Taylor Ballek

V I S U A L J O U R N A L I S T

A passionate photographer who creates and captures moments that tell a story to convey the truth.

Experience

May 2015- Present PHOTO INTERN - The Grand Rapids Press – Grand Rapids, MI

+ Photograph and edit daily assignments, including but not limited to features, breaking news and sports

+ Create photo galleries

+ Produce daily assignment videos for MLive.com as well as for social media

+ Use social media to share work, connect, and inform audience

+ Archive images

+ Brainstorm ideas for upcoming staff photo projects as well as independent projects

2013 - 2014 PHOTO EDITOR – Central Michigan Life Newspaper, 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

Oct. 2013 PHOTOGRAPHER FOR REDBULL – Wayside Central, Mt. Pleasant, MI

+ Independently hired by Redbull to shoot a DJ concert hosted by Redbull

+ Photos were used to promote Redbull on social media and for advertisement purposes

May 2013- August 2013 ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER – Amy Aiello Photography, Chicago, IL

+ Assisted in photo shoots such as newborns, engagements, 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 art shows

+ Set up precise photographic measurements and control equipment on location

+ Organized appointments in calendar

May- June 2014 STUDY ABROAD - Cusco, Peru

+ Attended daily Spanish class

+ Attended daily multimedia and photography class emphasizing cultural immersions

+ Volunteered and produced a portrait project at a local orphanage for abandoned and disabled children

2011-2015 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE – Photojournalism

+ Attended Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

2015 MPPA CPOY third place

2015 MPPA News Category second place for photo story, ‘Reckless Control’

2014 MPA Foundation Scholarship and Award

2013-2014 National Pacemaker Award received by CM-Life during tenure as photo editor

References available upon request.