art teachers (2014-2015) and the Lakeland Art Guild (2016) on photographing artwork.
Led a workshop for public relations professionals on photography in 2016.
Consultant (2000 - Present)
Florida
Advised on the restoration of Fung Shei, a life-size sculpture made from fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel, suspended on a tightrope between two trees in Munn Park, downtown. Initial repairs were started by a conservator group in Miami, FL, with the final repairs completed by me for the City of Lakeland between 2022 and 2024.
Served as a consultant for nearly two decades to the City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department on sculpture installation, relocation, and repair, including liaison work with conservators for sculpture restoration projects in 2019-2020.
Managed the careful packing and crating of a fragile, damaged sculpture for its international return to England on behalf of the City of Lakeland.
Acted as a consultant for the cities of Winter Haven, Bartow, and Sebring on the installation, selection of locations, and maintenance of outdoor sculptures.
Provided consultancy to various cities across the southeastern United States on initiating and managing successful outdoor sculpture programs.
Offered expertise to numerous private collectors in central Florida regarding the maintenance and/or transport of their artwork.
Photography Teacher (2011 - 2012)
Lake Wales Public Library in Lake Wales, Florida
Taught day-long Saturday photography workshops for beginners and intermediate students
Point & Shoot Photography
Intro to DSRL Photography
Photographer (2001 - Present)
Freelance
I photographed 16 wounded veterans and their families. The photos have been in several exhibits around Lakeland.
Photographed photographs of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline for a documentary film produced in Nashville, TN.
Undertook a personal project to photograph wounded veterans and their families.
Commissioned by The Artist's Magazine in 2010 to photograph an artwork by Loren Tilden.
Photographed sculptures, two-dimensional artworks, and exhibits for a variety of catalogs, brochures, and publications.
Engaged to create fine art photographs used for presentations and awards.
Documented events for the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida.
Specialize in cityscape and night photography as a fine arts photographer.
Provided portrait photography for engagements, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Photographed various weddings
Offered studio-quality portraits at locations such as wedding receptions and birthday parties.
Preparator (1993)
Catherine Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Managed the setup and breakdown of all exhibits.
Supported the operation of the gallery.
Directed the installation of the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition at Appalachian State University.
Art Building Monitor (1992)
Art Department, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Provided security for the art building. Made hourly rounds during open hours to look for safety and security issues.
Provided a fire watch in the welding area of the Sculpture Lab.
Locked up the art building at closing time each night. This consisted of asking students to pack up and leave in time to then physically lock the building.
Worked with campus to remove any student causing safety issues, trouble or refusing to leave on time.
Assistant Slide Registrar (Circa, 1991)
Art Department, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Responsible to helping art history professors find slide images of artworks for their lectures.
Responsible for recataloging slides after the art history professors finished their lectures.
Gregory Mills doing a bronze pour at Appalachian State University's Art Department Foundry circa 1991
Sculpture Studio Supervisor (1991 - 1992)
Art Department, Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina
First undergraduate at Appalachian State University awarded an instructional assistantship for supervising peers in the sculpture studio.
Enforced safety protocols, including adherence to OSHA standards.
Maintained all sculpture studio equipment.
Supported art students and faculty with fabrication techniques and equipment usage.
Aided sculpture professors in organizing demonstrations and lectures.
Painter (1987)
Guilford County Schools, near Greensboro North Carolina
Painted school buildings, including classrooms and offices.
Worked as the cut-in man on the three-person crew assigned to the areas requiring the neatest workers, such as the Administration Offices and other areas with carpet.
Lectures and Teaching Experience
Numerous lectures hands-on classes, workshops and presentations given to schools, colleges, antique clubs and churches
Event Photography for Public Relations Professionals (workshop)
Photographing Artwork for Publication (workshop)
Intermediate DSLR Photography (6 week class)
Intermediate to Advanced Digital Photography (6 week class)
The Art of Framing & Hanging (6 week class)
Portrait Photography (workshop)
Point & Shoot Photography (workshop)
Introduction to DSLR Cameras (workshop)
Using Computers and the Internet (multi-week course)
Taught Sculpture 101 at Florida Southern College
Caring for Art & Antiques for over a dozen antique and social clubs (Lecture)
The Artwork of Gregory Mills (lecture)
Faux Finish Painting Techniques (workshop)
Art and Chemistry (lecture)
Color Theory (lecture)
Life as an Artist's Apprentice (lecture)
Careers in Art (lecture)
Adult Sunday school leader for a year (facilitator)
Point of View Gallery Talk on Photographer Carlton Ward at Polk Museum of Art (lecture)
Published Photographs, Videos, and TV Commercials
I filmed, wrote, produced and directed this commercial and turned the editing over to Museum intern, Ean Pennypacker
Art-I-Facts Magazine Cover Photo May 2019 by Gregory Mills
I produce, direct, film, edit, and sometimes write TV commercials for most of the major exhibits at the Polk Museum of Art
Video most lectures at the Museum, which are then published to the Museum’s website at PolkMuseumofArt.org/resources. Videos are automatically closed captioned to make them searchable and kept in perpetuity for scholarly research by students and the public.
