Syl Arena

Syl Arena is an experienced photography educator and author, currently serving as Adjunct Faculty at West Valley College and Cuesta College since July 2018 and June 2017, respectively. Additionally, Arena held the position of Assistant Professor of Photography at College of the Canyons from January 2022 to May 2024. Previous roles include Chair of the Visual & Performing Arts Department at Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School from August 2013 to December 2021 and Workshop Instructor at various institutions, including Rocky Mountain School of Photography and Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, focusing on location lighting and environmental portraiture. Arena's scholarly contributions include serving as the Todd Walker Research Fellow at the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona and authoring the second edition of "Speedliter's Handbook." Arena also has experience as an Online Instructor with Canon USA, creating educational content for the Canon Digital Learning Center. Academic qualifications include an MFA in Visual Arts/Photography from Lesley University and a BFA in Studio Art/Photography from the University of Arizona.