Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Clients And Publications
Affiliations
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Tonya McCahon

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGER
Photography Manager and Creative Producer with more than 25 years of experience leading creative teams, producing live-event and studio photography, and driving brand storytelling for global organizations. Expert in sports, lifestyle, and editorial photography with a proven record of managing high-volume asset libraries, developing efficient creative workflows, and ensuring visual consistency across all content channels. Experienced collaborating across marketing, content, and brand teams to deliver images that strengthen identity, build community, and inspire engagement.

Work History

Photo Manager

Activision Blizard Entertainment
Los Angeles, California
  • Developed and managed budgets for all photography teams
  • Ensured the delivery of exceptional images, on budget and on time to support the Overwatch and Call of Duty live e-sports leagues
  • Directed international photography teams for Overwatch League and Call of Duty esports, capturing dynamic live-event, promotional, and athlete-focused imagery.
  • Managed large-scale creative budgets and coordinated cross-departmental photo coverage across global markets.
  • Developed photo tagging, curation, and DAM workflows ensuring consistent visual branding and efficient access to assets.
  • Fostered an inclusive, high-performing creative environment that prioritized collaboration, accountability, and storytelling excellence.

Art Director

TnT Pictures, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
  • Led creative direction and execution of photography campaigns for commercial, editorial, and entertainment clients.
  • Built and mentored a multidisciplinary creative team, fostering collaboration and growth.
  • Managed large-scale creative budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure on-time, on-brand delivery.
  • Partnered with clients including USC, Coca-Cola, Activision Blizzard Entertainment, and Disney to translate brand vision into compelling visual storytelling.
  • Directed end-to-end creative workflow — from concept development and art direction to retouching and final delivery — maintaining excellence in quality and brand consistency.

Photo Editor and Image Retoucher

Contracted for Disney/National Geographic
  • Provided contracted editorial support as both a photo editor and image retoucher for Disney and National Geographic properties.
  • Retouched and optimized images for print and digital campaigns, ensuring visual alignment with brand tone and storytelling.
  • Managed image preparation, metadata tagging, and delivery across editorial and marketing platforms.
  • Collaborated with photographers, editors, and designers to deliver exceptional-quality imagery and consistent creative output.

Photo Editor & Retoucher

Lunada Bay
Anaheim, California
  • Edited high-quality images for product catalogs and marketing materials.
  • Enhanced image quality through color correction and retouching techniques.
  • Collaborated with design teams to ensure visual consistency across projects.
  • Managed digital asset organization for efficient retrieval and archiving.
  • Created visual effects using advanced editing techniques to enhance photographs.
  • Provided feedback on post-production work from other editors for quality assurance.
  • Resized images according to specifications for various media platforms.
  • Maintained an organized database of edited photos for easy access.

Photo Editor - E-Commerce

Lucky Brand
Los Angeles, California
  • Supported e-commerce and marketing teams with digital capture, photo editing, and image optimization for online retail.
  • Maintained consistent lighting, color, and product representation across platforms.
  • Collaborated with stylists, photographers, and art directors to ensure visual alignment with brand identity.
  • Excelled in a high-paced, high-volume production environment, delivering exceptional-quality images under tight deadlines.

Photograhper

Freelance
Los Angeles, California
  • Captured diverse subjects through professional photography techniques and equipment.
  • Edited images with industry-standard software to optimize visual impact.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand visions and preferences for photo shoots.
  • Organized and maintained equipment to promote efficient workflow.
  • Coordinated schedules and locations for multiple photography sessions.
  • Provided direction to models, capturing natural expressions during shoots.
  • Managed budgets for supplies needed for each project.
  • Maintained an online portfolio to showcase work and attract clients.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their visions and preferences for shoots.
  • Organized and maintained photography equipment for efficient workflow.
  • Coordinated schedules and locations for multiple photography sessions effectively.
  • Provided guidance to clients on poses and settings during photo sessions.
  • Set up lights, backdrops, and props for shoots and events.
  • Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a photo shoot.
  • Collaborate with art directors, stylists, makeup artists as part of a team effort.
  • Saved and archived images and maintained master image library for future use.
  • Manage budgets
  • Negotiated contracts and fees with clients, ensuring clear communication of deliverables.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
  • Created and maintained an online portfolio to showcase photography work and attract new clients.
  • Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.

