Christopher Kern, M.F.A.

Christopher Kern, a tenured Associate Professor with an MFA in Photography from the Academy of Art University, has taught since 2009. He serves as Program Coordinator at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. His research and scholarship focus on shaping the future of photographic education. Presenting his findings independently and with the Photography Curriculum Focus Group, he combines teaching and research to advance the field. Alongside his academic pursuits, he has been shooting and producing commercial photography projects since 2003. With a focus on creating aspirational yet attainable imagery, his true passion lies in connecting with people, whether as a portrait subject, fellow creative, student, or stranger.

Serving a three-year term as the West Chapter Chair, covering California, Hawaii, and Nevada. The Society for Photographic Education (SPE) is the leading forum dedicated to fostering the understanding of photography in all its forms and related media. SPE engages its worldwide membership and affiliated communities through a range of supportive platforms, including conferences, events, and publications.

As Department Chair of Visual Arts and Design at California Baptist University within the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD), Kern is committed to breaking down silos for faculty and students to foster greater collaboration, resource-sharing, and interdisciplinary learning. His focus is on empowering faculty to deliver the highest quality education by leveraging their individual scholarship and expertise, while maximizing the impact of shared facilities and creative opportunities across programs.

PHO 105 - Digital Photography (The Camera)
PHO 110 - Commercial Photography
PHO 310 - Process & Practice
PHO 330 - Visual Storytelling
PHO 332 - Studio Lighting
PHO 350 - Digital Printing & Color Management
PHO 400 - Special Topics
PHO 415 - Context & Narrative
PHO 432 - Location Lighting
PHO 433 - Studio Practice
PHO 450 - Digital Asset Management
PHO 485 - Photography Business
PHO 499 - Portfolio & Gallery
DES 310 - Creativity: Collaboration and Context (Design Thought Practicum)

Photography Program Curriculum for Higher Education
Theory into Practice
Professional Practice
Portfolio Development
Marketing & Promotion
Industry & Networking
Creative Collaboration
Photography Facilities and Equipment

Canon Live Learning - Costa Mesa, CA
Academy of Art University - San Francisco, CA
Art Institute of California - Inland Empire - San Bernardino, CA
Art Institute of California - Orange County - Santa Ana, CA
Irvine Valley College - Irvine, CA

Featured in the Photography industry by; PDN, CMYK, IPA, and the APA.

Grove Men - The Grove Community Church (Riverside, CA)

Youth Innovation Center at Arlington Park (Advisory Board)
Alvord Unified School District CTE Advisory Board
Riverside Unified School District CTE Advisory Board
Orange Unified School District CTE Advisory Board
Norte Vista High School CTE Digital Media (Advisory Board)
Elsinore High School CTE Digital Media (Advisory Board)
Patriot High School CTE TV/Video Production & Digital Photography (Advisory Board)
Martin Luther King High School CTE Photography (Advisory Board)
Houston Community College - Digital Communication (Advisory Board)
American Society of Media Photographers - Los Angeles (Professional Member)
American Photographic Artists - San Francisco + Los Angeles (Professional Member)
Society for Photographic Education - West (Chapter Member)

Family, Mentorship, Continued Education, Cultivating Relationships, Professional Networking, Community Service, Photography, History, Art, Culture

“We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by myth-making, only by becoming ‘sub-creator’ and inventing stories, can Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.” - J.R.R. Tolkien