Students, colleagues remember photography faculty David Turner

RIT’s College of Art and Design is deeply saddened by the recent passing of School of Photographic Arts and Sciences faculty member David Turner. He died June 18 at the age of 65, according to his obituary. 

Always a beacon of light, Turner was a kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of so many with his tremendous gift for photography and teaching. He led “Magazine Mondays,” a weekly gathering fueled by his homemade cookies where David and students would analyze photography approaches and spreads in various publications. 

A renowned photographer who expertly captured the fashion scene for decades, Turner’s portfolio included photographs of industry icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, and Ralph Lauren. 

To remember a great person who positively impacted so many students and colleagues, below are tributes and photos of Turner, an RIT faculty member since 2017 who was always a willing model for student projects.

Abby Curtis '23 (photographic and imaging arts BFA - advertising photography option)

"David was always at school even when he wasn’t teaching that day. He just wanted to be with everyone else creating. He had the most incredible stories of some of the most prime times in fashion photography. He would finish his lecture for class and then we’d all stay overtime just to sit there and listen to him. I’ve never met anyone more passionate and grateful for the career that he had, both his shooting and teaching. I am so thankful I got to know him."

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Jim Porto

Abby Curtis, left, and David Turner take a selfie during the College of Art and Design's 2023 commencement ceremony.

Tristan deBrauwere ’24 (photographic and imaging arts BFA - advertising photography option)

"David wasn't just a professor, but a fixture in the RIT Photo community. He was always there for his students, and was one of the most giving people I've ever met. He profoundly impacted my time at RIT for the better."

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Tristan deBrauwere '24

David Turner was a frequent model for student portrait assignments.

Todd Jokl, dean, College of Art and Design

“David was a cherished professor, whom students adored. He gave so much of his time, expertise, and generosity to his students. Additionally, he was a genuinely kind person and soul. A remarkable colleague.”

Clay Patrick McBride, senior lecturer, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

“With everything David did he did with style, grace, and class. Playing trumpet, photographing, cooking, golf, teaching, reiki, and astronomy were all done with an amazing level of sophistication. He moved through life as if it were a ballet.”

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Clay Patrick McBride

Countless students were greatly impacted by Turner's generosity and creative knowledge.

Josh Meltzer, associate professor, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

“David has taught me to listen more than to speak, to approach everyone with care, patience and thoughtfulness, and that students do best when we love and support them to grow as creative visual storytellers."

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Josh Meltzer

Turner at the 2024 commencement ceremony, sporting a medallion honoring him as a member of the Alpha Sigma Lamda Honor Society.

Therese Mulligan, professor, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

“I was fortunate to have David as my officemate. Memories of his generous conversations with students while reviewing work, his ‘Magazine Mondays’ with students, and our own conversations about this or that flood over me. I was privileged to know David, knowing all of us in the Photo School were blessed by his friendship and kind support.”

Jim Porto, assistant professor, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

"One of David Turner's most amazing qualities was his ability to make me feel better about myself in every interaction we had, and I believe he gave this gift to everyone he interacted with.”

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School of Photographic Arts and Sciences faculty, from left, at a commencement ceremony: Jim Porto, William Snyder, David Turner, and Kristy Boyce.

Caroline Robbins ’24 (photographic and imaging arts BFA - advertising photography option) 

“David Turner was someone who made everyone in his life feel important and cared for. When my mom passed away just before classes started in January of this year, I came to him unsure of how to move forward in his class and unsure of how to function. In response, he would sit with me and tell me about his own mom, and we'd both laugh and cry about how weird grief is. He pushed me to live my life fully and to challenge myself as an artist, while also making sure I knew he was there to catch me if I fell. As I read the rest of these stories and the outpouring of love on social media, I realize every single person in his life felt deeply connected to him — students, co-workers, family, and friends. He was truly a friend to everyone he met, and I am forever grateful for how he helped me when I needed it most.”

Nanette Salvaggio, lecturer, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

“We have lost an incredible man, with a heart of gold and the willingness to share all the knowledge he had. He brought students together and was the most caring man I have ever known.”

Christye Sisson, director, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

“In a conversation with him just a few weeks ago, David told me that teaching had been his greatest privilege. He also shared a remarkable story; when he was a student, a faculty mentor went out of his way to help him overcome some serious challenges. When David thanked him for his kindness, that faculty member asked him not to thank him but to do the same for other students someday and pay it forward. He felt teaching was his calling and called it his life’s work.”

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Sophia Scaravillo '24

Turner was among the models for a series of portraits of game pet show contestants done by Sophia Scaravillo '24.