LENS CRAFTER

Bret Gustafson, the college’s third official photographer, has captured everything from firefighter simulation training to Beatles impersonators on college grounds. With a wide range of images, Gustafson strives to perfectly portray the college.

Chances are you’ve seen his photos. You may even be in some of them. He is the college’s photo guru, Bret Gustafson, and he has been the community’s eyes at the college for almost 30 years.

Gustafson, the college’s third official photographer, has captured everything from firefighter simulation training to Beatles impersonators on college grounds. With a wide range of images, Gustafson strives to perfectly portray the college.

“[I’ve] tried to communicate the concept of the community college visually,” Gustafson said. “I hope to present the college as an inviting place, a place to be challenged.” Gustafson enjoys the challenge of being a jack of all trades, working in both the commercial and editorial fields.

Penn and Teller, Michael Moore, former Prime Minister of England Harold Wilson and The Tonight Show’s Doc Severson have all been captured on campus through Gustafson’s lens since his hiring on Sept. 30, 1980. He is easily the most seasoned photographer on campus, but even he continues to learn.

“You’re encouraged to grow professionally in terms of doing things,” Gustafson said. “It is one of the nice things about working here.”
Terry Calaway, college president, describes Gustafson as “a special gift to the college” and “a delight to be around.”

“Bret is a quiet man but with a very fine sense of humor,” Calaway said. Bret keeps a paper log of his assignments and catalogues the images. In 2008 alone, he completed about 460 various photo assignments, capturing about 26,000 images. Many of those came at college sporting events, a task that proves challenging at times.
“It is a challenge.

I’m always out looking for the quintessential sport picture no matter which sport I’m shooting,” Gustafson said. “I’m not sure I’ve ever got it. I keep trying.” Jake Akehurst, manager, Student Activities, is impressed by Gustafson’s work ethic. “He’s everywhere. If we’re having an event on campus, he’s going to be there,” Akehurst said. “Does he ever take a day off?”