Producer of Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake 30-second TV commercial for PBS and Spectrum TV stations (2024)
Multiple photos of Mayfaire by-the-Lake used in the magazine The Lakelander, issue 98, page 25, 27 & 46 (2024)
Director, producer, editor, cameraman, and sometimes writer for the Polk Museum of Art’s 30-second TV commercials advertising the exhibits. Commercials aired on PBS (WEDU) and Spectrum TV stations and include:
Illustrations from the Mirror: The Art of Ahmad Taylor (2023)
Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak (2023)
Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois: Painting the Real (2022)
The Art of the Highwaymen: From the Woodsby Family Collection (2022)
…and many more TV commercials
Writer, director, producer, editor, and cameraman for the Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake 30-second TV commercials for PBS and Spectrum TV stations (2014-2023)
Producer and cameraman for Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake 30-second TV spot for Spectrum TV stations (2013)
Video lecture with Dr. Alex Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Polk Museum of Art picked up by Art Daily, July 22, 2021
Photograph for Art Daily article on the Polk Museum of Art’s grand opening of our new African and Oceanic art gallery, July 10, 2021
lkldnow.com article used four of my photographs for Your Guide to Mayfaire by-the-Lake, 2021
Filmed B-Roll used on a WFLA News Channel 8 story about the Polk Museum of Art on August 6th, 2020
Art-i-facts Magazine Volume 22, Number 1, Cover Photograph of detail of mask from Iatmul People, Sepik River District from the collection of Dr. Allan and Linda Rich. Also, photographs on pages 19 and 23 of two objects in their collection for the exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art, Spirits: Ritual and Ceremonial African and Oceanic Art from Dr. Alan and Linda Rich Collection (2019)
Art-i-facts Magazine Volume 21, Number 4, Cover Photograph of Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire-by-the-Lake. Photographs on pages 30 and 31 of Polk Museum of Art Summer Art Camp. Photograph on Page 38 of Mayfaire by-the-Lake. (2019)
Photographed the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition for the City of Lakeland, every year since 2018.
Art-i-facts Magazine Volume 21, Number 4, Cover Photograph of Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire-by-the-Lake. Photographs on pages 30 and 31 of Polk Museum of Art Summer Art Camp. Photograph on Page 38 of Mayfaire by-the-Lake. (2019)
Art-i-facts Magazine Volume 20, Number 4, Photograph of MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake on page 8 and photograph of Painting a Nation Exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art on page 25 (2018)
Photograph of MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake in Haven Lakeland Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 8, Page 26 (2018)
The Up Side of Down Town Visitor's Guide cover inset photo, published by Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (March 2017 - August 2017) Note: the photo was used to promote as Red, White & Kaboom! but is actually from Mayfaire Saturday Night
Art-i-facts Magazine 2017-2018 Season Preview, Volume 19, Number 5, Front Cover. Photo of ARTROCK$. Additionally, three photos of Art Crawl on page 18.
Art-i-facts Magazine Fall Season Preview 2016, Volume 18, Number 5, page 24. Photo of Ruben Ubiera painting a mural at Polk Museum of Art
Cover of Lakeland Visitor's Guide the Upside of Downtown (May-August 2016)
Two photos in OnView Magazine, April/June 2016 page 119 (2016)
Photo in September/October 2014 issue of Museum Magazine, an American Alliance of Museum's publication, on page 24 of a father helping his son make a skateboard in an article about Innoskate.
