Shiela Whaley
Southaven
Summary
Chief Photographer with over 30 years of experience in visual storytelling and video editing. Leads Photography and Editing Teams at WATN WLMT-TV Memphis, providing training and mentorship to staff while managing equipment and scheduling. Proven ability to produce compelling news coverage under tight deadlines, demonstrating efficiency and collaboration.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Photographer
WATN WLMT TV MEMPHIS (TEGNA)
Memphis
06.2024 - Current
- Managing Photography and Editing Teams to achieve excellence in visual storytelling across platforms.
- Managing fleet maintenance for all news vehicles, ensuring operational readiness.
- Oversee equipment ordering.
- Manage monthly expense reports.
- Manage schedules for photographers and video editors.
- Training and mentoring of photographers, video editors, multi skilled journalists, and producers on equipment and field techniques.
- Collaborating with newsroom staff to create impactful stories and multi-platform content.
- Hiring new photographers and video editors.
- Setting standard operating procedures and managing expectations.
Visual Storyteller
WATN WLMT - TV Memphis (TEGNA)
Memphis
04.2022 - 06.2024
- Shot daily news and produced NAT packages independently, telling stories from start to finish.
- Created original content while mentoring younger staff.
- Worked collaboratively with producers, anchors, and reporters to enhance coverage.
Videography Coord./Sp. Prj. & News Photojournalist
WMC - TV 5
Memphis
02.2002 - 04.2022
- Trained photographers, video editors, and producers on editing software and camera equipment.
- Managed video archives, ensuring quality control during live-shots in newscasts.
- Prepared videos for distribution to external production companies.
- Facilitated communication between management and employees to resolve work-related issues.
- Contributed four years of expertise in Special Projects Department.
Owner / Photographer
Special Moments Photography
Memphis
02.2001 - 02.2002
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Collaborated with clients to plan shoots and enhance satisfaction.
- Managed pricing, packages, and props for shoots.
Photojournalist / Editor
WMC TV 5 / WHBQ (FOX 13) / WREG NEWS CH. 3
Memphis
09.1992 - 02.2001
- Shot and edited daily news stories.
- Conducted daily live shots.
- Shot and edited special reports as needed.
Internship
WREG NEWS CHANNEL 3
Memphis
09.1989 - 12.1989
- Worked in the sports department as a sports intern, attending sporting events, writing stories, and editing video.
Internship
BAY TV
Memphis
01.1989 - 05.1989
- Worked in the studio setting up lights, props, sets, audio, and cameras.
Education
Memphis State University
Memphis, TNPensacola Junior College
Pensacola, FLSkills
- Training and mentoring professionals
- Quality control and content oversight
- Storytelling with video and audio
- Live broadcasting technologies
- Video editing techniques
- Proficient in Grass Valley EDIUS
- Experienced with various cameras
- Content archiving and organization
- Team leadership and workflow management
- Interpersonal and communication skills
Accomplishments
- 2 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards – Excellence in Video and News Documentary
- 7 Emmy Nominations – Photography, Video Editing, and Historical Documentary
- 11 Tennessee Associated Press Awards – Various subjects, mostly for News Videography and TV Editing
Personal Information
Married for 30 years, I have been a proud member of the Memphis community for 36 years. I am deeply committed to this area and have raised my children here.
Timeline
Chief Photographer
WATN WLMT TV MEMPHIS (TEGNA)
06.2024 - Current
Visual Storyteller
WATN WLMT - TV Memphis (TEGNA)
04.2022 - 06.2024
Videography Coord./Sp. Prj. & News Photojournalist
WMC - TV 5
02.2002 - 04.2022
Owner / Photographer
Special Moments Photography
02.2001 - 02.2002
Photojournalist / Editor
WMC TV 5 / WHBQ (FOX 13) / WREG NEWS CH. 3
09.1992 - 02.2001
Internship
WREG NEWS CHANNEL 3
09.1989 - 12.1989
Internship
BAY TV
01.1989 - 05.1989
Pensacola Junior College
Memphis State University