Resume – Published Highlights by Lorelle and Brent VanFossen

Lorelle and Brent VanFossen travel full-time with their camera, working from the road or wherever they are. Their images and articles are published in magazines from around the world including Shutterbug, Outdoor and Nature Photography, The Mountaineer, PhotoTechniques, and more. They also offer a variety of educational programs on nature photography, travel, and writing. Traveling across North America for several years, they ran their editorial photography business from their 30 foot fifth wheel trailer as they criss-crossed the country. The VanFossens’ travels and adventures are featured on their web page and in monthly email “newsletter” reports from the road to more than 200 individuals. They are frequent guest speakers on Compuserve and are highlighted in many regional magazines, newspapers, radio and television stations discussing their work and experiences including a recent feature on New Mexico’s “LA Times TV” show for PBS.

Included here are highlights of some of Lorelle and Brent’s writing, photography, and instructing experiences together and separately.

Update: As of December 2004, Brent and Lorelle moved from Israel, where they spent five years living and working, back to the United States. They are currently in Mobile, Alabama, on another “temporary” job (the last temporary job lasted five years!) and you can follow their adventures and life on the road on Lorelle’s Journal Thoughts online weblog.

Published Highlights

These are highlights of some of the articles written by Lorelle and Brent VanFossen, individually and together.

Publication Production Highlights

As a long-time writer and editor, Lorelle has edited and published a variety of newsletters, magazines, and web pages.

Presentation Highlights

Both together and individually, Lorelle and Brent have produced a wide range of educational programs specifically customized for the participants. For a full list of available programs, check out their Workshop pages.

Production Highlights

Lorelle has produced a number of educational and entertainment productions over the years and continues with VanFossen Productions and other organizations.

Instructor Highlights

Photography and writing are not the only things Lorelle teaches. Here are a few of the unusual projects she’s been involved with.

Professional Societies

Sometimes you are judged just by your work and other times by the company you keep. Lorelle and Brent do great work and keep awesome company. Here are a few associations they’ve been involved with.

Publication Production Highlights

Lorelle VanFossen wrote press releases and ads during her high school years for her mother’s real estate office, eventually leading to her own small graphic design business. Her first image was sold when she was 15, a photograph of the Matterhorn. Since then, she has worked as a writer, designer, editor, producer, and publisher. Together with her husband, Brent VanFossen, an accomplished nature photographer, they publish their photographs and articles in publications throughout the world, as well as produce their own photography workshops and programs.

Editorial Staff, WordPress Codex

Since -2004 – Provided editing and writing services as a volunteer for the official documentation site for WordPress software program, an open source blogging and CMS website program. Provided sysop services, editorial, assigning articles, and overall editorial consultant.

Newsletter Editor/Publisher, VanFossen Ink

VanFossen Productions, since 1994 – Produce, edit and write quarterly publication on nature photography instruction with seasonal highlights and produce company website.

Website Editor/Publisher, “Taking Your Camera on the Road”

VanFossen Productions, since 2000 – Produce, design, edit and write extensive website featuring hudnreds of articles (and growing) on travel, nature, nature photography, life, editorial essays, and other information related to the VanFossen’s life on the road.

Website Editor, North American Nature Photography Association

1995-1998 – Produced and published the official website for the non-profit association for nature photography, including producing and coordinating online events on Compuserve and AOL.

Newsletter Editor/Publisher

Seattle Mountaineers Photography Committee – Seattle, 1987-1995 – Produce and publish in-house newsletter two to four times a year on nature photography, travel, education, and program events.

Newsletter Editor/Publisher

American Business Women’s Association’s Ke-Harbor Chapter of Seattle – Produced and edited chapter newsletter, receiving Top Newsletter Editor Honors in Region 1989, and honorable mention in 1990. Newsletter included member interviews, activities and events listing for local and national programs.

Newsletter Editor/Publisher, Grapevine

Alternatives to Fear, Seattle, 1986-1994 – Produced and edited articles for the monthly internal newsletter for organization members on self defense and sexual assault prevention issues and related topics. Included member interviews and organizational activity reviews.

Newsletter Assistant Publisher, Beyond the Shadows

Alternatives to Fear, Seattle, 1986-1994 – Quarterly publication for the public on organization events & sexual assault prevention education issues.

