Next Up: Photographer

Christopher Noell made a commitment to follow his creative passion after eight years of service as a U.S. Marine. When he enrolled at Brightpoint, Christopher knew photography was his path. Through classes that helped him hone his craft and the support of encouraging professors, Christopher has excelled as a student and is now on a path to start his own photography or graphic arts business.

Here’s how Christopher is turning his hobby into a career:

Pursue What Excites You

“I always loved photography while I was in the Marines,” Christopher said. “I took pictures everywhere I went.”

Christopher valued photography as a form of authentic expression, but he hadn’t always considered it as a viable civilian career.

“Once I got out of the military, I worked in construction as an inspector,” Christopher said. “After that, I was a Wildlife Technician, treating homes and businesses for bugs, rodents, and wildlife.” 

He found his way back to his camera, and persuaded by Brightpoint’s convenient campus locations and smaller community, decided to enroll in an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree in Photography.

“I didn’t consider any other options for college,” Christopher said. “I was set on Brightpoint.”

Connect with People Who Care

Christopher is a 100% disabled veteran and treats his studies like a job.   

“I’ve excelled during my time at Brightpoint, achieving higher grades than in my high school days,” Christopher said.

And, Brightpoint’s supportive community has been essential to his academic success.

“My professors have been very helpful and understanding,” Christopher said.  “And I received help with my GI Bill through the Military & Veterans Education Office.”

The college’s small and engaging class settings also allowed him to meet classmates who share his interests and express his own, unique perspective as a retired Marine. His favorite class project was a montage of a war scene.

“It inspired me because I was able to show the class the life of a Marine in Afghanistan during the war, with real sounds from my personal videos,” Christopher said.

After graduating with his photography degree in May 2025, Christopher plans to continue at Brightpoint and study graphic design. He hopes to start a small photography or graphic arts business in the future.

“Brightpoint helped me achieve my goals even after I had been out of school for so long,” Christopher said. “I love Brightpoint.”