Our Instructors

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS, caring mentors

We are proud of our talented, diverse faculty. Our instructors are from a wide spectrum of backgrounds with unique specialties and signature styles. They are well-rounded, enthusiastic mentors ready and willing to provide the support and attention every student deserves.

Craig Koshyk, President

For over 25 years, artist, photographer, writer and educator Craig Koshyk has pursued his passion for the photographic process. His fine art images have been featured in solo and group shows in Canada, France and Germany and his commercial photographs have appeared in local, national and international publications. As an educator Craig has taught everything from science and math in Canadian French immersion schools to platinum printing techniques at the Ecole nationale de la photographie in Arles, France. Craig is the president and founder of PrairieView School of Photography and Dog Willing Publications..

Ross Cornish, Dean

Ross Cornish is the Dean and senior instructor at PrairieView. Since graduating with honours from Ontario's Confederation College in 1997, Ross has been active in the photographic industry as a photographer and educator. His work has been published internationally and his extensive knowledge of the bells and whistles on just about every camera ever built has earned him the reputation as PrairieView's "Gear Guru". Visit Ross's website here.

Lauralee Burstahler, Registrar

With more than 20 years of experience in education administration, Lauralee Burstaher is always available to guide students through our registration and admission procedures. Her friendly personality and efficient working style ensure smooth functioning of the day-to-day operations at the school.

Tristan Fast, Instructor

Tristan Fast creates images that reflect PrairieView's "new approach to old-school photography". With a thoroughly modern style, he seamlessly combines analog materials with the latest digital innovation and teaches his hybrid approach in our Analogue Techniques and Creative Imaging classes. Tristan graduated with honours from PrairieView in 2006 and has worked as a freelance photographer and educator ever since. Tristan's website can be viewed here.

Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk, Instructor

With a degree in Creative Communications from Red River Community College, Sarah is also a proud alumnus of PrairieView's Diploma class of 2009. Her highly original and creative images have been included in group and solo exhibits and can be found in several private collections. In addition to her role as the Creative Imaging instructor at PrairieView, Sarah is also a super-mom to a super son named Roger and the owner/founder of HodgePodge Creative.

Jonah O'Niel, Instructor

When he is not out in the wilderness creating stunning landscape images Jonah O'Neil can be found at PrairieView teaching others how to create stunning landscape images. During his relatively short life, Jonah has been: an American; a Canadian; an archaeologist; an importer, wholesaler, and retailer of silver jewelry; a magazine and book editor; and a cultural data analyst. But he came to the inevitable conclusion that photography for him is more than a hobby, and even more than a career; it is a vocation, a calling. You can see some of Jonah's work here.

Paolo Porquez, Instructor

Paolo Porquez earned a degree in Business Management and Information Technology at the De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines in 2002 and a Diploma in Professional Photography at PrairieView in 2008. He is part of the new generation of photographers who are just as comfortable shooting video as they are with creating still images. When he is not teaching at PrairieView, Paolo shoots still images and video for clients ranging from the Heart and Stroke Foundation to Perimeter Air, Swish Productions, Brandon General Museum and Archives Canada.

Bram Singleton, Instructor

Bram Singleton is PrairieView's resident Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom expert. He possesses the rare ability to demystify even the most daunting imaging software so that students can quickly learn to use it to organize, edit, enhance and deliver professional level photographs. Bram's personal and professional work, which you can see here, reveal his unique approach to digital imaging.

Aaron Sivertson, Instructor

Aaron Sivertson holds undergraduate and masters degrees in Music and Education as well as a Diploma in Professional Photography. Specializing in commercial and performing arts photography his client list includes the University of Manitoba Faculty of Music, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Groundswell, Richardson International, the Royal Bank of Canada, and the Liberal Party of Canada. Aaron is the owner and lead photographer of Sightlines Photography.