Program Presentation Highlights

Working together, Lorelle and Brent have presented a wide range of programs including many customized for specific audiences. Their programs usually sell out, so if you are interested in bringing a VanFossen Production to your group, association, or club, please contact them to make arrangments. For more information about the various programs offered, check out their workshop programs and current program listings. They have also been featured together on television and in the media highlighting their travels and adventures. Lorelle has been a long time self defense instructor and public speaker and some highlights of those programs are included.

Introduction to the Internet

Seminars on Internet basics for English speaking group (ESRA), Tel Aviv, Israel, 2002-2003

Life Makeover – Self-Improvement Seminars

Based on Cheryl Richardson’s book, Life Makeover, a year-long series of monthly seminars on improving the quality of your life for English speaking group (ESRA), Tel Aviv, Israel, 2001-2002

Patterns in Nature

Photography seminar on nature photography techniques photographing and recognizing the patterns in nature, ESRA, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2002-2003

Wild Thing, photographing wildlife

Photography seminar on wildlife photography, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2002-2003

Closeups in Nature

Photography seminars on macro photography, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2002-2003

Internet Tips and Tricks

Seminars on Internet techniques for English speaking group in Tel Aviv, Israel, 2001-2003

Personal Safety for Travelers

Safety strategies for travelers and basic self defense techniques, ESRA, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2001-2003

Creative Patterns: Patterns in Nature for Quilters

Custom educational program, VanFossen Productions, Piedmont Quilters Guild, Greensboro, NC, August 1999

LA Times

Television interview show hosted by Bev Maxwell, Los Alamos, New Mexico, March 1997

Taking Your Camera on the Road

Online seminar, Compuserve Photography Forum, 1996

Publicizing Your Workshop or Event

Online seminar, Compuserve Photography Forum, 1996

The Business of Nature Photography

Online presentation, Compuserve Photography Forum, 1995

Personal Safety in the Outdoors

Seattle Mountaineers/Everett Parks & Recreation Department 1994-1995

Basic Nature Photography for Writers

Washington Press Association Annual Retreat, 1995

Alternatives to Fear for Grocery Store Clerks

Alternatives to Fear/Grocery Clerk’s Union #1105 1995

Alcohol and Date Rape

Alternatives to Fear Training Program, 1994

Alternatives to Fear in the Workplace

ongoing program, Alternatives to Fear, 1991-present

Active Listening

Alternatives to Fear Training Program, 1994

Sexual Assault in the Workplace

Alternatives to Fear Training Program, 1993-1996

Personal Safety for Women

Instructor, Alternatives to Fear, Seattle, 1985-1996

Fighting Back Now

Alternatives to Fear educational program, KIRO-TV and Radio, Seattle, 1995

Teachers Fighting Back

Alternatives to Fear, featured providing self defense training to elementary and high school teachers, KIRO-TV News, KSTW-TV News, and KIRO-AM Radio, 1994

Rape: Talking to Men about Sexual Assault Prevention

Alternatives to Fear Training Program, 1993

A Career in Photography

South Seattle High School photography students, 1992

Prevention Education: Putting a Stop to Rape

Alternatives to Fear, CBS World News Tonight, 1992

Advertising Techniques and Strategies

BeautiControl Consultants, 1991

What is Advertising?

American Business Women’s Association, 1990

Public Speaking and Stage Fright

American Business Women’s Association, 1989

Production Highlights

Lorelle has long worked as an actress and singer bringing that experience to many productions ranging from educational to stage productions.

Local Producer and Publicist

“Inner Visions”, travel photography program with Lisl Dennis and Nevada Wier, Bellevue, Washington, 1996

VanFossen Productions

owner/producer, nature photography programs, workshops and tours, since 1993

Overall Coordinator/Producer – Professional Nature Photographers Speaking Series

Mountaineers, 1989 -1995 – Featured speakers: Darrell Gulin, Stewart Westmoreland, Pat Leeson, Daniel Cox, Joe McDonald, Gary Braasch, Natalie Fobes, Charles Krebs, Bryan Peterson, Martha Hill, Kevin Schafer, Pat O’Hara, Lee Mann, Wendy Shattill, and more.

Overall Coordinator/Producer – Annual Basic Photography Course

Mountaineers, 1988-1995 – Coordinated 4-week course on basics of nature photography with instruction & field trips with volunteer instructors.

Assistant Production Team – Up With People Silver Anniversary Celebration

Denver, Colorado 1991 – Assisted with production and coordination of five day event including programs, full media events, setup and strike, and security for an audience of over 6,000 at the brand new Denver Convention Center.