Many of my Lakeland photos were used to decorate an Applebee's restaurant at 230 Arteva Dr, Lakeland, FL 33809 (2014)
Front cover and listed as a Contributing Photographer for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce 2014 Guide to Lakeland
Lead photo and table of contents photo in "Show Shots" of the August issue of Sunshine Artist 2014 200 Best (2014)
Full spread front and back cover photo on Art-i-facts Magazine, Volume 16, Number 3, April-July 2014, along with four photos of Mayfaire by-the-Lake on page 9
Fine art photograph of Lake Morton published in Gross Point Magazine (Michigan), page 26, February-March, 2013 Issue
Cover photo of Art-i-facts Magazine, Volume 15, Number 3, Spring-Summer 2013, along with three photos of Mayfaire by-the-Lake on page 9. One photo on page 13 of Polk Museum of Art's Summer Art Camp and three photos of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition on page 23
The cover photo on Art-i-facts Magazine, Volume 14, Number 3, Summer 2012. Photos of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition on pages 8 and 17. Photo of Mayfaire by-the-Lake on page 18
Awards, Commissions and Exhibitions
Here I am fabricating one of my sculptures for a private home in Winter Haven, Florida
The first cross I ever designed when I was only 17 years old (1987). The cross is 25’ tall stained glass and in a church in Stokesdale, NC.
Designed and constructed crosses for the administration and education buildings at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, FL (2015, 2014).
Participated in Hometown Heroes exhibit, Gallery 2125, Lakeland, FL, showcasing my Wounded Warrior photo series (March-June 2014).
Commissioned by First United Methodist Church of Lakeland to build a cross for the lobby of their new Administration building.
Commissioned to construct a cross for First United Methodist Church of Lakeland using materials from the old education building. This cross now hangs in their new education building.
Created a cross for the chapel at First United Methodist Church, Orlando, FL (2012).
Produced a fine art photograph for Bill King's honorary doctorate presentation, University of Florida, Gainesville (2011).
Designed a retirement gift cross for the Florida United Methodist Foundation (2008).
Assessed, repaired, and reinstalled sculptures for Fonchen Lord's estate at Polk Community College and Florida Southern College.
Created a functional garden gate sculpture for a private collector in Winter Haven, FL (2006).
Won a competition to create a sculpture for College Heights Park, Lakeland, FL (2005).
Featured in Today and Tonight Magazine (circa 2004)
Exhibiting artist for Platform Florida (2004).
Group exhibit at Arts on the Park, Lakeland, FL (2002)
Curated "Color 101: The Psychological Effects of Color" at Polk Museum of Art.
Commissioned for an outdoor sculpture by an orthodontist's office
Commissioned for multiple crosses for private collectors in Lakeland, FL (2001-2000).
Acknowledged in Who's Who of Business Professionals.
Duo exhibit at Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL (1999)
Created an altar, cross, and communion set for First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, FL.
Showcased in 4 Young Sculptors, Hot Springs, AR (1995)
Senior show at Catherine Smith Gallery, Appalachian State University (1993).
Designed a stained-glass window cross for Stokesdale United Methodist Church, NC (1987).
Education
Big Max, by John Henry, was the largest sculpture I helped work on during my three-year apprenticeship with Henry. Photo (c) by John Henry’s staff
Apprentice to Sculptor John Henry (1993 - 1996)
Parkers Lake, Kentucky and Miami, Florida
Built and installed sculptures by John Henry, ranging from small to monumental sizes.
Produced multiple editions of Henry's sculptures.
Worked on the patination process for Henry's bronze sculptures and prepared aluminum pieces for automotive paint finishes.
Conducted repairs and refinishing work on sculptures by Henry and other artists.
Managed daily operations and maintenance of studios in Miami and Kentucky.
Helped establish and operate Henry's Gallery in Miami, T.Curtsnoc Fine Arts.
Developed studio expansions and enhancements.
Captured photographs of Henry's sculptures for publications.
Created award trophies for the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts.
Acted a caretaker for Henry’s property, buildings, houses, and animals (2 dogs, 2 horses, and 2 cats).
Bachelor of Fine Arts (1987 - 1993)
Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina
Degree was in Studio Arts with a main concentration in sculpture. Focusing on carving, casting, modeling, and construction techniques. Secondary and tertiary concentrations were in painting and printmaking.
Minor in Industrial Technology, covering wood technology, metals, plastics, and drafting.
Expanded skills through courses in performance art, photography, fibers, jewelry making, and multiple art history courses.
Actively participated in the Tri-State Sculptors Guild.
Part of the Watauga College Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Appalachian State University from 1987 to 1990.
