 "Photo:")
You've seen his art in the course catalog and on the Chico State Web site, but who is the man behind the camera?
Jeff Teeter, a media production specialist, is the man who takes the photos for the Web sites, brochures and other publications for the different departments on campus.
Teeter said he enjoys his job and doesn't mind that it doesn't get a lot of recognition - or pay.
"There are a lot of people that are here because they decided a long time ago not to have a life that was about seeking the almighty dollar," Teeter said. "They thought that public service would be more gratifying. And it has been."
Teeter has a lot of responsibility with his job, and it keeps his days busy. While he claims to be understaffed, he has to make decisions every day regarding which events he will shoot based on the multiple requests for photos he receives.
"We pick and choose," Teeter said. "After being on campus for 40 years, I know what will give the university the most credible mileage."
With all the requests he gets, it's impossible for him to cover everything going on at Chico State alone. He would need a bigger staff for that to happen, but there are also some events he doesn't have to worry about.
"If we photographed everything, my job would require at least five photographers," he said. "We don't photograph athletics or graduation pictures. There are other photographers that specialize in those areas."
This past week, Teeter could have been found wandering around the university's Founder's Week events. He considers these events to be highly important to Chico State, he said.
From 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, he was at the George Peterson Rose Garden taking pictures of the festivities for the 120th birthday of Chico State. He took pictures of President Paul Zingg, as well as people who dressed up as John and Annie Bidwell.
On April 24, Teeter went to Enloe Medical Center to shoot photos for the nursing department. He took pictures of nursing students and robotic patients with symptoms of illnesses. The robotic patients are used to teach the nursing students how to diagnose patients.
Some photos present challenges for Teeter, but he gets to be more creative with these shots. He has been asked by the Pavement Preservation Committee to shoot a picture of a new innovative type of pavement. Teeter said that although it's just a slab of a new kind of pavement, his goal is to bring new light to it.
"I have to go out and shoot a really compelling piece of pavement," Teeter said. "Is there like a pavement princess?"
Teeter also shoots the pictures seen in Chico Statements, a university magazine, and the Chico State course catalog.
Teeter said his job isn't just about taking photos but providing great public relations for Chico State and all those involved with the university.
Jeff Kell can be reached at jkell@theorion.com
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