Instructor Profile

Hello Class,

My name is Amanda Domingues.  I am your instructor for 7th grade Art 101.  Let me begin by telling you some information about myself before I get into what the class is about.

I began studying photography during my junior year in high school.  I attended Davis High School in Davis, California.  I progressed into advanced black and white photography during my senior year, and was presented with an Excellence in Photography Award upon graduation.  I continued my studies in photography at junior college.  I attended both Cosumnes River and Sacramento City College; there was an extension branch where I lived.  As I attended school, I worked at Ritz Camera as the lead lab technician.  I also taught ballet.  I danced ballet with Applegate Dance Company for many years and became a substitute instructor when I graduated from high school.  I received an internship at Ferrari Color in Sacramento for a summer.  I assisted the lab technicians, printed in the darkroom, and hand-touched prints.  I transferred to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, a few years later and began studying for a BFA degree in Art and Design with a concentration in Photography and Digital Imagery.  My senior project focused on photographing fashion models for a male clothing store in San Luis Obispo.  I also set up a website for the store that displayed the fashion images and clothing items.  When I graduated from Cal Poly, I began working for two well-known photographers on the Central Coast.  I was appointed as a digital photo album designer and assisted during photography assignments, mostly weddings.  I digitally created and designed photo albums, communicated with clients, and ordered final products.  I also designed photo albums from resort images for the photographer I assisted.  Eventually, I branched out on my own.  I began a wedding and portrait photography business.
Three years ago, I began working as an instructional aide at the elementary school that my daughter attended.  I enjoyed working with children again, having missed teaching ballet to young ones.  I decided advance my formal education and achieve a Master's degree in Education with a teaching credential.  My goal was to teach art.  I enrolled in National University.
In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family.  I have a daughter in seventh grade and a son in second grade.  My husband is a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service.  He works very hard; it takes a very dedicated hard working person to do his position.  I admire his strength, endurance, and work ethics.  We enjoy trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios.  Before my husband and I had children, we used to surf a lot together.  Now, we enjoy spending time relaxing on the beach together as a family; dodging waves and exploring the tide pools.  We enjoy seeing plays and musicals.  We enjoy going on walks and bike rides together.  My kids are very active, so they keep me busy.  The kids and I enjoy reading to each other, especially Harry Potter books.
I am looking forward to a wonderful class together.  Please comment below and tell me about yourself.  Contact me anytime if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Amanda Domingues