Academic Awards
The first Undergraduate at Appalachian State University to receive an Instructional Assistantship (1992)
Dean's List almost every semester
Scholarship from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (1987)
1st Place in the North Carolina High School Art Competition (1987)
Continuing Education
HTB Academy (2024 - Present)
Online courses
HTB Academy is for those wanting a career in cybersecurity and includes certifications.
Currently on the SOC Analyst path (Security Operations Center Analyst). “The SOC Analyst Job Role Path is for newcomers to information security who aspire to become professional SOC analysts. This path covers core security monitoring and security analysis concepts and provides a deep understanding of the specialized tools, attack tactics, and methodology used by adversaries. Armed with the necessary theoretical background and multiple practical exercises, students will go through all security analysis stages, from traffic analysis and SIEM [Security Information and Event Management] monitoring to DFIR [Digital Forensics and Incident Response] activities and reporting. Upon completing this job role path, you will have obtained the practical skills and mindset necessary to monitor enterprise-level infrastructure and detect intrusions at an intermediate level.”
Infragard and Infragard Members Alliance (IMA) (Circa 2000 - Present)
Tampa Bay Area Chapter, FL
Infragard is a public/private partnership with the FBI to train and inform individuals to protect the US national infrastructure.
Attended numerous meetings/lectures, and webinars at private companies and at the FBI headquarters in Tampa, FL for training and education.
Also attended many webinars from the Los Angeles chapter of Infragard.
Persistent Mobile Device Threats and Propagation via Artificial Intelligence
Infragard Los Angles Members Alliance, Online Webinar (2024)
Topics:
What is a mobile device threat, and how does it affect me?
Breakdown of different types of mobile device scams:
Best practices on securing your mobile device and its contents
Current scams facing business and individuals and mitigation strategies
Social engineering attacks and defenses
Case studies
InfoSec World (2023)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, FL
“InfoSec World is known as the "Business of Security" conference bringing together practitioners and executives for multiple days of top-notch education, networking and more.”
Topics included, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, attack surface management, quantum computing, insider threats, internet of things (IoT), incident response, governance, regulation, compliance and much more.
15 Continuing Education Credit hours.
Master Audio for Premiere Pro (2020)
Pixel Valley Studio Course taught by Manu Smith
What you need to think about before you import your audio assets
Tools available in Premiere, from the audio timeline to meters and mixers, and plugins like the Parametric EQ or the Multi-band Compressor
Understand how to work with music, dialogue and voice-overs, sound effects, and ambient sound so that you can create audio as amazing as the visuals
How to put the final polish on your project with a process called “mastering”
Premiere Pro Lumetri: Color Correct like a Pro (2020)
SkillShare Course taught by Jordy Vandeput, Filmmaker and Youtuber
Lumetri controls and how they work
Using the Scopes in the function of a Color Correction
Performing advanced Color Correction tasks
Fixing bad Footage
Matching Levels and Colors of different clips
How to create a Look
A Color Correction and Grading Workflow
Steve Perry, Back Country Gallery (2020, 2 workshops)
Lightroom Course #1, Library Module
File handling
Importing
Library module
Noise Reduction Using Lightroom and Photoshop
Field techniques to reduce noise
Basic Lightroom noise reduction
Lightroom and Photoshop combination techniques to reduce noise
Advance blending and sharpening techniques
The Art & Science of Photography Video Series (2020)
Over 10 hours of videos taught by Tony and Chelsea Northrup
The Science of Photography
Techniques for getting amazing shots under any conditions, even when traveling with a single camera and lens
Detailed processes for getting optimal camera settings
An in-depth study of using light and flash
Approaches for solving almost any photographic problems
The Art of Photography
Master composition and perspective
Study iconic images throughout history and compare them to images of the same subject matter that failed
Learn to “see” the beauty of the world around you and capture as much of that beauty as possible in a 2-dimensional image
Examine a single subject in-depth to find the most stunning composition possible
Understand the importance of time when photographing subjects in the natural world
creativeLIVE Courses (2010 - 2020, 62 courses)
Over the course of a decade, since the company was founded, I have taken over 60 creativeLIVE online classes, most of them being over 20 hours long.
