Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Volunteer
Wendy McCarty

Wendy McCarty

Spartanburg,SC

Summary

I am first and foremost an outdoor enthusiast. I adore nature and love to experience the joy of watching others learn and grow within it. I am an avid creative artist. I enjoy sewing, crafting and an extensive array of art forms. I have taught enough classes at camps to have earned my camp nickname, "Bamboo Wendy."

I have 21 years of experience as a professional photographer. I photographed my first wedding while in college at Gardner-Webb University. That seems like yesterday. I began my photography career in the dark room, developing my own film. I now work with one of the most prominent digital cameras in the industry. I have learned and grown as technology has advanced.

I would estimate that I have photographed thousands of events in my career, over time. I have photographed many subjects in many settings. I am completely comfortable behind my camera and thoroughly enjoy capturing true, realistic moments that are un-posed and naturally occurring. I have the ability to pose my subjects, based on my client's needs, but do believe that the photojournalistic, natural approach to photography is my forte.

I have the pleasure of working as a freelance photographer for numerous organizations, including our local private school, college, and theatre on a regular basis. I thrive in the realm of media and the arts.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Photographer

Spartanburg Youth Theatre
Spartanburg, SC
12.2019 - Current
  • Deliver acting headshots to all graduating seniors who participated in shows at the theatre.
  • Photograph each stage show in real-time during each show's final dress rehearsal.
  • Store and deliver all images to client using my professional hosting site.
  • Capture critical moments during the performance of each actor or actress for their parent's archives.
  • Generate marketing imagery and materials for fundraisers and events.
  • Provide a one day turn-around of select images for promotional platforms and social media accounts.

Photographer

Spartanburg Little Theatre
Spartanburg, SC
01.2019 - Current
  • Photograph each stage show in real-time during each show's final dress rehearsal.
  • Store and deliver all images to client using my professional hosting site.
  • Capture critical moments during the performance of each actor or actress for their parent's archives.
  • Generate marketing imagery and materials for fundraisers and events.
  • Provide a one day turn-around of select images for promotional platforms and social media accounts.

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Day School
Spartanburg, SC
09.2018 - Current
  • Provided same-day turnaround of images for social media platforms to marketing department.
  • Provided promotional imagery for fundraising campaigns, annual fund flyers, etc.
  • Collaborated successfully with various personalities and work styles.
  • Photographed special events, parties and portraits.
  • Worked with design team to align photography with project specifications.
  • Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
  • Adhered to copyright laws while creating original photographs.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Modified existing software systems to enhance performance and add new features.
  • Delivered products to customer locations on time.
  • Understood and followed oral and written directions.

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Methodist College
Spartanburg, SC
05.2018 - Current
  • Saved and archived images and maintained master image library for future use.
  • Set up lighting equipment and adjust camera settings to capture desired images.
  • Selected and adjusted subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
  • Determined project goals, locations and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
  • Assist in planning setup of shoots including location scouting.
  • Provide direction to models and subjects throughout photoshoots while capturing natural expressions.
  • Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a photo shoot.
  • Compose creative shots from different angles that are visually appealing.
  • Ensure safety of people involved in photo sessions by following all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Planned and obtained original shots using innovative thinking and new techniques.
  • Edit photos using Adobe Photoshop and other software applications.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Herald-Journal/ Spartanburg Magazine
Spartanburg, SC
09.2017 - 05.2023
  • Document event guests and participants (including performers and guest speakers) at fundraisers, galas, art receptions, festivals, and sporting events.
  • Photograph the graduations of local high school seniors.
  • Provide same-day turn-around for images on a strict newspaper-level deadline.
  • Speak with photo subjects for identification and proper byline credits.
  • Provide promotional imagery for business owners to accompany articles printed in Spartanburg Magazine.
  • Achieve access to limited and restricted spaces in important settings and structures.

Studio Camera Operator/ Junior Graphic Designer

FOX Charlotte WCCB
Charlotte, NC
04.2004 - 12.2006
  • Collaborated with other crew members to ensure smooth operation of cameras during productions.
  • Helped prepare sets and set up equipment for in-studio filming.
  • Operated cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising or motion pictures.
  • Responded quickly to directions from directors while operating cameras simultaneously.
  • Participated in rehearsals to adjust angles and lighting conditions accordingly.
  • Set up and operated cameras in studio environment.
  • Adjusted positions and controls of cameras to change focus, exposure and lighting.
  • Checked equipment such as cables, lights and microphones before each shoot.
  • Composed and framed shots using camera settings and other technical aspects to achieve director requested results.
  • Designed graphics for studio productions.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously within tight deadlines.
  • Checked scripts for relevant information and to plan camera operation.
  • Adjusted camera settings to capture desired images for live broadcast.

Aphrodite Photography Inc

Owner and Operator
Pineville, NC
01.2006 - 01.2017

Owner and operator of a brick and mortar storefront.

Maintained a physical business storefront.

Scheduled client appointments, events and portrait sessions.

Worked closely with brides and wedding planners to achieve desired results on a strict schedule.

Maintained the functions of a business website.

Posted to social media to engage followers.

Managed accounting and bill pay for business responsibilities and operations.

Handled marketing and advertising.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications

Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
05-2003

Skills

  • Team Work
  • Student Engagement
  • Childcare Educator (Daycare, Homeschool)
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Decision-Making/ Quick Thinking
  • Arts, Crafts, and Games (LOVER OF THESE PLEASURES OF LIFE!)
  • Public Speaking (The loud voice necessary for directing and teaching)
  • Outdoor recreations (Lover of all-things outdoors/camping/exploring/ Nature)
  • Field Trip Supervision (Daycare, Parental assistant at Elementary School)
  • Friendly, Positive Attitude (Yay!)
  • Activity Planning and Coordination (LOTS of ideas in this realm)
  • Recreational Program Planning
  • Camp Operations (Teaching classes, photographer, cook's assistant @ Turtle Island Preserve, Boone NC)

Languages

English
Professional

References

Melinda Maxwell

Director of Enrollment Marketing

Spartanburg Methodist College

706.974.3658/cell

www.smcsc.edu

MaxwellM@smcsc.edu

Lee Healy

Director of Communications

Spartanburg Day School

864.582.7539 ext. 2013

www.spartanburgdayschool.org

lee.healy@sdsgriffin.org

Jay Coffman

Executive Artistic Director

Spartanburg Little Theatre

864.316.6433/cell

www.spartanburglittletheatre.com

jcoffman@spartanarts.org

Adam Sanders

Youth Theatre Director

Spartanburg Youth Theatre

864.237.1001/ cell

www.spartanburgyouththeatre.com

asanders@spartanarts.org

Alex Hicks

Chief Photographer

Spartanburg Herald-Journal

864.497.0141/cell

www.goupstate.com

phcalex.hicks@gmail.com

Timeline

Photographer

Spartanburg Youth Theatre
12.2019 - Current

Photographer

Spartanburg Little Theatre
01.2019 - Current

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Day School
09.2018 - Current

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Methodist College
05.2018 - Current

Freelance Photographer

Spartanburg Herald-Journal/ Spartanburg Magazine
09.2017 - 05.2023

Aphrodite Photography Inc

Owner and Operator
01.2006 - 01.2017

Studio Camera Operator/ Junior Graphic Designer

FOX Charlotte WCCB
04.2004 - 12.2006

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications

Gardner-Webb University
Wendy McCarty