Laurine Tilbury
BELLINGHAM,WA
Summary
Results-oriented Photographer with experience managing a self-employed business, specializing in planning shoots, directing scenes, and editing images with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Strong client consultation skills enhance communication of needs and preferences, ensuring satisfaction. Proven organizational abilities in maintaining digital archives and managing equipment, while collaborating effectively to deliver high-quality content within deadlines.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Photographer
Self-employeed
BELLINGHAM
01.2013 - Current
- Managed self-employed photography business for client portraits, events, and commercial shoots.
- Planned shoots, locations, and lighting setups with self-employed client needs.
- Captured images using DSLR cameras, lenses, tripods, and flash equipment.
- Edited photos in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for color, cropping, and retouching.
- Communicated with clients to define shot lists, styles, and schedule details.
- Directed posing, framing, and scene composition during self-employed photo sessions.
- Organized digital archives, file names, and image delivery for self-employed projects.
- Maintained camera gear, batteries, memory cards, and studio equipment.
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Performed photo editing to achieve desired aesthetics. using Adobe Photoshop and other software applications.
- Set up lights, backdrops, and props for shoots and events.
- Deliver quality products within deadlines established by clientele.
- Collaborated with clients to plan shoots and boost satisfaction with photos.
- Maintain photography equipment including cameras, lenses, lighting gear, tripods.
- Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a photo shoot.
- Set up lighting equipment and adjust camera settings to capture desired images.
- Set up camera control equipment, stands, and tripods for shoots.
- Advise on appropriate poses, props, and backgrounds for each shot taken.
- Compose creative shots from different angles that are visually appealing.
- Explained price and package details to customers.
- Provide direction to models and subjects throughout photoshoots while capturing natural expressions.
- Utilized filters, edits, and after-effects to enhance photos.
- Cropped, manipulated, and performed color balance for final images.
- Assist in planning the setup of shoots including location scouting.
- Research trends in photography styles to stay up-to-date with current technologies and practices.
- Planned and obtained original shots using innovative thinking and new techniques.
- Scouted locations and curated props for photography shoots.
- Develop film, print photos, and make digital copies of existing photos.
- Saved and archived images and maintained the master image library for future use.
- Organize and store digital photographs, negatives, and prints in an orderly fashion.
- Create portfolios for clients to showcase work.
- Ensure safety of people involved in photo sessions by following all applicable laws and regulations.
- Conduct interviews with subjects of a photoshoot to ensure comfort level during the session.
- Implemented color correction processes to ensure accurate and vibrant images.
- Archived digital photographs to streamline access and retrieval.
- Edited and retouched photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance image quality.
- Utilized drone photography to capture aerial shots for real estate and landscape projects.
- Utilized advanced lighting techniques to achieve optimal exposure and mood in photographs.
- Coordinated with printing services to produce high-quality prints and photo books for clients.
- Conducted equipment tests to ensure reliable performance during shoots. prior to use, verifying good working order.
- Used traditional or digital cameras along with tripods, filters and flash attachments.
- Created artificial light using flashes and reflectors.
- Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Reviewed sets of photographs to select best work.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
- Developed creative concepts and themes for photo shoots in collaboration with clients.
Technical Expert
Social Security Adminstration
Bellingham, Washington
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Interpreted program guidance to support claims processing and benefit decisions.
- Resolved complex issues using agency systems and federal procedures.
- Drafted technical guidance for claims, eligibility, and customer service teams.
- Trained employees on SSA policies, workflows, and documentation standards.
- Evaluated processing errors and recommended improvements to administrative procedures.
- Coordinated with field staff on sensitive Social Security records and inquiries.
- Reviewed Social Security Administration case files for policy compliance and accuracy.
Claims Specialist
Social Security Adminstration
Bellingham
05.1998 - 04.2024
- Interviewed claimants and clarified eligibility requirements under Social Security Administration rules.
- Reviewed Social Security disability claims and verified supporting evidence.
- Applied federal regulations to evaluate claim status and benefit decisions.
- Communicated claim updates and requests to claimants, representatives, and providers.
