TAYLOR BALLEK
610 S. University St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 | | C: +1 (630) 335-0389 balle1tk@cmich.edu
Summary
Passionate Photographer who is successful at capturing and creating moments that tell a story to convey the truth.
Highlights
· Proficient in Final Cut Pro 10
· Traditional and digital printing
· Social media and mobile reporting
· Adobe Premiere Pro CC
· Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
· Digital video
· Skilled with Nikon Equipment
Experience
Staff Photographer Aug 2012 to 2014
Central Michigan Life Newspaper, Central Michigan University - Mt. Pleasant, MI
· Received assignments, covered events, toned and captioned photos to turn in before deadline
Photo Editor Aug 2013 to Jan 2014
Central Michigan Life Newspaper, Central Michigan University - Mt. Pleasant, MI
· Responsible for all photo related activities at a thrice-weekly student run newspaper
· Plan and direct staff on photo assignments
· Tone and edit photos to be published in print and on web
· Manage weekly staff meetings to review future events and assignments
· Shoot key events and stories for print and website
· Conducted all photo shoots in a calm and professional demeanor
· Collaborated successfully with a variety of personalities and work styles
· Led team for a three part edition, long term story on an old Native American Boarding School
Photographer Oct 2013
Wayside Central - Mt. Pleasant, MI
· Independently hired by Redbull to shoot a DJ concert hosted by Redbull
· Photos used to promote Redbull on social media and for advertisement purpose
Photographer Assistant May 2013 to Aug 2013
Amy Aiello Photography – Chicago, IL
· Assisted in photo shoots such as newborns, engagements, self-portraits, weddings, and magazines
· Helped organize photo workshops that taught others lighting processes and general use of a DSLR camera
· Researched and developed plans for upcoming events and participation in shows
· Set up precise photographic measurements and control equipment
· Improvised photographic methods and techniques
· Toned and edited photos, responsible for setting up equipment on location
· Organized appointments in calendar
Education
Study Abroad May-June 2014
Multimedia Experience – Cusco, Peru
· Attended daily Spanish class
· Attended daily multimedia and photography class emphasizing cultural immersions
· Volunteered at local orphanage
B.S, Photojournalism May 2015
Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, MI, US
Additional Information
Awards and Scholarships
· 2014 MPA Foundation Scholarship and Award
· Feature Photography Michigan Press Association Award – 3rd place 2013-2014
· National Pacemaker Award for 2013-2014 received by CM-Life during tenure as photo editor
References
Kent Miller- Photojournalism Advisor
989-774-3196
Dave Clark- Advisor at CM-Life
989-774-3493
Amy Aiello- Photographer
773-234-2691
Betsy Rau- Professor
989-774-3196
Teresa Hernandez
herna1t@cmich.edu
616-498-1270
Jennifer Carpel- Client
312-933-1114