Dawn O'Neal Shumate
Light By Dawn Studios, LLC
lightbydawnstudios@gmail.com
828-372-2485
PO BOX 443, Boone NC
RESUME PROFILE
Capturing moments in time using light whether in full darkness, by the break of the dawn or anytime in between in my full-time career dream. My portfolio features a wide variety of photographs including but not limited to portraits, still-life, editorial, fine art and landscapes. Endeavoring & impassioned independent professional photographer residing in the beautiful mountain town of Boone, North Carolina. Quick learning, self starter with solid reliability, who strives to provide first rate customer service.
WORK HISTORY
Owner, Light By Dawn Studios LLC, Boone NC — May 2019-Present
Portrait * Event * Commercial Photographer providing local media outlets, businesses, schools, non-profits and individuals with custom tailored, dynamic photography solutions at a competitive price - www.lightbydawn.com
Full-time, freelance, event and media photographer — 2016-2019
In addition to gaining full-time work as a local photographer, I also volunteered photography services to local non-profit organizations such as Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Hospitality House, Hunger and Health Coalition, Casting Bread Food Ministries, The Childrens Council of Boone, AbleRec, LifeVillage and Watauga County Arts Council
Part-time, Freelance event and media photographer — 2010-2016
Gained part-time, local work as a photographer and received several yearly recurring event commitments to supply local media with photo packages covering events in the local High Country mountain region
EDUCATION
Completed four year self-study on the art of photography — 2008-2012
Completed two years college credit towards general education transfer degree with planned minor in Information Technology, Brevard Community College, Wilkes Community College and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute — 1997-2000
PUBLISHED WORK
All About Women cover and article photos - Sept-Oct 2021
"Pedal With Purpose: Spin Studio Owner Fosters Sense of Service, Community"
All About Women cover and article photos - May-June 2021
"Giving Through Gardening: Watauga County Native Serves as Garden Coordinator at Hospitality House"
Watauga Democrat and Mountain Times — Aug-Sep 2020
Dr. Jim Taylor with LifeVillage Greets First LifeHouse Residents
All About Women cover and article photos — May-Jun 2020
Dr. McNamara featured at the Lees McRae May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Banner Elk
Appalachian State University Appalachian Today - Sep 2019
App State opens registration for 15th annual The Knob part of the High Country Triple Crown
(Photo: Micheal Holland, the 2018 winner of The Knob race)
All About Women cover and article photos — May-Jun 2019
Macy Pate at the Boone Golf Course “Tee Time: Golf Can Be a Lifelong Hobby”
Boone My Hometown cover photo — 2018-2019
Downtown Boone as seen from the Jones House Lawn
All About Women cover and article photos — Nov-Dec 2018
Kate Arscott, Molley Chomper Cidery, Ashe County
Watauga Democrat, editorial photos — Apr 2018
Joy Prom event article photos
All About Women cover and article photos — Mar-Apr 2017
Remarkable Women of the High Country
Annual Best of the Best Awards — 2015-Present
Annual advertising awards photographer for Watauga Democrat, Ashe Post & Times,
The Avery Journal Times and Best of Preps
All About Women editorial photos — Mar 2014
Great Friend to Families, Kathy Parham, Playhouse Founder and Director
Watauga Democrat editorial photos — July 2011
Local Elections Candidates Forum editorial photos
The Mountain Times editorial photos — Feb 2011
Blowing Rock Winterfest editorial photos
Watauga Democrat editorial photos — 2011-2019
Annual Watauga High School Graduation Ceremonies
Mountain Times and The Blowing Rocket editorial photos — Jan 2011
Beech Mountain Winterfest editorial photos
Watauga Democrat editorial photos — 2011-2015
Annual Appalachian State University Commencement Ceremonies
Mountain Times and Watauga Democrat editorial photos — Dec 2010
Long John Carolers and Sheriff Baker Funeral
Mountain Times editorial photos — Sept 2010
Beech Mountain Bike Fest race editorial photos
Watauga Democrat editorial photos — Aug 2010
"Tax Referendum Draws Demonstration" and "Commissioners Hold Press Conference on Tax Referendum"
EXHIBITIONS
“High Country Capable” Photovoice project
Opening night, Talent Jam at Ransom Restaurant, Boone NC — Apr 4, 2019
Watauga County Arts Council — May 2019
3rd Place - Boone NC — Jul 3, 2019 & Nov 1, 2019
Dickson Gallery at Cannon Memorial Hospital Jan — Feb 2020
Mazie Jones Gallery at The Jones House — Mar 2021
Watauga High School Media Library — Apr 2024
Artist submission — "OH SHOOT" open photography exhibition at Watauga County Arts Council
Camera lamp with photo transfer fabric print lampshade — Oct 2019
COMMITTEE AFFILIATIONS
LifeVillage, Advisory Member & Volunteer Photographer — 2017-2021
Ablerec, Volunteer Photographer 2017-2020
AppHealthCare Innovative Approaches, Advisory Member — 2017-2019
Hunger and Health Coalition, Advisory Board Member — 2018-2020
Two Rivers Community School Board Member - Jan 2020-Present
Co-Facilitator at Wildwood Agile Learning Center — 2017-2020
La Leche League Volunteer and Leader 2001-2008
ARTIST-LED PROJECTS
“High Country Capable” Photovoice project — May 2017-Apr 2019
Apphealthcare Innovative Approaches - project focused upon employment availability for individuals with diverse abilities
“High Country Capable” Photovoice project — Aug 2019-Present
Watauga County Schools Exceptional Children Department - project focus features highlighting specific individuals
strengths and unique, diverse abilities
Ongoing personal projects - yet to be debuted publicly
