Donna Cummings

 

I always wanted to be an artist.  I love coloring books and crayons, magic markers and a big pad of paper… doodling is one of my favorite pastimes.   It was a long road that brought me to becoming a photographic artist…but after many detours and stops along the way, here I am!  I am a Certified Professional Photographer!

After a rather lengthy career as a student, (20 years after High School graduation)  I finally completed my Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sciences degree at the University of Texas at Tyler.  I graduated with honors in the spring of 2003 thanks to the help and encouragement of my supportive husband, Greg Cummings and our five children. (Yes, you read that right, FIVE KIDS!)  I always figured, if I could raise five kids, I could do anything…so here are my accomplishments (not to brag, but we are on my profile page, after all:)

Within one year of graduation, I combined my education and artistic creativity with the experience of motherhood to develop a business plan. I started Donna Cummings Photography in 2003 and began photographing my first clients.  We now enjoy a thriving business, along with Amanda Bray, photographing about 30-40 weddings a year, along with many babies, seniors and families as well.   My most rewarding moments are photographing return clients and their families who have become lifelong friends.  When I am not “working”, I love traveling with my family and love to photograph them as well!

I believe in giving back to my church and community and feel grateful to be able to contribute to many worthwhile East Texas organizations.

I am a member of:

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

East Texas Professional Photographer’s Forum, PPF

Professional Photographers of America, PPA

Texas Professional Photographers Association, TPPA

Southwest Professional Photographer’s Association, SWPPA

Wedding and Portrait Professionals of America, WPPI

I have served on the board  and as President of the Tyler PPF and hold an Honorary Degree of Service as well as the Honorary Photographic Artisan Degree. I have attended The Texas School of Professional Photography since 2004 and have served as a volunteer “Wrangler” at the school since 2007.

I was selected as a Young Distinguished Alumni of the University of Texas at Tyler in 2009.

During my involvement with the Tyler Pro Forum, I have been a recipient of many awards for excellent photography in monthly competitions, but I’m especially proud of the Annual Awards received for:

Best Wedding Image- 2006 and was voted, “Best Photographer in East Texas” by Bscene Magazine.

Best Wedding Image-2007

Best Wedding Album-2007

Best Wedding Image- 2008

I also received “Best Wedding Image” and the “Judges Choice” award as well as the Kodak “Award of Excellence” in 2007 for my wedding image, “Daddy’s Girl” at the Southwest Professional Photographer Association competition, which included entries from five of the southwest region states.

I became Certified through Professional Photographers of America in 2012 after rigorous testing and submission of my portfolio.

I am a trained volunteer for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Organization, that provides remembrance photography for families who experience infant loss.