The Civil Service Council will feature a civil service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus! This month get a chance to learn about and applaud ISU Photographer Lyndsie Schlink.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been with the University?
I am the senior photographer for University Marketing and Communications. I have been in this position for over 13 years.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
It is very rewarding to have the opportunity to photograph a diversity of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. I really enjoy getting to get to know the individuals and their stories, photograph them, and make them feel good about what they do and how they look in the photos I create of them. I love when I take a picture and show the subject the image on the back of the camera and they’re surprised by how good they look.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastime?
My favorite things to do outside of work are attend concerts, travel, shop, and spend time with my 2-year-old chocolate lab Keira and 13-year-old chihuahua Delilah. I also love spending time with friends and family enjoying conversations over a good meal. I have my own photography business outside of Illinois State, and I also work for the radio station B104 photographing country concerts. I also enjoy working out, hiking, and playing tennis.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at ISU?
I also really enjoy getting to meet and photograph all of our guest speakers and musical performers on campus. I am constantly humbled by the experiences I have both on and off campus. I love the variety of work from a simple studio headshot to an elaborate set up, cast, staged, and multi-light photo shoot. I have the freedom to be as creative as I want and tell each story from my perspective. It is fun to collaborate with our team of web and print designers on campus to determine the best photos for each story.
If you would like to share with us, please tell us how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your work at ISU?
The main change this year due to COVID-19 has been the elimination of on campus events. Events usually take up 60-70 percent of our photography requests and happen in the evening and on the weekends. With no events to photograph I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot more in class documentary photo shoots and have completed 12 photo stories since March. I have also been able to photograph each season extensively to stock up on our campus beauty shots. I have also had the time to pursue more professional development opportunities through weekly and annual digital trainings with other creative professionals worldwide.
More about Lyndsie from Brian Beam, executive director of University Marketing and Communications:
Lyndsie has been the lens through which Illinois State is viewed by the campus community and outside world. Used in nearly every medium and platform, her images capture the Illinois State experience in ways that engage all audiences—from prospective students to older alumni. Her creative work tells ISU’s story in fresh new ways that capture the spirit of the institution while advancing the Redbird brand.
I am so proud of Lyndsie’s outstanding work that is vital to supporting publications, news, web, and social media. I am continually impressed by the quality of her latest offerings and regular garnering of national awards, including from the University Photographers Association of America.
An ISU graduate, Lyndsie is fully committed to the success of her colleagues and goes to great lengths to fulfill the University’s photo needs. She freely gives of her time to help groups throughout the University meet their goals and faithfully covers milestone events. Her willingness to go the extra mile for faculty, staff, and student clients demonstrates her devotion to the University and its people. We are so fortunate to have her on the UMC team!