Studio Photography with Zack Arias
Wedding Photography with Jasmine Star
Children's Portrait Photography with Tamara Lackey
Experimental Portraiture with Jeremy Cowart
Posing and Lighting with Bambi Cantrell
Foundations of a Working Photographer with Zack Arias
Nikon D7000 - DSLR Fast Start
Street Photography with Lighten Up and Shoot
Anatomy of a Photoshoot with Mark Wallace
Exploring the Light with Rick Sammon
Beauty and Fashion Photography with Matthew Jordan Smith
Setting Up a Home Studio with John Cornicello
Wedding Photography Weekend with Zach and Jody Gray
The Boudoir Workshop with Christa Meola
Photoshop CS5 Intensive with Lesa Snider
Glamour Photography with Sue Bryce
Posing Masterclass with Bambi Cantrell
Lightroom 4 Fundamentals with Laura Shoe
Lighting Essentials Workshop with Don Giannatti
Fundamentals of Digital Photography 2012 with John Greengo
Post Wedding Workflow with Zack and Jody
Getting Published. Shooting an Editorial Wedding with Jasmine Star
Speedlights 101 with Mark Wallace
Fashion Flair for Portraits and Wedding Photographers
Using Wacom Tablets
Nikon D800 - DSLR Fast Start
The Ultimate Lightroom Workflow With Jared Platt
Tabletop Product Photography with Don Giannatti
Photo + Video Fusion with Vanessa Joy and Rob Adams
Pets and People Photography with Vicki Taufer
Skin. The Complete Course with Lee Varis
Photoshop for Photographers with Ben Willmore
Light Painting with Ben Willmore
Modeling 101 with Yanna House
Working with Models with Matthew Jordan Smith
Workflow + Album Design with Khara Plicanic
Photoshop Deep Dive: Selections with Lesa Snider
Photoshop Deep Dive: Adjustment Layers with Lesa Snider
Lightweight Location Lighting with Kevin Kubota
Photoshop Deep Dive: Bridge with Lesa Snider
Photoshop Deep Dive: Blend Modes with Lesa Snider
Wedding Cinematography with Rob Adams and Vanessa Joy
Efficient Lighting & Post-Production with Jared Platt
Color Management with Eddi Trapp
YouTube Marketing
HDSLR Cinema with Vincent Laforet
HDSLR: Moving From Still to Video with Vincent Laforet
The Art of Filmmaking and Editing with Jeff Medford and Ross Hockrow
Graphic Design for Everyone with Lesa Snider
Lightroom Video Enhancing Secrets and Photoshop Integration with Jack Davis
101 Solutions to Common Photography Problems with Roberto Valenzuela
Illustrator for Beginners with Erica Gamet
After Effects for Beginners with Jeff Foster
Creative Studio Lighting with Lindsay Adler
Thinking Outside the Box with Joel Grimes
Revitalize Your Workflow with Lightroom 5 with Julieanne Kost
Speedlight Basics with Mike Fulton
Creative Wow: Infrared Photography with Jack Davis
Adobe Premiere Pro Quick Start
Nikon D850 Fast Start with John Greengo
Nikon Z6 & Z7 Fast Start with John Greengo
Lighting, Logistics, and Strategies for a Life in Photography with Joe McNally
Mastering the Art of Landscape Photography by Nigel Danson (2019)
Topics include:
How to get the most out of your time on location
How to find the best compositions
How to spot and photograph the best light (with and without filters)
How to shoot vistas, seascapes, woodland, and other scenes
How and where to focus for super-sharp images
The other 50% that matters -- how to edit and process your landscapes for digital and for print
Printing photos for your wall
Learn advanced yet simple camera settings
The ins and outs of gear -- what you need and what you don't
MABE Lunch & Learn Workshops (2017 and 2019, 4 workshops)
Fundamentals of LED Walls (2019)
Audio Fundamentals (2019)
Lighting (2019)
Audio and Sound 101 (2017)
Lynda.com, now LinkedIn Learning (2012 - 2018, 9 courses)
Lightroom & Lightroom Mobile: Raw Workflows with Ben Long
OneNote Essential Training with David Rivers
Learning Instagram with Garrick Chow
Premiere Pro CC 2015 Essential Training with Ashley Kennedy
Pinterest for Business with Cynthia Sanchez
Premiere Pro CS6 Essential Training with Abba Shapiro
Learning LastPass Password Management with Suzanne Kaye
Nikon D800 Essential Training with Ben Long
Windows 8 Essential Training with David Rivers
IT PRO TV certification courses (2014 - 2019)
Strata IT Fundamentals classes for CompTIA exam FC0-U41
A+ Certification classes for CompTIA exams 220-801 and 220-802
Topics covered included classes on:
PC Hardware
Networking
Laptops
Printers
Operational Procedures
Operating systems
Security
Mobile Devices
Trouble Shooting
Mentor Series Ultimate Photo Adventure: Montana/Yellowstone National Park (2012)
4 Day photo trek/workshops in Montana and Yellowstone National Park
Mentors were Dave Black (Newsweek, Sports Illustrated), Bob Smith (National Geographic Conservation Society), and David Tejada (NikonNet, Fortune Magazine)
Topics covered included: wildlife photography, landscape photography, portraits using speedlights, and light painting
