Hello, I'm Gibran Godfrey. I am from Chesapeake, Virginia. Was a photographer and writer for the athletics department at Virginia State and now contribute and shoot for the Oregon football team.
Currently works for Walt Disney World as a cast member in the Disney College Program. Received Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications at Virginia State University with a minor in business management and master's degree from University of Oregon in Journalism.
Produced photography for over seven years and aspire to get a career as a professional sports photographer.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
College Program Food Service QSR Cast Member
Walt Disney World Resort
08.2024 - Current
Enhanced guest experience by providing exceptional customer service and maintaining a positive attitude.
Implemented problem-solving skills when addressing unexpected challenges or changes within the workplace setting.
Maintained cleanliness and organization throughout various areas, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
Supported team members during peak times by taking on additional roles when needed, fostering a cooperative work environment.
Assisted in creating memorable experiences for guests through interactive entertainment and engaging activities.
Handled cash transactions effectively, ensuring accuracy and adhering to company policies for financial security.
Provided accurate information and helpful guidance to visitors, improving their overall park experience.
Staff Photographer
University of Oregon Football Digital Media
09.2023 - 01.2024
Delivered consistent results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively.
Assisted colleagues during large-scale productions, managing logistics and providing additional photographic support when needed.
Assisted in coordinating on-location shoots, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish.
Captured high-quality images by utilizing advanced photography techniques and equipment.
Enhanced visual storytelling with expert photo editing and retouching skills.
Collaborated with editorial team to produce visually compelling content for print and digital media.
Developed creative concepts for photo shoots, resulting in unique and dynamic imagery.
Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
Maintained photographic equipment in optimal condition, reducing downtime and costly repairs.
Freelance Contributor Photographer
KVAL Channel 13
10.2023 - 06.2024
Captured, edited, and captioned game day photos at University of Oregon men's and women's basketball games, baseball games, softball games, track and field meets, and local high school football games.
Researched and organized facts and sources.
Achieved superior results with strategic planning, goal-setting, and focused execution of tasks at hand.
Delivered high-quality work within tight deadlines, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
Created content for websites and online publications.
Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
Sports Information Director Assistant Intern
Virginia State University Athletics Department
08.2022 - 05.2023
Assisted with game day operations and set up for sporting events
Assisted with game day and practice photography/videography to create social media and website promotional content for all sports
Collaborated with marketing team on promotional campaigns to drive ticket sales and increase attendance at sporting events.
Produced compelling feature stories highlighting individual achievements of student-athletes both on and off the field.
Managed game-day operations, ensuring seamless execution of events for athletes and spectators.
Implemented social media strategies to effectively connect with fans and boost online presence.
Developed engaging content for athletic department website, resulting in increased online traffic and fan engagement.
Wrote and edited articles, web content, advertising copy, periodicals and publications for internal and external audiences.
Photographer/Videographer
Virginia State University Athletics Department
08.2021 - 05.2023
Captured high-quality sports images by utilizing advanced photography techniques and equipment.
Increased event coverage efficiency by coordinating with athletics department and scouting ideal locations for capturing action shots.
Assisted selecting the best images for promotional purposes or personal use after each shoot or event covered.
Optimized image storage systems, categorizing digital files for easy access and retrieval when needed.
Adapted shooting style according to different lighting conditions, weather factors, or venue specifications to achieve optimal results.
Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
Women's Basketball Manager and Photographer
Virginia State University
10.2022 - 05.2023
Virginia State University 2022-23 Women's Basketball Manager and team photography/videographer
Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.
Organized and oversaw special events such as birthday parties, tournaments and team-building activities.
Partnered across departments to run smooth, professional events and activities.
Inspected equipment and facilities for signs of wear or damage impacting safety.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
Managing Editor, Sports Editor, Photo Editor, Staff Writer and Photographer
The Virginia Statesman Newspaper
01.2021 - 05.2023
Maintained editorial standards by enforcing adherence to style guides, grammar rules, and ethical journalism principles.
Established clear expectations for staff members, setting achievable goals that motivated them towards success.
Championed innovative storytelling formats that captured audience attention and enhanced user experience.
Managed a diverse team of writers, editors, and designers to produce high-quality content consistently.
Edited long and short-form content, specializing in Virginia State University sports content.
Oversaw publication of digital and print products, aligning multi-media content strategies to maintain cohesive brand identity.
Sales Associate
Under Armour
06.2020 - 08.2021
Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
Sports Attendant
YMCA of South Hampton Roads
09.2018 - 08.2019
Facilitated clear communication among team members by acting as a liaison between coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators.
Assisted in the organization of sports events, ensuring smooth operations and positive experiences for participants.
Established rapport with student-athletes, cultivating relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Supported the recruitment process by scouting potential athletes, evaluating talent, and providing recommendations to coaching staff.
Refereed youth basketball, soccer, and flag football games.
Education
Master of Science - Journalism
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
06-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications And Business Management