About
Statement of Work
Valery Yvonne Rose Bates, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Educator
Valery Y.R. Bates' interests include shooting environmental and nature photography. Her photography shoots takes place throughout the year in the United States and around the world. One of the central themes is "textures and patterns as in man and nature." Her photography shows a particular place in the environment. She is experienced with 35mm film and digital photography.
Her formal photographic education began at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her photographic knowledge and skills have been enhanced at the New York Institute of Photography. In recent years, her graphic design has been enhance at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh’s Digital Design program. Over the years, she has kept up to date with technological advancements by participating in workshops, programs, photo shoots, and memberships in photographic, art and graphics organizations. Her memberships include:
- The Camera Club of Richmond (CCR),
- The Photographic Society of America (PSA),
- The Association for Education in Journalism (AEJMC),
- The American Institute Of Graphic Arts (AIGA),
- The National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates (NAAAS),
- The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), and
- National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).
She completed a career as a professor at Virginia State University (VSU) in the Department of Art and Design. She is the former Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services at VSU. She currently works as a part time faculty person at John Tyler Community College wherein she teaches photography and photojournalism courses.
As a professional, Valery Bates wears many hats. She is a photographer, scholar, professor, graphic designer, and former administrator. Her Ph.D. is in Mass Communications from Howard University. Her BFA is in Design: Communications Arts and Design; her MFA is in Design/Visual Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
As member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and Chairperson of PSA Greenhood Scholarship and Grants Committee, she wrote an article to announce the 2013-2014 scholarship winners for the Art Institutes. The publication was the PSA Journal. The article was published in February 2014. The title of the article follows: “Five Years of PSA Greenhood Scholarship Awards.” The link to the article follows: http://www.psa-photo.org/index.php?psa-journal-overview.
A poet wrote about her "She is artistic by nature and study. Accomplished."
She lives in Richmond, Virginia and is married.