American Photographic Artists - San Francisco Chapter
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info@apasf.com or membershiprep@apanational.org
APA SF Chapter Officers & Board
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EDWIN VARGAS
APA SF BOARD MEMBER
Pronouns: he/him/his
Once in front of the camera, now behind it—meet latinx model-turned-photographer Edwin Vargas. Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Vargas infuses an air of tropical vibrancy into his images, utilizing exotic flowers as props or producing recreations of nature as the back-drop for his bold, neon-hued compositions. From Panama to Mexico and the United States, Vargas’ photography has continued to gain international recognition, landing him clients such as Facebook, Wilhelmina Models, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel and Kenneth Cole, among others. Now based in Oakland, California, Vargas’ vivid, chromatic aesthetic has captured the attention of the local community, earning him exhibitions at Instagram headquarters and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. In addition to his photography, Vargas is a cinematographer and documentarian, applying his unique perspective to the moving image. Beyond his work behind the lens, Vargas is focused on the empowerment of Black women and the advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights, serving as a diversity committee member for the non-profit organization American Photographic Artists. edwinvargas.net
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NICOLE MORRISON
APA SF VICE-CHAIR
Pronouns: she/her
Nicole is a lifestyle, product and food photographer based in San Francisco. She likes to create colorful, bold images that help brands tell their story and stand out online. She attended SF State University where she found a love for telling stories through pictures in the Photojournalism department. She is inspired by new foods, places and people; learning their stories and translating them into images. She is especially inspired by people and brands that are working towards a more sustainable and just planet by improving our food systems, paying people fairly, sourcing materials ethically, creating clean products for our bodies and plates, and reducing plastic and other harmful waste. When she's not taking pictures she is most likely to be found petting any dog she encounters or loosely following a new recipe. nicolemorrisonphotography.com
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SARAH JAMES
APA SF BOARD MEMBER
Pronouns: she/her
Sarah is into all things creative. As a multi-disciplinary artist, they draw inspiration from everyday life; shooting, drawing, painting, or writing daily. Getting started in commercial photography in 2009 after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Sarah interned and assisted both still life and location shoots eventually leading to a number of years as an in-house photographer for a large commercial studio. Sarah's current role is as a Creative Partner alongside an advertising photographer/director, developing and creating visual narratives. Their work focuses on bringing the imaginary to life, elevating the intrinsic beauty of the ordinary, and creating worlds that inspire.
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LISA VORTMAN
APA SF CHAPTER CHAIR
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER (bio forthcoming)
Pronouns: she/her
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LISA WISEMAN
APA SF BOARD MEMBER
Pronouns: she/her
I am an exuberant, say yes, exclamation point of a human being! My superpower would be the ability to sleep through anything. Love, kindness and gratitude run my world. I used to teach piano, I swim in every body of water I encounter, and my secret talent is being able to spot poison oak from a speeding car. I’m known for shooting unusual and intimate portraits of both regular and well-known folks for clients big and small. For the rest of the nitty-gritty, check out my website www.lisawiseman.com
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NADER KHOURI
APA SF ARCHIVIST
Pronouns: he/him
Nader Khouri spent 10 years in photojournalism before transitioning to commercial work and now has a focus on food, beverage, and lifestyle. His work is infused with energy and immediacy, but grounded in context and real-life sensibility. His love for food and living well plays out in his work for clients like Whole Foods, FIJI Water, LG Appliances, Fairmont Hotels, Lennar Homes, OpenTable and countless restaurants and wineries. He is a San Francisco Bay Area native and spends a lot of time exploring California's rivers and lakes in the summertime. naderkhouri.com
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PETER BELANGER
APA SF TREASURER
Pronouns: he/him/his
Peter has been working in commercial photography since the early 90’s, back when everyone was still using film and Polaroid. Photography is a passion that he is excited to have created a career from. Born in Washington, D.C. he moved to San Francisco after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA, Photography). Peter is a fan of all kinds of technical innovation and was an early adopter of digital photography. He looks forward to participating as the industry continues to evolve. peterbelanger.com
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STEVE BABULJAK
APA SF BOARD MEMBER
Pronouns: he/him/his
I'm a commercial photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. My beginnings were rooted in photojournalism which I now infuse into my work to capture real moments and genuine images. I want my images to look and feel real. Through sincere interactions and a predisposition for spontaneity, I'm either producing real life or taking fully produced sets and making it feel real.
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