- Documented case actions in Social Security Administration records and systems.
- Prepared determination letters following Social Security Administration policy and procedures.
- Coordinated with internal staff to resolve claim issues and missing documentation.
- Resolved claims by approving or denying documentation, calculating benefits due and determining compensation settlement.
- Maintained detailed records of all claim activities including notes about conversations with claimants or representatives.
- Maintained knowledge of policies and procedures and insurance coverage benefit levels, eligibility systems and verification processes.
- Provided customer service by responding promptly to inquiries from claimants regarding their benefits or coverage.
- Reviewed and analyzed insurance claims to determine validity, completeness, accuracy, and eligibility for payment.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to resolve issues related to claims processing.
- Communicated with other departments to establish action plans and manage open claims to closure.
- Processed payments for valid claims according to established procedures.
- Evaluated financial information provided by claimants in order to process payments quickly and accurately.
- Investigated complex or high-value claims to identify discrepancies and fraud indicators.
- Conducted interviews with involved claim parties and witnesses to gather detailed information and arrange investigations.
- Compiled data from multiple sources for reporting purposes.
- Identified trends in rejected claims that could indicate system errors or fraudulent activity.
- Performed periodic audits of closed files to ensure accuracy of documentation and compliance with regulations.
- Assessed and conducted negotiations within authority limits to settle claims.
- Assisted with filing appeals on denied claims with insurance companies.
- Researched medical records to evaluate claim validity and verify the existence of pre-existing conditions.
- Facilitated communication between claimants, providers, attorneys, adjusters, employers, and other parties involved in a claim.
- Drafted statements of loss to summarize damages, payments and underlying policy coverages.
- Performed quality assurance reviews on new hires' work product.
- Interpreted legal documents related to claims processing such as contracts and policy language.
- Provided legal support by assembling documentation for settlement action.
- Used skills to establish productive working relationships with car dealers, loan processors and community business partners.
- Investigated complex claims to determine coverage and liability.
- Provided exceptional customer service to maintain positive relationships with all parties.
- Communicated effectively with policyholders to explain claims processes and outcomes.
- Evaluated claims for potential fraud and took appropriate actions.
- Calculated and authorized payment of claims within specified limits.
Contact Representative
Social Security Adminstration
Bellingham, WA
06.1992 - 05.1998
- Responded to claimant inquiries about Social Security benefits and eligibility.
- Interpreted Social Security Administration policies for retirement, disability, and survivor claims.
- Reviewed earnings records and account data for accuracy and completeness.
- Processed routine applications and supporting documents using SSA case systems.
- Explained required forms, evidence, and appointment procedures to visitors and callers.
- Documented claimant contacts, follow-up actions, and case notes in agency records.
- Coordinated referrals for complex issues with SSA specialists and other offices.
- Resolved customer concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professional service.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss strategies for improving customer experience.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in customer service procedures.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to contact center operations.
- Provided personalized service tailored to each individual customer's needs.
- Implemented changes based on feedback from customers regarding product features or services.
- Utilized data analysis techniques to identify trends in customer behavior.
- Attended training sessions aimed at enhancing knowledge of relevant software applications and systems used in the contact center environment.
- Adhered to established policies and procedures while providing exceptional customer service.
- Identified opportunities to cross-sell additional products or services.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all interactions with customers in a customer relationship management database.
Education
Associate of Arts - Legal Secretary
Spokane Community College
Spokane, WA 09.1986 - 06.1988
Skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Lightroom editing
- Studio lighting
- Camera operation
- Client consultation, customer service
- Customer relationships
- Issue resolution
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Customer service
- Active listening
- Positive and professional
Timeline
Technical Expert
Social Security Adminstration
04.2024 - 04.2025
Photographer
Self-employeed
01.2013 - Current
Claims Specialist
Social Security Adminstration
05.1998 - 04.2024
Contact Representative
Social Security Adminstration
06.1992 - 05.1998
Associate of Arts - Legal Secretary
Spokane Community College
09.1986 - 06.1988