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


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

Using Format