MTSU student is first female to receive Sale-Tinney photography scholarship

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 and becoming the first female photographer to receive the stipend that made the trip possible.

Angele Latham

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

The scholarship honors the late 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.”

The scholarship recipient is awarded free conference registration (includes all sessions and meals), four free nights of lodging and up to $750 toward travel expenses.

Her experience at the conference opened her eyes 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 more picture-perfect when Latham had the chance to have dinner with the editor-in-chief of Backwoodsman magazine at the conference, where she networked with other veteran photographers as well.

MTSU sophomore Angele Latham, left, is recognized as recipient of the 2017 Lindsay Sale-Tinney Scholarship at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Regional Conference held at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on Oct. 20. Latham is the first female to receive the scholarship, which paid for her registration and travel to the conference. (Photo courtesy of Angele Latham)

MTSU sophomore Angele Latham, left, is recognized as the recipient of the 2017 Lindsay Sale-Tinney Scholarship at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Regional Conference held at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on Oct. 20. Latham is the first woman to receive the scholarship, which paid for her registration and travel to the conference. (Photo courtesy of Angele Latham)

“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 said she 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 wants 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 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.

— Jayla Jackson (news@mtsu.edu)

This undated outdoor photo was taken by MTSU sophomore Angele Latham, 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. (Photo courtesy of Angele Latham)

This undated outdoor photo is the work of MTSU sophomore Angele Latham, the first woman to receive the Lindsay Sale-Tinney Scholarship. The stipend paid for her registration and travel to the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Regional Conference at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Oct. 20. (Photo courtesy of Angele Latham)