Resume

SUMMARY

Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Photography concentration

15+ years of newspaper photojournalism experience

25+ years of freelance photography work

25+ years ownership and management of OdellPhotos.com

Professional, positive personality and attitude

Complete knowledge of photographic technology both old and new

Extensive knowledge of computer software and hardware

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Owner / Photographer OdellPhotos.com Centreville, MD and now Sarasota Florida! 1986 to Present (full time since April 2009)

Created OdellPhotos to allow for photographic opportunities beyond the boundaries of traditional photojournalism. Taking the knowledge gained through a dozen years of newspaper work to effectively shoot corporate events, portraiture and project documentation. Work published in a myriad of newspapers, magazines, articles and brochures (examples available upon request). Clients range from individuals to large corporations; recently shot material used by large company for a national ad campaign. Able to quickly put clients at ease, whether it’s a marketing team on deadline or a client who has always disliked being photographed. Avidly study the imaging industry, learning and adeptly using the latest software and hardware on the market. Thorough business training has provided a strong foundation while utilizing best business practices help to keep the company growing at a steady pace all the while maintaining many initial customers as devoted clients.

Staff Photographer Republican National Committee (RNC) - April 2009 to December 2010

Working for the chairman’s office to cover meetings and tours around the country. Setting up and shooting hundreds of studio portraits at the D.C. office. Photographed for the fundraising branch covering the large donor events with some of the top tier dignitaries in attendance. The largest project was coverage of a 45 day, 48 state bus tour documenting a successful attempt at a political turnover. Being stationed on the bus, and traveling as an integral part of the team allowed for some great images as the only photographer with complete access to the activities of the RNC Chairman.

Photographer Governor's Press Office Annapolis, MD - January 2003 to April 2009

Hired as a member of the governor’s staff to document the chief executive’s tenure in office. Granted a security clearance with the state police and an “Arm's Length Distance” clearance through the U.S. Secret Service to the President of the United States. Images became part of tourism brochures, agricultural calendars, political portraits, press releases, and the Maryland state archives. Headed the effort to bring the governor’s photography office into the digital age and away from shooting film and chemistry based printing. Linked the lab and press office with a better digital filing system allowing for quick retrieval of images. Procured and setup a “dry” print system further increasing office productivity and standards. This system, which is still in use today, allows for the public to search, download and print images from public events, saving the state many thousands of tax payer funds. Self motivated enough to reach beyond the boundaries of just one job description to cover assignments for the other cabinet level agencies. Documenting jobs for the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Police, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Police, Department of General Services and State Archives. Developing these relationships and extending services to these branches of Maryland government also decreased expenses for the state.

Staff Photographer Annapolis Capital Newspaper Annapolis, MD - Oct. 1989 to Jan. 2003

The Annapolis Capital, with a circulation of approximately 50,000 daily readers and extensively covering an entire county. Photographed a myriad of experiences from breaking news such as crime scenes and emergency situations to public interest stories like graduations, store openings, and K-12 school stories. Based in the capitol city, also covering state politics and politicians. Heavily covered the U.S. Naval Academy as well as the other universities and colleges in the area. Working in the fast paced news environment helped to develop a deep ability to react quickly and drill down to the root of a story and best depict a story or idea. While using the cutting edge technology as those cameras and computers hit the market was the best way to learn the new direction the industry was traveling. Always kept busy shooting as many as nine assignments in a shift yet consistently meeting every deadline. The dedication shown on the job along with the ability to communicate kindly and patiently with the public during this time led to bigger job options.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree Visual Arts (Photography) Minor studies in Business

1989 University of Maryland Baltimore County - Catonsville, MD USA

4th year internship with the Baltimore Sun