José Manuel Duarte
Digital Arts Consultant
164 Honey Bee Lane
Brownsville Texas 78520
956-371-1708 (Direct Line)

Highlights of Qualifications

· Wide variety of skills in Communications and Technology, including photojournalism, Model & Studio Photography, Stock Photography, Graphic Designing and Digital Video Editing and Video Production and Web Design.
· Excellent leadership skills and experience in costumer relations
· Extensive background in working diverse populations (bilingual, bi-national community with community, state, and national leadership.)
· Proven success in implementing productivity systems that enhance "Digital Imaging"
· Strong practical and academic foundation in improving photography and production methods

Professional Experience

University of Texas at Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas 1994-Present
Communications & Technology Specialist

Photographic and digital video imaging publications and Web Design to develop and implement catalogs portraying the University setting and student life, quality being of outmost importance. Manage computer and operating systems that improve resource utilization. Computer systems analysis, Budget and maintenance of equipment and, handle chemicals for developing an array of photographic films and print papers. Implemented a "Digital Imaging System". Position requires numerous projects that involve interaction with faculty, staff, board members and community at large. Being a binational university, extensive experience working with multicultural populations and international community leaders is required.

Achievements
· Increased production by 20%.
· Achieved 15% reduction in time and maintenance costs.
o Increased profitability of departmental operations.
· Active participation in binational events, including the Border Governor's conference, also international teacher exchanges, and empowerment zone projects.
· Co-chaired international bridge events involving hundreds of educators from Mexico and United States.
· Managed binational coverage of conferences.
· Digital Video Production
· Web Design

Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville, Texas 1995-present
Independent Consultant

Extensive media coverage of public school events. These events included formal and informal educational events with Brownsville Mayor, School Administrators, and educational community. Extensive experience in working with a diverse population and community leaders, school officials, parents, and children.

Achievements
· Organize and photograph over 74 public events.
· Publish images in five regions of the Valley including newspapers in Matamoros, Mexico.
· Photographs are utilized in publications for school district, and local educational documents.

Academy of Educational Development, Washington, DC 1998-present
Independent Consultant

Photographic coverage of national conferences for Migrant Head Start. Cover all conference sessions, keynote sessions, and close interaction with Conference Planning Board.

Achievements
· Photograph over 300 events of Anniversary Conference Event.
· Create and produce a Photographic CD ROM disk of events.
· Produce a series of publications and poster based on the numerous images of the
Conference.

Texas Migrant Head Start Program, Laredo, Texas 1998-present
Independent Consultant

Photographic coverage of national conferences for in-service needs of a four state program. States include Wisconsin, Indiana, Texas, and Ohio. Cover all conference sessions, planning sessions, and follow up events of the Conference.

Achievements
· Photograph events of one-week conferences that include over 35 separate events.
· Produce a series of publications and posters based on the numerous images of the conference.

Education

· High School Diploma Washington-Lee High School, Arlington Virginia 1983 - 1986

Computer Skills - Software/Hardware

High level of proficiency in:
· Handle various types of cameras from 35mm to Digital still and Video Cameras
· Digital Imaging - Layout and design
· Final Cut Pro Non-Linear Video Editing / Audio and Video technician
· Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Page Maker
· Microsoft Office, ClarisWorks, and communications software
· Macintosh and PC platform knowledge and ability (diagnose/repair/upgrade)

Awards & Honors

· Exceptional Merit University of Texas at Brownsville 1999
· Photographers Award Canon International 1998/2001

Professional Organizations

· National Press Photographers Association 1995 -present
Position Held: Regional Director of TX, LA, and NM, 1996-1999

· International Freelance Photographers Association / Member 1997-present

· Sponsor of: University of Texas-Brownsville Photography Association 1998-2002

Language Skills

Reading, Writing, and Oral Proficiency Skills

· English advanced level
· Spanish advanced level

International Experience

Country Purpose Agency

United States Photographic Exhibition Embassy of Guatemala
Washington DC

México Teacher Exchange Universidad Autonoma
Victoria, MX

Guatemala Tourism Photography Guatemala Travel Commision

Panama Travel Photography Panamá Tourism Commision

Costa Rica Educational Exchange Costa Rica Tourism Commision