Stage Manager/Co-Producer – Cabaret Crepe de Paris

Seattle, Washington 1987-89 – Handled producing, staging, directing and costuming of cabaret shows, including writing successful Christmas program called “A Toast to Christmas”.

Stage/Musical actress

For information on stage performances, ask for Performance Resume.

Instructor Highlights

Begining early in 1984, Lorelle began presenting educational programs for business women, then self defense programs for women, and as her photography interests were honed, she expanded her curriculum to include much more. As a long time dancer, she finally found an exciting fitness program to teach, too.

Internet Instruction

Taught workshops on “Internet Tips and Tricks” for ESRA (English Speaking Residents Association), Tel Aviv, Israel, 2001

Personal Safety for Travelers

workshop/seminar on personal safety and self defense techniques for men and women who travel, ESRA, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2001

Water Aerobic Instructor

Arthritis, Deep & Shallow Water, YMCA Central, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1998-1999

Water Aerobic Instructor/Assistant

Karyn Murat JUMP Fitness Company, Everett, Washington, since 1996

Nature Photography Instructor

VanFossen Productions, Seattle, Washington, since 1993 – Coordination and production, as well as instruction, on various aspects of nature photography, from the most basic elements to advanced techniques. Taught in partnership with husband, Brent VanFossen.

Nature Photography Instructor

Mountaineers Photography Committee, Seattle, Washington, since 1988 – Coordination, production and presentation of nature photography education programs.

Self Defense Instructor/Presenter

Alternatives to Fear, Seattle, Washington, since 1985 – Sexual assault prevention educational organization. Taught seminars & 6 week educational programs for women, teens, seniors and children on self defense and prevention. Provided training and advanced studies for self defense instructors.

Advertising/Marketing Instruction

representing Central Lithograph, Seattle, Washington, 1984-1992 – Provided a variety of educational programs on advertising, marketing, promotions and printing to associations and groups while representing a commercial printing company.

Professional Societies

Lorelle has been a long time member of many different associations, often serving on the board of directors and as an active volunteer. At one time she was an active member in 26 non-profit and professional associations.

WordPress Codex

Member since -2004 – Served by providing editing and writing services as a volunteer for the official documentation site for WordPress software program, an open source blogging and CMS website program. Provided sysop services, editorial, assigning articles, and overall editorial consultant.

WordPress Support Forum

Member since 2004 – Served by providing technical support for the WordPress Software as a volunteer, assisting users with problems associated with installation, usage, and design of their WordPress websites.

Photographic Art Society of Israel

Member since 2002 – Served by providing assistance in production and coordination of photo exhibition and educational programs.

English Speaking Residents Association (ESRA)

member since 2000 – Served by providing educational programs on computer usage, Internet, photography, self defense, and self-improvement programs.

North American Nature Photography Association

Member since 1995 – Served as: Online representative, program and special event coordinator, web page designer/developer, association liaison, and newsletter advisor.

American Business Women’s Association

Member since 1988 – Served as Vice President, Secretary, newsletter editor/publisher, publicity, fund-raising, education, program coordination. Honored: 1990 American Business Woman of the Year for Ke-Harbor Chapter. Fund-raising efforts and special events increased scholarship annual fund from $1000 to $4000 in two years. Recognition: Raised $3,000 for victims with 48 hours of the San Francisco Earthquake in association with USBank.

Seattle Mountaineers

Member since 1988 – Overall Coordinator – Annual Nature Photography Course 1989 -1995: publicity and volunteer coordinator, outing leader, program producer and coordinator and instructor. Recognition: Increased funding by 300% in three years and volunteer support by 450%

Photographic Society of America

Member since 1985 – Served as: online representative, club liaison and special events coordinator

WordPerfect User Group of Seattle

Member since 1988 – Served as: Secretary, Program Planning, Instructor

Washington Press Assocation/National Federation of Press Women

Member since 1987 – Served as: Vice President, Secretary, publicity, special event coordinator, press/media contest judge

Alternatives To Fear

Women’s self defense organization – member since 1985

Event coordinator, photographer, self defense instructor and trainer, Board of Directors

American Film Institute

Member 1985 – 1990

Women in Graphic Arts

Seattle – Member 1985-1989

Up With People International Alumni Association

Member since 1978