Associate Professor of Photography, Photojournalism
Christopher Rolinson discovered his passion for photography at Slippery Rock University after a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. At Slippery Rock, Rolinson merged fine art photography with communication and politics.
Upon graduation in 2000, Rolinson practiced photojournalism at the Steubenville, Ohio Herald-Star. He has since started his own freelance photography company, StartPoint Media, Inc., whose clients include The Associated Press, The Washington Post, and other local and national publications.
In 2004, Rolinson began the ambitious project of documenting Pennsylvania's state parks and wild places. It was his quest to increase awareness and participation in the appreciation and preservation of Pennsylvania's remaining wildernesses. The compilation, Our State Parks, was published in 2009.
Rolinson began investigating the world of Gigapan imaging in 2008. He is researching and experimenting with methods to further develop functional non-linear interactive documentary and photojournalistic gigapixel photographs. He is currently a contributing editor to Gigapan Magazine.
His domestic photographic expeditions have included the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the G20 Pittsburgh Summit, and Amistad National Recreation Area Artist-in-Residency. International expeditions have taken him to document the aftermath of war in Kosovo and Serbia and the transition to capitalism and democracy in Hungary and Slovakia.
While an adjunct at Point Park, Rolinson spearheaded significant changes in the photography and photojournalism programs. He grew the programs from their infancy to well over 100 students. Rolinson continues to serve on the faculty at Point Park, and in 2010, he coordinated major realignments in curriculum to reflect the ever-evolving media and photography landscape.
He has introduced new courses, collaborations and partnerships to expand and diversify the photography and photojournalism program. He also has facilitated Heart Gallery exhibitions in partnership with the Three Rivers Adoption Council. In partnership with the Father Ryan Arts Center, Rolinson coordinated a travelling exhibition that featured student work centered on the inauguration of President Barack Obama. He also plays an active role in the visual and multimedia marketing for the University.
Memberships
- Pittsburgh Press Club
- American Legion
- National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
- The Society of Photographic Education (SPE)
- The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) (he is the treasurer of the Pittsburgh chapter)
Education
- M.A., Journalism and Mass Communication, Point Park University
- B.A., Art, Slippery Rock University
Contact
E-mail: crolinson@pointpark.edu
Office phone: 412-392-3411
Offices: 913 Thayer Hall and 503 Academic Hall