When Photography Instructor Lisa Cline talks with photography students at Dakota County Technical College, one piece of advice comes up again and again:

Say yes.

It’s a simple phrase, but one that has shaped her career for decades. It helped guide her from a high school student with a passion for photography to a professional photographer, business owner, educator, and now DCTC’s 2026 Instructor of the Year.

Along the way, it has become a philosophy she shares with her students as they discover their own paths in photography and beyond.

Finding Her Way Behind the Camera

Cline grew up in the south metro and graduated from Eagan High School, where she first discovered photography through art classes.

By the time she met with her high school guidance counselor to discuss her future, she already knew she wanted to pursue photography professionally. The response she received, however, gave her pause.

“The term starving artist is a thing,” Cline recalled being told. “If you really want to support yourself and make any money, I don’t suggest pursuing a career in the arts.”

Instead, she was encouraged to pursue a more practical career path. Following that advice, she enrolled at Winona State University as a math and accounting major.

While she found success in the classroom, something was missing.

“I did well, but I hated it,” Cline said.

Everything changed during her sophomore year when she enrolled in a communications course that included a photography project. As she worked through an assignment, a professor noticed her talent and encouraged her to consider a different path.

“He said, ‘You’re really good at this. We have a photography program here.'”

When Cline reminded him she was an accounting major, his response was direct.

“You shouldn’t be.”

The conversation changed the course of her career. Cline switched majors and has never looked back.

Today, she often thinks about that experience when working with students who are trying to find confidence in their own goals.

“I want to be that person in my students’ lives who tells them, ‘Yes, you can do this,’ because somebody once told me I couldn’t.” 

Building a Career Through Opportunity

Photography has been a constant throughout Cline’s life. She began working in the industry as a teenager and has remained employed as a photographer since she was 16 years old.

Over the years, her career has taken many different directions. She spent time working in photojournalism before serving as a photographer for the Minnesota House of Representatives. She also worked as a stringer for the Associated Press, photographing professional sports including Twins and Vikings games.

Her career later expanded into portrait photography, studio management, and corporate photography with LifeTouch, where she spent nine years working in areas including training, curriculum development, research and development, and project management.

Those experiences continue to inform the work she does with students today.

In 2017, Cline launched her own photography business. She initially expected to focus on newborn and family photography, but soon found clients requesting something entirely different: sports photography, team composites, senior banners, and athletic portraiture.

Rather than turning down opportunities outside her comfort zone, she followed advice from one of her longtime mentors, photographer and White House Custom Color founder Webb White.

“Just say yes,” he told her. Cline did exactly that.

The unexpected opportunities eventually became a major part of her business and reinforced a lesson she now shares regularly with students.

“My students will tell you how many times they hear me say it,” she said with a laugh. “Say yes.”

An Unexpected Path to Teaching

Cline’s journey to DCTC began much the same way. In 2018, a former colleague contacted her about teaching a Photoshop course at the college. At the time, teaching was not something she had considered pursuing.

“I was like, well, it’s not really something that I’ve done before, but yeah, I can do that,” she said.

One course quickly turned into several. As she spent more time in the classroom, she discovered a passion for helping students develop their technical skills and confidence.

When longtime Photography faculty member and program leader Darrell Tangen retired in 2021, Cline stepped into leadership of the program.

Looking back, she credits numerous mentors and colleagues who helped shape her path, including White House Custom Color founder Webb White, former Associated Press editor Kevin Schmidt, former supervisor Craig Brubaker, Winona State professor Drake Hokanson, and former DCTC Photography colleague Darrell Tangen.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without those people,” Cline said.

