James B. Wood
Executive Director of Photography

Mr. Wood has been teaching for more than 35 years, while simultaneously running one of the largest West Coast commercial studios. He earned a BFA in photography with distinction from the Art Center College of Design. His client list tops 1000. To name a few; Life magazine, American Motors, Honda, IBM, Apple, Yamaha, Gallo, Levi's, Marlboro, Wells Fargo, Polaroid, Kodak, Nikon, Kraft and Toyota. Mr. Wood has the honor of being named one of the 65 best photographers in the world by Canon U.S.A.

Ryan Baldwin
Director, Online Photography

Ryan Baldwin is a freelance photographer based in Crested Butte, Colorado. He specializes in digital fine printing and commercial photography. He holds a BA in color technology from Brooks Institute of Photography. His work has been published in magazines, calendars, national advertising campaigns and much more. He runs his own stock photo library in addition to image representation with leading stock agencies. Ryan's fine prints are sold to private collectors and represented in galleries across the United States.

With over 14 years experience in the industry, Ryan has succeeded in merging his traditional photographic background with the newest advancements in digital imaging. Ryan has been teaching at the Academy of Art University since Fall 2001 and is currently the Director of Online Photography.

James Goins
Associate Director, Online Photography

James Goins is a fine art photographer specializing in mixed media and alternative photographic processes. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in fine art photography from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. James' photographs and paintings have been exhibited locally and nationally, he's been a guest lecturer, and has curated several exhibitions. He is an active member of the College Arts Association and the Society for Photographic Education. James is passionate and committed to the arts. As an instructor, he believes in creating an environment that encourages communication, collaboration, and the exploration of personal and creative growth.

Kirk Amyx
Digital Supervisor / Full-Time Instructor

Kirk Amyx has run a San Francisco studio specializing in product, still-life, and food photography for the past 20 years. A graduate with distinction from the Art Center College of Design, he is also an MFA Candidate in Fine Art at San Jose State University. He has worked exclusively digital for the past 10 years and has taught workshops and classes at various institutions. In addition to his teaching, he pursues personal fine-art projects, and works on select commercial projects with clients such as Ghirardelli Chocolate and Anchor Brewing.

Alyson Belcher
Full-Time Faculty

Alyson Belcher’s work combines 19th century photographic techniques with improvisational performance. She investigates the relationship between movement and stillness by photographing the human body with a handmade pinhole camera. Alyson’s work has been exhibited in galleries from New York to Taiwan, and she is represented in San Francisco by the Robert Tat Gallery. She received her MFA from San Francisco State University and has been full-time faculty at the Academy of Art University since 2007. To see more of Alyson’s photographs, visit the gallery or go to www.alysonbelcher.com.

Ryan Farnau
Full-Time Instructor

Ryan Farnau earned his BFA in Studio Fine Art Photography from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. Learning about digital imaging technology as it was emerging; he found his niche in evolving technologies. A freelance photographer and color management consultant, Farnau brought his expertise to the Academy of Art University in 2001.

Kent Marshall
Full-Time Instructor

Kent has 26 years experience as a professional photographer with studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He received his BFA in Art with distinction at the University of the Pacific and a BFA in Photography at the Art Center College of Design. Kent has been teaching at the Academy for 9 years and continues to maintain his San Francisco Photography Studio. Kent specializes in lighting for commercial and fine art applications both in the studio and on location.