[195] MTSU student first female to receive Sale-Tinney photography scholarship

By Jayla Jackson, MTSU News

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Thanks to the Outdoor Journalist Education Foundation of America, MTSU sophomore Angele Latham traveled to a regional conference earlier this year, gaining insight from veteran photographers while also becoming the first female photographer to be awarded the stipend that made the trip possible.

A visual communication major within the School of Journalism, the Hickman County, Tennessee, native is the first female to receive the Lindsay Sale-Tinney Scholarship, which paid for her registration and travel to the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Regional Conference held at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on Oct. 20.

The scholarship was established in memory of Sale-Tinney, described by the SEOPA as “an accomplished angler, photographer, writer, magazine editor and businesswoman.” The Vanderbilt graduate worked in the Tennessee governor’s office in the 1980s before starting a pool business and horse farm with her husband in Columbia, Tennessee.

"I stumbled on the scholarship application online,” Latham said. “I love outdoor photography and was more focused on applying to meet people in the industry.”

Her experience at the conference opened her eyes more regarding the photography industry and broadened her creativity.

"There was so much knowledge in that room of people who have been in photography for 30 or 40 years," she said.

Cherished moments became even more picture-perfect when Latham had the chance to have dinner with the editor-and-chief of Backwoodsman magazine during her time at the conference, where she networked with other veteran photographers as well.

"They were all so nice and just to hear all of the pros talk about the industry was cool ... especially when listening to these people who are already in the career field I want to be in," Latham said.

As a former member of the Photo Society of MTSU, Latham hopes to take advantage of all aspects of visual communications.

"I love graphic design, advertising, and layouts," she said. "I'm trying to figure out how to merge all of that with my love for outdoor photography."

After graduating from MTSU, Latham plans to land a position with one of the top publications that deal with geography and exploration.

"The dream job since I was 6 has always been to work with National Geographic in some capacity or some creative design agency," she said.

Latham plans on putting her scholarship earnings toward a new camera and other college expenses along the way.

SEOPA was established in 1964 with the mission to promote quality communication of outdoor activities and ethical conduct. The organization is composed of writers, photographers, and communication specialists across the nation. Learn more at http://seopa.org.

The MTSU School of Journalism is part of the College of Media and Entertainment. For more information about the college and its programs, visit www.mtsu.edu/media.