Traviss Technical Center in Lakeland, Florida (1999 - 2000, 2003, 5 courses)
Electricity I
Electricity II (National Electric Code)
Industrial Motor Control
Architectural Drafting with AutoCAD
Network Support Services
Chicora Foundation Conservation Workshops (1996 - 1999, 4 workshops)
Housekeeping for Museums
Conservation of Works on Paper and Works on Canvas
Integrated Pest Management for Museums
Disaster Preparedness for Museums
Larson Juhl in Atlanta, Georgia (1998, 1-week long course)
Professional Picture Framing Course
Asheville Buncombe Technical College in Asheville, NC (1989, 1 20 hour per week course for 1 semester)
Cabinetmaking
Security Training
Survival Pack: Essential Training for Personal Protection
Target Focus Training Online Class by Tim Larkin (2018)
Defining violence
Defending yourself in a life and death situation without a weapon
Defending yourself against an attacker with a gun or knife
Defending yourself in an active shooter situation
Stopping an attacker who is much bigger, faster, and stronger than you
For more information, click HERE
I took this day long hands-on seminar on hand-to-hand self defense
Be Your Own Bodyguard Seminar (2018)
Orlando, FL
Blauer Tactical’s The S.P.E.A.R. System of self-defense
Hands on hand-to-hand self-defense training
Defeating Weapons Attacks
Target Focus Training Online Class by Tim Larkin (2018)
How to defeat an attacker that has a gun, knife, or club
For more information, click HERE
Accelerated Destruction
Target Focus Training Online Class by Tim Larkin (2018)
Target Focus Training ‘Advanced Training to be more efficient in your movements and attacks
For more information, click HERE
Striking Series
Target Focus Training Online Class by Tim Larkin (2018)
The complete guide to striking using the full force of your body weight to maximize trauma to your opponent during a violent encounter when your life is on the line
For more information, click HERE
Just finished a kickboxing workout at Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu in downtown Lakeland, FL
Modern Combat Wing Chun Kung Fu
Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu (2018)
60+ hours of modern Wing Chun fundamentals and light sparring, reaction & reflex
For more information, click HERE
Kickboxing & Fitness
Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu (2018)
30+ hours of kickboxing
For more information, click HERE
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
Department of Homeland Security Online Classes (2018 - 2019, 5 Classes)
Introduction to the Incident Command System, (IS-100.C)
Active Shooter: What You Can Do (IS-907)
Retail Security Awareness: Understanding the Hidden Hazards (IS-912)
Surveillance Awareness: What You Can Do (IS-914)
Workplace Security Awareness (IS-096)
The video above is a brief overview of what we learned at the Medical Gear Outfitters Trauma Class which I highly recommend
Medical Gear Outfitters Trauma Class
Taught by the YouTuber Skinny Medic (2018, 1 Class)
9 hours of training on trauma medical procedures. Topics covered:
Vital signs
Patent assessment
Bleeding control
Airway
Deformities (non-life-threatening)
Burns
Lacerations
Preventing infections
Eye Injuries
Snake Bites
MARCH protocol for life-threatening injuries
Massive Bleeding
Airway
Respiratory
Circulation
Heat Loss/Head Injury
Internal Bleeding
Triage
Tourniquets
Homeostatic agents
Pressure bandages
Chest Seals
For more information about the class, click HERE
For Skinny Medic's YouTube channel, click HERE
CPR, AED, & First Aid
Citizen CPR or the Red Cross (Renew every two years)
5-hour class
Adult, child & infant CPR
AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator)
Basic First Aid
Jiu-Jitsu Counters Every Stand Up Fighter Should Know With Pro MMA fighter Aaron "Coringa" Conway (2018)
5-hour seminar at Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu, Lakeland, FL
Basic Jiu-Jitsu counters
Class D Unarmed Security Guard Training
Conroy Security Academy, Lakeland, Florida (2018)
Access Control
Active Shooter
Courtroom Procedures
Conflict Resolution
Crisis Response
Customer Relations
Defensive Taser
Field Note Taking
Firewatch
First Aid & CPR
Foot Patrol
Interview Techniques
Pepper Spray Techniques
Post Orientation
Protecting a Crime Scene
Report Writing
School Transportation Security
Seaport Security
Sexual Harassment
Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)
Techniques of Concealed Weapons Violators
Terrorist Patrol
Traffic Control
Uniforms & Equipment
Vehicle Patrol
Verbal Judo
Blauer Tactical Systems: Be Your Own Bodyguard
Max Results from Professional Fitness Training, Orlando, Florida (2018)
How to develop better situational awareness
The importance of fear in life
How to recognize “real” danger from “imagined.”