Away from campus, Cline’s life is just as full. She is a proud mom of two and part of a blended family with six children. When she’s not teaching, photographing clients, or mentoring students, she’s often spending time outdoors with her family. Skiing, hiking, paddleboarding, and travel are among her favorite ways to recharge. Whether exploring a new country or trying a new outdoor adventure, Cline embraces the same mindset that has guided much of her career: stay curious, remain open to opportunities, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Growing a Thriving Program

When Cline assumed leadership of the Photography program, the program was facing many of the same enrollment challenges seen across higher education.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like institutions across the country, DCTC was forced to rapidly transition courses online. For a hands-on field like photography, the shift raised important questions.

“How would we deliver something that felt so tangible, something so personal, in such a virtual space?” Cline said.

What followed surprised her.

As the program adapted to online delivery, enrollment began to grow. Within a few years, courses were consistently filling and waitlists became common. Today, students participate from across Minnesota and beyond.

The online format has allowed the program to reach working professionals, parents, and students who may not otherwise be able to attend classes on campus. Cline has worked with students from communities throughout Minnesota, as well as students living in other states.

The transition has also created new learning opportunities. Every class session is recorded, allowing students to revisit demonstrations, feedback, and lectures as often as needed. Transcripts and recordings support a variety of learning styles while providing additional flexibility for students balancing work, family, and education.

Cline believes another key factor has been giving students more opportunities to practice independently. Photography students receive equipment they can use beyond class time, allowing them to develop skills at their own pace rather than competing for limited studio access.

“The quality of work has definitely changed,” she said. “I’ve seen a marked difference.”

Preparing Students for Real-World Success

While creativity is an important part of photography, Cline believes technical proficiency and business knowledge are equally important. DCTC photography students learn to work in manual mode, understand lighting, master exposure, and develop strong technical foundations before moving into the more creative aspects of image-making.

“The technical part is what makes a professional,” Cline said.

The program also focuses on business skills that can help graduates build sustainable careers. Students learn about entrepreneurship, client relationships, pricing, and the realities of running a photography business.

“A lot of times the photographers that I see who are really good at what they do don’t know how to run a great business,” Cline said. “We do a great job trying to prepare students not only to be great photographers, but to be great business people.” 

Investing in Students

For Cline, some of the most rewarding moments happen after graduation. She frequently stays connected with former students and enjoys seeing them build careers in photography and related industries.

One former student, Emily, entered the program with plans to pursue portrait photography. After graduating, she was offered a position in sports photography and marketing, an area where she had little experience.

Unsure whether she should accept the opportunity, Emily remembered a familiar piece of advice from her instructor. “Lisa tells me to say yes.”

She accepted the position. Months later, she reached out to tell Cline how much she loved the job. Stories like Emily’s reinforce why Cline values building relationships with students and helping them discover possibilities they may not have initially considered.

“They’re not just names. They’re not just numbers,” she said. “They are people to me.”

Whether students are pursuing photography as a career, building a side business, or exploring a creative passion, she works to understand their goals and help them navigate the path forward.

An Award That Reflects a Community

For Cline, being named DCTC’s 2026 Instructor of the Year is both an honor and a reflection of the program she has worked to build alongside students, colleagues, and mentors.

She was nominated by students and selected for the award following years of growth and innovation within the Photography program.

“I’m just so proud of this program,” Cline said. “I’m so proud of my students, and I’m so proud to work at DCTC.”

As someone who believes deeply in the value of technical education, she sees the award as an opportunity to celebrate not only photography, but the students who choose hands-on career pathways.

“It’s an honor to represent not only my program, but DCTC as a whole and technical education in general,” she said. 

Throughout her career, saying yes has opened unexpected doors. Today, she hopes to help students recognize opportunities of their own. For many of them, she has become the person who once changed her life: someone willing to see potential, offer encouragement, and remind them that success is possible.

Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to say yes.

Learn More About Photography at DCTC

The Professional Photography A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs prepare students to capture images in many different environments and then transform those images into client-ready files or prints. The A.A.S. degree includes business courses preparing graduates for the current job market or photography business ownership.

Interested in pursuing photography at DCTC? Visit dctc.edu/photography to explore degree and diploma options, course offerings, and career pathways.