Tom Vadnais

About Tom Vadnais

After graduating with a BSME from the University of Maryland in May 1978, I worked as a tire design, development, and testing engineer for BFGoodrich until October 1981. I\'ve continued analyzing tire failures and applications since then as a consulting engineer. In October 1981, I joined S-E-A Limited in Atlanta, where I also started doing forensic photography and consulting in accident reconstruction. Since 1985, I\'ve continued, first with partners, now solo, as a consulting Professional Engineer (PE) in tire failures and applications and forensic photography, with very limited accident reconstruction. Over the years, I\'ve been engaged for specialized photography, including night and product photography. Since 2004, I\'ve taught digital photography and post-processing in numerous classes, workshops, and lectures around the country. Most recently, I am teaching a three-day photography class through SAE International (formerly Society of Automotive Engineers) entitled \"Photography for Accident Reconstruction, Product Liability, and Testing\". I have testified as an expert witness in numerous Federal and State courts across the country about tires, accident reconstruction, and photography. For my c.v, fee schedule, and blog posts, please see my website at When I\'m not working, I most enjoy visiting and photographing car museums, or being out photographing landscapes. I relish the entire process from finding and capturing an image, through processing and printing it. I also teach classes and workshops, and give talks and seminars, on landscape photography and on Photoshop. I\'ve been teaching both a spring and fall workshop at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont since 2004. Well, except for spring 2020, which was canceled as a victim of COVID-19. I\'ve also participated in every Smoky Mountains Foto Fest (previously Western North Carolina Foto Fest) since its inception. In 2019, I gave a couple talks, taught two classes, participated in two panel discussions, and did a couple portfolio reviews. Really fun times.For NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association), I have co-led Regional Field Events in the Everglades and in the Smokies. I have also been two-term president of two of the largest camera clubs in Georgia: Roswell Photographic Society and Georgia Nature Photographers Association, and was also a founder and long-time board member of the North Georgia Camera Club Council. I\'ve given multiple talks, judged many competitions, and led numerous classes for camera clubs around the Southeast.

Experience

1. Instructor

   Sae International

   Jan 2018 — Present

   Designed, developed, and produced a peer-reviewed three-day class entitled \"Photography for Accident Reconstruction, Product Liability, and Testing\" with number C1729. I have taught it in multiple times in Florida, Michigan, California, and Arizona. Here is a link to the class information and registration:

Education

• University of Maryland

  Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering

  1973 — 1978