The Visual Center is a combination of the experience and knowledge of two photographers and artists, Trent Bates and Carlos Sanchez.
Between the two of them, they have over 40 years of experience as printers, photographers, artists and educators. They’ve brought their collective knowledge together to share and inspire anyone interested in learning more about printing, photography and art. Join them as they explore alternative print methods, experiment with studio lighting, demonstrate post production techniques or perhaps just be inspired to do something more with your work.

Carlos and Trent
Carlos and Trent met while obtaining BFAs in Photography. After much experience and a few years passing they were brought together again when both were offered the opportunity to teach at the same university. They quickly discovered their shared passion for teaching and eventually decided to create The Visual Center with a goal to share all that they’ve learned and provide a better printing solution for artists. Their hope is to expand their audience beyond a classroom and extend their influence past a 4-month long semester.

Carlos
From a very early age Carlos has had a constant need to create and make. Exercising his creativity has been a daily part of his life. His journey from drawing and doodling as a child, to beginning photography in high school and continuing on to get a BFA in Photography from Utah Valley University has taught him the importance of exercising his creativity. Everything he does now from teaching at universities to spending time with his wife and kids, who are also artists, is backed by that need to use his creativity. And he is constantly on the search for what that next creative project will be.

Trent
Trent has always had an interest in the visual arts evidenced by the impressionistic landscapes hanging on his bedroom walls as a teenager. His parents bought him his first camera for his birthday at 16 and he never looked back. He obtained an MFA in Fine Art Media from The Slade School of Fine Art and currently teaches as an adjunct professor back in the States. He’s participated in a number of international fine art exhibitions and also enjoys producing work for commercial clients. Most importantly, he’s married to a phenomenally talented food photographer.