Thomas Gillingham is a second generation photographer who began learning photography as a young boy in his father's studio in Madison, Tennessee. Around the age of ten, he began accompanying his father backstage at the Grand Ole Opry to photograph many of the Opry stars. As a teenager he began assisting with portrait sittings in the studio and learned black & white and color darkroom work.

He and his wife, Mary Lynn, have photographed over 2000 weddings and have won numerous awards for their creative photography. Thomas served as an officer and director of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association for eight years and is a Past President of that organization. He has been a member of the Board of Governors of the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association. He is also a member of Professional Photographers of America, Music City PPA, and Tennessee Wedding and Events Specialists Association. He has judged both professional and amateur photography competitions.

Thomas has earned the prestigious Tennessee Certified Photographer Degree, representing photographic excellence. Both he and Mary Lynn have earned the Tennessee Service Degree. He was honored with the Professional Photographers of America National Award, the highest award given by that organization, recognizing his outstanding contributions and service to the profession of photography throughout his career. The Southeastern Award, the highest honor presented on behalf of the Southeastern Professional Photographer's Association for outstanding service to the profession, has also been bestowed on him. Thomas has been honored as Member of the Month by Wedding Photographers International, a worldwide organization of over 4,000 wedding photographers. A showcase of his work was featured in their publication, The Wedding Photographer. By his selection he joined other outstanding wedding photographers from across the United States, Canada, England, Spain, Australia, Japan and other countries who have received this honor. In March 2000, the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association honored both Thomas and Mary Lynn by making them Life Members.

When not behind his camera, Thomas enjoys many hobbies -- flying his plane, water skiing, scuba diving and racing the family sailboats. Of course on Titans game days, he and Mary Lynn are always there to cheer on their favorite team! Tom and Mary Lynn are parents of two sons, Tom, Jr. and Bill.

 

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