Administrative photographer retiring after 30 years at college
By Brittany Bezler
Bret Gustafson remains focused, even in his down time. His office space, complete with his shooting studio, is lined with recent pictures he’s taken, and the desk is filled with pictures, notes, places and things he’s working on next. It’s a never-ending journey for Gustafson, something he sees is the value of all his years of hard work.
It’s the same work that Gustafson treasures, hard-working and full of enthusiasm. Gustafson’s eyes glitter as he recalls his start in photography in his high school on the yearbook team, Gustafson said it wasn’t an easy start.
“I worked for the University of Kansas Medical Center [KU Med] from 1976 to 1980,” he said, “and for four years I was a photographer for the doctors and staff there, but I couldn’t see it going anywhere.”
So, after calling it quits, Gustafson left KU Med and joined the college, remaining a valued member for more than 30 years.
Although he said his start was a bit of a challenge, Gustafson made a name for himself quickly at the college, becoming someone people trusted with their work. He said that he sees his work at the college as “historical documentation,” working closely with Public Relations at the college.
“Public Relations isn’t the only thing I do, I do everything else,” Gustafson said. “I enjoy sports more, especially with how it’s easier to shot and focus. Candid moments still remain my favorite thing to shoot, however.”
Julie Haas, associate vice president of Marketing and Communications, said briefly about the activities and events hosted, and photographed by Gustafson.
“Events and other things with public relations usually schedule with Gustafson per his accommodation, but are always met with satisfaction,” she said.
With every piece Gustafson has shot, he still remains loyal to chemical developing, saying that, “magic is lost without chemicals.” He does see an easier way of capturing the moment with digital. Never editing his pictures except to “alter levels,” it remains a phenomenon to the college that Gustafson is able to capture moments without extreme effort.
Gustafson will retire from the college May 31 this year, but still plans to remain active through various projects.
“I’ll do some freelance photography, and I really want to go on volunteer work,” he said.
Gustafson looks around at the pictures that line his office space, all his prized work and everything people have given him over the years – becoming a second home.
“I always knew that photography is what I wanted to do,” he said. “You just need to have confidence in yourself when shooting.”
Contact Brittany Bezler, reporting correspondent, at bbezler@stumail.jccc.edu.