Digital Imaging Technician

Freelance
Los Angeles, California
  • Operated digital imaging equipment to produce high-quality photos.
  • Edited and retouched images using industry-standard software, enhancing visual appeal.
  • Maintained organized digital asset management for efficient project workflows.
  • Collaborated with team members to meet tight project deadlines consistently.
  • Provided technical support to photographers, optimizing camera settings for shoots.
  • Managed color correction processes to ensure consistent image quality.
  • Researched advancements in digital imaging technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL

EXPERIENCE
  • Photographer for USC — captured editorial, event, and portrait photography for university communications and marketing.
  • Contract Photographer for the Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee Newspaper — contributed photojournalism coverage for feature and event stories.

Education

BBA - Marketing & Human Resource Management

Griffith University
Brisbane, Australia

Some College (No Degree) - Japanese Language

Bi-Lingual Japanese Language School
Tokyo, Japan

Some College (No Degree) - Broadcast Journalism

Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA

Photography

Santa Fe Photography Workshop
Santa Fe, NM

Digital Technician Training

Phase One
Hollywood, CA

Skills

  • Highly motivated and adaptable
  • Excels in a high-paced, high-stress environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Impeccable attention to detail
  • Time management and organization
  • Innovative visual storytelling from concept to delivery
  • Creative team building, leadership and mentorship
  • Art direction and photo editing
  • Photography and video expertise
  • Sports, lifestyle, portrait, and live-event photography
  • Camera systems knowledge
  • Lighting systems experience
  • Mac OS X, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Capture One, Photo Mechanic, Final Cut Pro, and Chronosync proficiency
  • Image editing and compositing skills
  • AI image generation experience
  • Digital asset management (DAM) knowledge
  • Budgeting and project coordination
  • Awareness of copyright, licensing, and industry best practices

Websites

Clients And Publications

  • Activision Blizzard
  • Disney/National Geographic
  • Amtrak
  • Microsoft
  • Home Depot
  • Target
  • Lucky Brand
  • Los Angeles Times Newspapers
  • Sacramento Bee Newspapers
  • University of Southern California
  • YMCA
  • National Geographic
  • Pacific Magazines
  • HGTV - USA
  • Harper Collins
  • Allen & Unwin
  • Penguin Group (Australia)
  • Luxe Magazine
  • Elle Décor Magazine
  • Duo Magazine
  • Sunset Magazine
  • Dwell Magazine
  • Country Style Magazine
  • Proven Winners
  • JPD Media
  • Durie Design
  • Trex Company, Inc.
  • Alexel, Inc. - Japan
  • Michaelson Found Animal
  • Uggs
  • Nature Lab Tokyo
  • Shea Homes
  • Englebert Strauss
  • Alterna
  • Jose Cuervo
  • Avon
  • Medallia Inc.

Affiliations

  • Volunteer Photographer — Animal Rescue Organizations
  • Provided professional photography services for NKLA, Best Friends Animal Society, Found Animals, Adopt & Shop, and the West LA Animal Shelter.
  • Captured portraits of adoptable pets to increase adoption rates and strengthen community outreach.
  • Applied storytelling skills to support community engagement, demonstrating compassion and commitment to animal welfare.

Languages

Japanese
Limited

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Photo Manager

Activision Blizard Entertainment

Art Director

TnT Pictures, Inc.

Photo Editor and Image Retoucher

Contracted for Disney/National Geographic

Photo Editor & Retoucher

Lunada Bay

Photo Editor - E-Commerce

Lucky Brand

Photograhper

Freelance

Digital Imaging Technician

Freelance

ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL

EXPERIENCE

BBA - Marketing & Human Resource Management

Griffith University

Some College (No Degree) - Japanese Language

Bi-Lingual Japanese Language School

Some College (No Degree) - Broadcast Journalism

Santa Monica College

Photography

Santa Fe Photography Workshop

Digital Technician Training

Phase One

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Tonya McCahon