Aztecs in Photography

Derrick Tuskan (’06)

While at SDSU, photographer Derrick Tuskan (’06, art) got his start by chasing surfers for surf magazines. For nearly 10 years, he has shot for SDSU Athletics and has photographed two covers for SDSU Magazine: Jessica Duran Sarowitz for this issue and MLB pitcher Stephen Strasburg in 2025. Other clients include UC San Diego, the Padres and San Diego FC.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE DID YOU GET AT SDSU?
I took photography classes and worked in the photo lab mixing chemicals, but The Daily Aztec was where things really took off. I’d grab the paper, look at the photos and think, “I could do this.” I started as a volunteer, kept showing up and asking for assignments, and eventually became photo editor my senior year.

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE WITH SDSU ATHLETICS TODAY? 
I’m the team photographer for all the sports. I cover games, media days, special events and big press conferences. In short, I’m a visual historian—capturing today’s athletes and documenting the changes in our athletic department and venues.

YOU SHOT THE 2023 FINAL FOUR RUN. WHAT WAS MOST MEMORABLE ABOUT THAT? 
The travel! Starting in Florida, the back and forth, being home for 24 to 36 hours and then back on another flight. It was an adrenaline-filled month, and I wouldn’t change anything. And then there was being blocked by a referee on “The Shot” by Lamont Butler. The amount of times I had to tell people I got “zebra butt” was a pain in the you-know-what. In the moment, the blinders were on and it was work, but after the dust settled, it truly was special to be a part of that run with them.

Jeff Lewis (’11) and Jeff Lancaster (’90)

Nearly 15 years ago, Jeff Lewis (’11) was fresh out of college when he assisted Jeff Lancaster (’90), owner of Lancaster Photographics, on a Road Runner Sports shoot. Both got their starts behind the camera at The Daily Aztec, but Lewis learned a different side of photography from the established commercial photographer.

“Lancaster has always been an exceptional studio photographer and a master of lighting,” Lewis says. “I learned a huge amount about studio lighting simply by being on set with him and watching how he works.”

Since then, Lewis has built his own client base, including Toyota, Better Buzz Coffee, San Diego FC, Snapdragon Stadium and SDSU Athletics. Sports became a particular niche: He has photographed SDSU Athletics every year since graduating and expanded his work into video, drone photography and other emerging technologies.

Along the way, mentor and mentee became collaborators, with Lancaster often handling still photography and Lewis producing video to give clients both in one package.

For the fall 2026 issue of SDSU Magazine, the two friends worked side by side again, photographing seven SDSU athletes to watch in the Pac-12.

Caitlyn Smiley (’19)

Alumna Caitlyn Smiley didn’t have to travel far to put her Television, Film and New Media Production degree to work. Two years after graduating, she returned to SDSU to join SDSU Alumni and now creates photo and video content across campus, with Scripps Cottage ranking as her favorite backdrop.

For the fall 2026 issue of SDSU Magazine, Smiley was busy: She photographed alumnus David Judson (’92) at Judson Studios in Los Angeles, the Day family—currently 12 Aztecs strong—and donors Dennis (’75) and Elaine Szetos.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO TRANSITION FROM BEING AN SDSU STUDENT TO TELLING THE UNIVERSITY’S STORIES AS A STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER?
It was initially bittersweet. Being on campus brought back wonderful memories, but the friends who colored those memories were no longer there. In some ways, it felt like starting college all over again, except this time I knew where all the buildings were. But I was instantly welcomed into the staff side of the university and began building new relationships and memories. Capturing SDSU’s stories feels like giving back to the community that has stewarded my personal and professional journey for the last decade.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH AT SDSU?
I started as an event coordinator at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. I was hired for my film production background as the team added hybrid and livestreamed events coming out of the pandemic. I also occasionally created videos for SDSU Alumni eNews. After two years, I wanted to be more involved with alumni engagement and moved to that team. Over the years, my role has shifted and morphed into what I do now: event planning and content creation.

IF SOMEONE HANDED YOU A CAMERA AND ONE FREE DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU PHOTOGRAPH?
I would photograph my toddler son adventuring around the city. It’s not every day you get to see someone experience the world for the first time—so it is always a special thing for me to capture.