Experienced professional photographer with a strong background in family, event, and sports photography. Owner of Nuckolls Studios and founder of Healing Lens Photography, a nonprofit focused on trauma-informed storytelling. Skilled in natural light and studio photography, proficient in Nikon DSLR systems and advanced editing tools. Seeking to leverage expertise in a full-time role with Lifetouch to enhance meaningful photography services.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Founder / Executive Director
Healing Lens Photography
Hot Springs, AR
03.2025 - Current
Founded a trauma-informed nonprofit offering compassionate, low-cost or no-cost photography services to individuals, families, and Veterans facing trauma, illness, or significant life transitions
Design and deliver portrait sessions in hospital, home, hospice, and outdoor environments, creating space for healing and storytelling
Build strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and veteran organizations
Lead development of the 'Stories of Hope' initiative, sharing anonymous client narratives to inspire empathy and community resilience
Ensure accessibility through sliding scale pricing and donor-supported services
Provided freelance photography services for families, events, sports teams, and landscapes using professional Nikon DSLR equipment, resulting in high client satisfaction and repeat business
Managed client consultations, location shoots, and post-production editing using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Luminar, and Capture One, ensuring high-quality final images and client satisfaction
Applied 'get it right in-camera' philosophy to reduce editing time and preserve artistic intent, resulting in more efficient workflow and consistent image quality
Operate studio lighting setups for in-studio and on-location sessions
Managed a diverse client base, consistently achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate by prioritizing and balancing nonprofit development efforts alongside fulfilling family responsibilities, ensuring every stakeholder's needs were met.
Professional Driver OTR
Various OTR Companies
Hot Springs, AR
07.2019 - 07.2024
Contributed to company''s safety record with consistent adherence to traffic laws and regulations.
Cleaned and maintained vehicle and assessed vehicle for damage after each shift.
Maintained a clean and organized vehicle to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for passengers.
Completed routes efficiently and according to compliance rules.
Enhanced overall road safety by participating in ongoing defensive driver education courses.
Streamlined navigation through the use of GPS technology and real-time traffic updates.
Served as an ambassador for the organization by displaying professionalism at all times while representing the company brand in public settings.
Safely navigated high-traffic areas, as well as adverse weather conditions, ensuring timely arrivals and minimal delays for passengers.
Implemented thorough pre-trip inspections to identify potential mechanical issues before beginning daily routes.
Photographer / Sales Representative
Lifetouch Inc.
Hot Springs, AR
03.2014 - 04.2015
Photographed an average of 12-20 families daily for church directories across Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma using DSLR cameras and professional studio lighting
Directed portrait sessions to engage children, families, and pets in relaxed, family-friendly environments
Managed regional travel logistics and tight shoot schedules with minimal oversight
Maintained a 60-70% upsell conversion rate on portrait packages beyond the included print
Tour Bus Driver
Cline Tours
Hot Springs, AR
10.2014 - 01.2015
Improved company reputation with excellent customer service skills and friendly interactions with passengers.
Navigated through heavy traffic conditions while maintaining safety precautions and following all local laws and regulations.
Assisted passengers with boarding and disembarking the bus, ensuring their safety throughout the entire process.
Ensured timely arrival at all destinations by adhering to established schedules and planning efficient routes.
Supported company growth by consistently receiving positive feedback from passengers, leading to repeat business and referrals.
Enhanced overall tour experience for passengers by accommodating unique requests or providing insider tips on local attractions and events.
Provided assistance to tourists with special needs or disabilities by offering additional support during boarding procedures or while navigating unfamiliar terrain on guided tours.
Maintained a clean and well-organized vehicle by performing regular inspections, cleaning, and minor maintenance tasks.
Checked vehicle daily for maintenance needs, personally handled common upkeep and reported serious concerns to supervisor.
Night Manager & Auditor
Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa
Hot Springs, AR
02.2009 - 04.2012
Guided and motivated night team by establishing and communicating responsibilities and duties to each team member.
Supported the development of new initiatives aimed at enhancing guest experiences during their stay, contributing valuable insights based on firsthand observations from nightly operations.
Maintained close communication with maintenance teams throughout the evening, responding promptly to service requests and ensuring any necessary repairs were completed in a timely manner.
Maintained meticulous records of nightly operations, aiding in smooth transition between shifts.
Coordinated with maintenance staff to promptly address and resolve any facility issues reported at night, minimizing guest inconvenience.
Streamlined night audit processes for increased accuracy and timely financial reporting.
Increased guest satisfaction, responding swiftly to special requests and ensuring amenities were readily available.
Trained and mentored new and existing staff to achieve best practices.
Handled emergency situations calmly and professionally, coordinating with necessary personnel to ensure guest safety and minimal disruption to their stay.
Acted as primary point of contact for VIP guests, ensuring their needs were met with utmost attention and discretion.
Guest Relations / Concierge / Bell Services
Walt Disney World
Buena Vista, FL
01.2008 - 05.2009
Maintained front desk's concierge book to provide visitors with access to relevant local information.
Maximized guest satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues.
Remedied issues quickly and effectively through active listening, conflict resolution, and dynamic communication skills.
Greeted guests upon arrival and offered directions to key amenities to cultivate quality hotel experiences.
Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
Assisted guests with special needs or requests, demonstrating empathy and understanding in every interaction.
Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect.
Managed daily operations of concierge desk and monitored staff performance to proactively address inefficiencies.
Improved overall guest satisfaction by consistently exceeding expectations in all aspects of concierge services.
Enhanced guest experience by providing personalized recommendations for dining and entertainment.
Assisted in planning and executing special events, contributing to memorable guest experiences.
Coordinated transportation arrangements for guests, leading to seamless travel experiences.
Worked closely with guests, some VIP, or celebrity, with high degree of respect for privacy.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science-concentration in AI & ML
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
01.2025 - Current
Master of Science - Computer Science-concentration in AI & ML
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
01.2025 - 05.2028
Certificate - Professional Photography
New York Institute of Photography
New York, NY
01.2015 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Computer Animation & Graphic Design
Westwood College
Denver, CO
01.2009 - 12.2011
Skills
Family Photography
Event Photography
Sports Photography
Portrait Photography
Low-Light Photography
Studio Photography
Nikon D4s, D6, D850
24mm-200mm f28 telephoto
28mm f18 Prime Lens
50mm f18 Prime Lens
85mm f18 Prime Lens
Lightroom, Photoshop
Luminar, Capture One
Studio Lighting Setup and Operation
Customer Service & Guest Relations
Sales & Onsite Package Consultation
Microsoft Office Suite
Hospitality & Logistics
Veteran & Trauma-Informed Care (nonprofit setting)