Ed Rode

My research and teaching interests focus on photojournalism, visual storytelling, commercial photography, and multimedia production. I am passionate about exploring the technical, creative, and ethical dimensions of visual media, with an emphasis on real-world applications in journalism, advertising, and entertainment.

I specialize in:

• Photojournalism and Documentary Photography – Examining the power of visual storytelling in journalism, from breaking news to long-form documentary work, with a strong emphasis on ethics and narrative depth.

• Sports Photography – Capturing the intensity of live action in professional and collegiate sports, while teaching students how to anticipate and document key moments.

• Commercial and Corporate Photography – Creating imagery for branding, marketing, and advertising, and helping students understand the business of photography in corporate settings.

• Music and Entertainment Photography – Documenting artists, performances, and the cultural impact of the music industry through still and video storytelling.

• Multimedia and Emerging Technologies – Exploring the role of video, drone photography, 360° imaging, and digital post-production in today’s media landscape.

• Ethics and Media Responsibility – Teaching best practices for journalistic integrity, digital manipulation ethics, and media law to ensure responsible storytelling.

• Studio and Portrait Photography – Developing skills in controlled lighting, editorial portraiture, and fine art photography for a range of professional applications..

Photography Instructor + Advisor
Journalism and Mass Communications Department
Murray State University – Murray, Kentucky (2019–Current)

Currently teach a 12 credit hour load per semester in the Journalism and Mass Communication department. Led workshops, classroom presentations in the “Meet the Pros” program in 2019. Advise student newspaper, advise students, (etc…..)

Media Photo Advisor
Vanderbilt University Student Communications – Nashville, Tennessee (2018–2020)

Provide oversight, support, and ethics coaching for student-sponsored publications. Instruct students on the use of analog and digital cameras, software techniques, ethics, and responsibilities for photojournalism.

Media Immersion Instructor
Vanderbilt University Student Communications – Nashville, TN (2018–2019)
Provide oversight, support and ethics coaching for student-sponsored publications. Instruct students on the use of analog and digital cameras, software techniques, ethics and photojournalism responsibilities. Teach the photo track program including social media, editorial strategies, art techniques, lighting, portraiture, photojournalism, and sports photography.  

Adjunct Professor of Digital Photography 
O’More College of Design – Nashville, Tennessee (2006–2008)

Instructor and lecturer for computer-based courses on digital photography. Goals included increasing photographic skills through the use of computer and software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Developed lesson plans from weekly course outline; adapted content, presentations and projects to inform and motivate students. Assessed assignments and exams; assigned course grades.

Adjunct Professor of Photojournalism 
Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Kentucky (1998–1999)

Delivered lectures and led hands-on classes introducing the basics of traditional and digital photojournalism. Facilitated review and critique sessions using theoretical models of art and provided guided direction for project outcomes. Developed lesson plans from weekly course outline; adapted content, presentations and examples to inform and motivate students. Assessed assignments and exams; assigned course grades.

Visual Media Advisor and Visiting Lecturer
Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois (1993–1996)

Evaluated and set goals for student-generated semester visual media projects. Developed and delivered lectures and presentations on trending photography and visual media issues. Provided instruction on the use of analog film and cameras, darkroom and lab processes and safety. Demonstrated digital photography camera use.