Vince is a visual storyteller as well as a retired and disabled 22-year Army veteran. Born in Valparaiso, Indiana, Vince joined the United States Army at the young age of 18. Three years after his enlistment, he got inspired by the stories and supporting photographs in National Geographic, which enticed him to purchase his first 35mm film camera so he can document his adventures in the military. The Army allowed him to travel, explore, and experience many cultures within not only the United States, but also Iraq, Kuwait, South Korea, Poland, and short stops in Germany and Japan.

Vince has over 22 years of photographic experience and education. After 10 years of self-study, he decided to take things in a serious direction and learn the art of photography as a first-generation college student. He went to four different art institutes and universities, which allowed him the privilege of studying under 25 professional and experienced photography educators.

During his college and service years, Vince volunteered as a documentary/lifestyle photographer for more than seven Army units between 2013 to 2022. He visually documented intense training events in field environments, Family Readiness Group (FRG) events, military ceremonies, graduations, physical fitness training, cultures in foreign countries, and much more.

Vince loves the challenges and beauty of all styles and genres within the medium but found his true voice through fine art and therapeutic photography. He learned over the years that he can manage depression and anxiety with a lens, vision, and creativity by adapting and turning his mental disorders into something positive and beautiful for others to follow.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

EDUCATION

10/2023 - Present | Master of Fine Arts in Photography; Savannah College of Art and Design | GPA 4.0

06/2021 - 05/2023 | Master of Arts in Photography; Academy of Art University | GPA 3.7

11/2019 - 05/2021 | Bachelor of Arts in Photography; Southern New Hampshire University | GPA 4.0

01/2014 - 03/2017 | Associate of Science in Photography; Art Institute of Pittsburgh | GPA 3.98

CERTIFICATION

2017 | The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Certificate of Recognition; Best in Show Portfolio - Digital Photography, Winter Quarter

2011 | Certificate of Graduation; The Complete Course in Professional Photography | New York Institute of Photography

ACADEMIC HONORS AND AWARDS

04/2022 | Southern New Hampshire University Distinguished Scholar Award for Highest GPA in Degree Program

05/2021 | Southern New Hampshire University President’s List

09/2020 | Southern New Hampshire University President’s List

01/2017 | The Art Institute of Pittsburgh President’s List

10/2016 | The Art Institute of Pittsburgh President’s List

10/2016 | The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Dean’s List

AFFILIATIONS

12/2020 | Alpha Sigma Lambda Online Honor Society (Associated with Southern New Hampshire University)

08/2020 | The National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi (Associated with Southern New Hampshire University)

10/2018 | Kappa Pi Eta Sigma Chapter Honor Society (Associated with Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division)

EXHIBITION RECORD

The Struggle Balancing School and Work (group exhibition) | Lee E. Dulgar Gallery - South Suburban College | South Holland, Illinois

04/2025 | Gypsie’s Graveyard (group exhibition) | Ellen Firme Gallery | Beverly Shores, Indiana

01/2025 | Marlin (permanent group exhibition) | Duesenberg Welcome Center, Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, Indiana

02/2024 | Life After 22 Years (solo exhibition) | George Strimbu Gallery of Photography | Valparaiso, University | Valparaiso, Indiana

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dilbeck, Carolyn. “Headline: New VUCA photo display centers around change.” Valpo Torch. February 23, 2024. https://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_c8811368-d21d-11ee-b74a-c71f142d497e.html

VISITING ARTIST LECTURES

02/2024 | Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana (exhibition discussion and classroom critiques)

PUBLICATIONS

12/2013 | Chef Joe Randall Official Website