EASTERN Instructor/Alumnus Earns Master Photographer Certification

In February 2011, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Commercial Art photography Instructional Aide and 1986 graduate, Robert Steinbacher, attained his Accredited Master Photographer (AMP) certification through the International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO). Steinbacher joined EASTERN’s faculty in 1995 bringing a broad background in commercial photography and multi-media. His areas of expertise are commercial photography and portraiture, forensics/fire scene photography and medical photography.

In order to attain this coveted certification, Steinbacher needed to meet the high standards and criteria set by the IFPO, including no less than 10 years of experience in the industry, portfolio reviews judged by other AMPs, an industry certification test, and no less than five national publications. Steinbacher attended Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, and transferred to Rochester Institute of Technology to finish his degree. Later, Steinbacher enrolled at Tyler School of Art where he dove into the world of Web Design.

“Working toward this certification was extremely rewarding,” said Steinbacher. “I have explained the process to my students, and it has helped illustrate the importance of education and goal setting. EASTERN set the groundwork for me to achieve the goals that I set for myself, and I see it happening everyday in our classrooms.”

Commercial Art is a two-year half-day program that covers everything from conceptual drawing and design to a professional portfolio; students learn the value and application of their unique styles in both design and illustration; and students use industry standard software on the Macintosh platform. This software includes the Adobe Creative Suite programs, such as, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash.