Longtime photography instructor Lloyd Weller is known by thousands of students for his expertise, commitment and artistry.
"Lloyd helped me prepare an image portfolio for a school I was preparing to transfer to. It shows he is willing to make time for anyone," said current student Sierra Zweig.
Weller's 40 years of service are being recognized in conjunction with a reception for his latest project, a photo series featuring familiar faces on campus. The photo collage, titled "Shared Journey," will be unveiled in Olympus Hall on Feb. 12, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Weller's career began in 1969, making him the school's most senior faculty member at EvCC. He has been involved in photography for close to 50 years.
" I started in high school, my very first picture was a photograph of an old sailing ship. I took a photograph of it in the photo studio , developed it and loved it," said Weller
Weller's newest artwork is a photo collage of various staff members titled "Shared Journey" which showcases facial expression, emotions and spirits of staff members around campus. The Human Resources and Payroll departments approached Weller, seeking his artwork to be placed outside their hallway.
"I felt it would be compelling to have photographs of some of the staff and faculty from campus represent the spirit of the campus." said Weller.
Weller's art is very detailed: each piece can take 40 to 50 hours to complete. "For this project, the most time consuming part was getting the design for it and getting it set up," says Weller.
The thought process behind Weller's project was he wanted a high-energy photograph representing the strengths of the people he photographed. Weller had an assistant in the studio who was responsible for talking to the subject as he was photographing them keeping them high key and energetic.
Weller is not not committed to any further projects, yet. "I am not seeking one," he says. "It takes a lot of work and I am busy teaching. If something were to come up possibly but at this point I don't anticipate any future projects."