Mark S. Abeln studied physics at Caltech, but loved architecture. He took up photography to document buildings that were in danger of demolition, but his early photos were poor quality, and he falsely blamed his camera. He then realized that photography is an art, and a photographer needs to think like an artist, and so he spent years learning photography and studying the arts full-time. This work led to his photos being displayed in three art museums, several galleries, a number of books from Reedy Press, and numerous publications. He also does occasional commercial work for architects and interior designers. He lately has been studying the psychology of human vision and how unconscious factors lead to disappointing photography, applying these insights to his teaching. Photograph of Mr. Abeln courtesy of Slava Bowman.

J. Ryne Danielson is a photojournalist and documentary photographer based in St. Louis, Missouri. He has worked as a writer, photographer and copy editor and holds a master's degree in political science and a bachelor's in anthropology. He is a professional member of the National Press Photographer's Association, and his work has appeared in the MUSC Catalyst newspaper, Charleston Post and Courier, Hilton Head Island Packet, Moultrie News, St. Louis American, St. Louis Magazine, the 2020 St. Louis Visitor's Guide and on Yahoo News, MSN and Patch.com.