Don Orkoskey

Don Orkoskey is a professional photographer, designer, and artist living in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the owner of WDO Photography LLC an event photography and portrait photography business based in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. Don also offers photography classes near Pittsburgh and virtually. He leads free monthly photography walk through Frick Park or one of Pittsburgh's other incredible parks. These walks are open to the public regardless of skill levels or types of cameras. Phone photographers as well as families with kids are encouraged to attend. This is a fun, social (but safely distanced) event that gives people the opportunity to explore nature, nature photography, and to learn about photography from Don and other attendees.

Don is a former President of the Board and now Emeritus Board Member of Strip District Neighbors, a community economic development nonprofit based in Pittsburgh's Strip District. Don is currently the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers. When not busy with photography clients, web design, art, or teaching Don spends time with his incredible wife Zhanna Budenkova, playing football (soccer), cycling, or giving his time to causes he cares deeply about. Don is a graduate of the photography program at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He studied photojournalism at Point Park University and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh. Don also holds a certificate in Permaculture Design from Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens. Don is the founder of the Global Photography School a worldwide network of photographers and those interested in photography with a focus on helping photographers that have been displaced including by war or otherwise marginalized. Don believes that everyone has the right to tell their story and that the stories of individuals and groups are best told by those with lived experience.