A native of New York City, I began my career as a darkroom technician in the late 1970s.  After working in the darkroom at the Newburgh Evening News and for the New York State Parks Recreation, I started freelancing for the Associate Press in New York City. In 1981, I moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan where I worked as chief photographer at the Ypsilanti Press for four years before taking a position as a staff photographer for the San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas I had a chance to cover many assignments in Mexico and eventually started doing documentary projects in Central America. I also helped out the South Texas Physicians Outreach Project as a translation in Spanish. In 1993, I left the newspaper and settled in California where I freelanced as a photographer and feature writer. During the Zapatista uprising (1994-1995), I moved to San Cristobal de Las Casas as a freelancer. 

After moving returning from Mexico in 1996, I enrolled at Southern Oregon University at age 40 and completed my bachelor's in Journalism as well as my Master's in English. Three years later I was accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Oregon in Communication and Society. I feel so fortunate to have been given to begin a second career -- educating the next generation of visual journalists. I have taught at Southern Oregon, San Jose State and now Benedictine College in Kansas.  

My blog, The Big Picture, was named a Top Innovator by American Photography Magazine in 2006. 

I am an artist and designer and have exhibited my paintings photography locally. I am active in the community offering residents a Camera Basics course through the Atchison Art Association.  

dennisdunleavy7@gmail.com

ddunleavy@benedictine.edyu

913-426-7483