Matthew Rory Diggs is a visual storyteller and communications specialist living in the Nashville area with his lovely artist wife Zandrea and their three cats Java, Kiwi and Nutmeg. Below is his resume. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Education
Union University - Jackson, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Studies, 2008
Emphasis in Communication Arts
Minor in Photojournalism
Work History
Dollar General Corporation
Public Relations/Communications Specialist – Intern (2011-2012)
Accomplishments include: Writing concise and targeted press releases that are distributed nationally through wire services. Writing pieces for internal communication to be published on the company intranet and newsletter. Creating media reports using media monitoring services, including Cision and MyMediaInfo. Contacting and interacting with various media outlets. Photographing corporate events, and proofreading documents.
Gallatin News Examiner/Hendersonville Star News
Freelance Photographer (2009-Present)
Accomplishments include: Creatively photographing assignments on a tight deadline. Gathering information to write concise photo captions. Editing photographs to be published in print and online galleries. Taking initiative to discover new stories that interest and inform the public.
Tennessee State University - Nashville, Tennessee
Freelance Photographer/Social Media Coordinator (2008-2009)
Accomplishments Include: Working with TSU’s Media Relations Department to create and publish media of events including student life, sports and other special occasions. Photographing campus life to be used in University promotional material. Drafting press releases, proofreading and posting to University social media outlets.
The Jackson Sun - Jackson, Tennessee
Photographer/Videographer (2007-2009)
Accomplishments Include: Exercising creativity under pressure by completing various photo and video assignments while on a strict deadline. Photography styles ranging from sports, spot news and studio. Capturing and editing video news pieces for web publication. Various photographs have been distributed internationally by the Associated Press.
Englewood Baptist Church - Jackson, Tennessee
Web designer and Photographer (2007-2009)
Accomplishments include: Creating and redesigning web pages using HTML and CSS inside a content management system. Photographing special events and creating multimedia pieces. Selecting photographs for design layout for both print and web use.
Skills
Software: Adobe CS3, Photo Mechanic, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, Quark
Equipment: (Video) Canon XL-1, Canon GL-2, Panasonic AG-DVX100
- Knowledge and experience pertaining to all technical aspects of manual still photography including both digital SLR and film development.
- Proficient in utilizing studio lighting for portraits and illustrations and field lighting for sports using radio equipment.
- Capturing and editing video, audio, and photography for multimedia packages.
- Clear, concise and creative writing skills with both corporate and journalist experience.
- Extremely personable with strong people skills.
- Understanding of HTML and CSS.
Other Accomplishments
Matthew Diggs Photography
Photographer/Videographer (2007-Present)
Accomplishments include: Working for various clients including Sharp Shooter Imaging, LNR Design and the APLU. Services also include wedding and portrait photography.
Dillard’s Department Store
Sales Associate (2010-Present)
Accomplishments include: Sharing product knowledge with customers while providing amazing customer service. Creating and maintaining a client list to contact customers in order to generate sales. Merchandising and recovering the sales floor with attention to detail.
Starbucks Coffee Co.
Barista (2009-2010)
Accomplishments include: Enthusiastically satisfying every customer with excellent communication skills and incredible care. Multitasking while working with a team to serve hundreds of customers a day. Gaining and sharing product knowledge with customers about merchandise and beverages.
Union University – Jackson, Tennessee
Student Photographer and Writer (2006-2008)
Accomplishments include: Conducting interviews to complete stories for student publication. Photographing campus life for University promotional material. Working closely with the University relations department to expand the Union photo project.
References are available upon request