How to manage fear in a crisis
“Biologically hard-wired” physical self-defense skills
“Human Weapon” system principles
S.P.E.A.R. system fundamentals
For more information, click HERE
Stop the Bleed, Save a Life
Lakeland Regional Health Hospital (2018)
Bleeding control class organized through BleedingControl.org
Class taught you how to be an immediate responder when a victim was bleeding out due to a traumatic injury.
Learned how to use a tourniquet with hands-on experience with other students
How to stop severe bleeding without a tourniquet with hands-on experience using rubber cylinders with "injuries."
Fighting Pistol
Tactical Response (2015)
Two-day class to teach you to survive a gunfight and protect yourself and others with a firearm.
More information on the class is HERE.
Medical Prep 101 & 201 (2014)
Two-day medical crash-course on dealing with medical emergencies when help is not available such as after a natural disaster or when on wilderness excursions
Topics included:
Physical Assessments
Taking blood pressure
Post-mortem care
Drug calculation
Austere rehydration
Camp design and human waste management
Women's health
STD's
Childbirth
Private Firearm Lessons
High Point Personal Security Training with Jim Clark (2014)
20 hours of one-on-one firearms training with both pistol and shotgun
CCW
More information on the instruction is HERE
Self Defense Training Online Classes or DVDs/Videos (2014 - 2019)
Karambit by Paul Ingram (chief Instructor of the Kali Center)
Combat Karambit Level 1: Training by Ernest Emerson (Emerson Knives)
Combat Karambit Level 2: Techniques by Ernest Emerson (Emerson Knives)
Combat Karambit Level 3: Advanced Skills by Ernest Emerson (Emerson Knives)
Combat Karambit Level 4: Knife Boxing by Ernest Emerson (Emerson Knives)
Shooting Missology by James Yeager (Tactical Response)
Defensive Shotgun Disk 1 & 2 by Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch)
Defensive Handgun Disk 1 & 2 by Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch)
Advanced Handgun Defense by Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch)
Advanced Tactics by Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch)
Defensive Rifle (OPSGear)
Defensive Handgun (OPSGear)
Interests and Endeavors
My former Shih-Tzu Paisley. I don’t have a photo of me with my current Shih-Tzu, Colby.
My dog Munster staring as Toto in the Wizard of Oz at Theatre Winter Haven with Lindsey Alley (Note this image was not taken by me and was not copyrighted by me)
I enjoy playing Minecraft while listening to audiobooks, a perfect blend of gaming and storytelling for me. I'm a big fan of the Hermitcraft server, where players like MumboJumbo and Grian build incredible worlds. It's my daily entertainment, more engaging to me than TV.
I love using and interacting with AI (Artificial Intelligence), especially ChatGPT and DALL·E. As soon as I finish getting my certifications in cybersecurity, I intend to get certified in AI.
Home improvement is another interest of mine, from the garden to the interiors. I've also integrated voice-activated home automation, making my living space both smart and convenient.
Audiobooks by authors like Vince Flynn and Tom Clancy keep me company, especially while gaming.
Enjoy video gaming, with my favorite being the Fallout and Elder Scrolls games.
I keep up with tech trends through podcasts like Security Now, Windows Weekly, and The Daily Tech News.
In 2012 I did a solo photography trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
My background includes being a former licensed journeyman electrician.
My Shih-Tzu, Colby, brings joy to my life. One of my previous dogs, Munster, starred as Toto in a Theatre Winter Haven’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
Environmental self portrait in my office for 52Frames in January 2020