Former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Denali Foxx’s hair flips while performing at a drag show in Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland. Student Entertainment Events, a student-led club at this university, hosted their fifth annual drag show on April 10, 2025.
Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland speaks at a press conference outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on the first day of the federal government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. The press conference consisted of Democratic representatives and senators from across Maryland who urged Republicans to put the shutdown to an end.
Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks, D-Maryland, cheers to a crowd of supporters at her election night watch party at The Hotel at the University of Maryland on Nov. 5, 2024. Alsobrooks made history as the first Black woman from Maryland to be elected to the Senate.
Maryland Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins poses for a portrait inside his office on Nov. 17, 2025. Jenkins is a strong supporter of the 287(g) program, an initiative that allows local law enforcement entities to enter partnership with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and deport undocumented immigrants. The program is controversial in Maryland, a state typically known for its mostly progressive leaders and policies.
District 1 Prince George’s County Council member Thomas Dernoga looks down during a council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025.
A Mighty Sound of Maryland member plays the trumpet during the band’s pregame performance on Nov. 16, 2024.
Mighty Sound of Maryland director Andrea Brown conducts the band during rehearsal at SECU Stadium on Nov. 4, 2024.
A member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland takes a break to scroll on their phone between afternoon rehearsal and pre-game festivities inside The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on Nov. 16, 2024. Football game day preparations for the University of Maryland’s marching band begin several hours prior to the kickoff time and are packed with rehearsals and fan performances to inspire Maryland pride.
A member of the drumline yells during Maryland football’s loss against Rutgers on Nov. 16, 2024.
A Shellfest attendee moshes at Clear Skies Meadery on Dec. 7, 2025.
“Pogo stick guy” Ajitesh Kaladi, a senior immersive media design major, jumps with his pogo stick on McKeldin Mall on Feb. 19, 2025. Kaladi spent many of his four years at this university practicing for endurance-based pogo competitions by bouncing around campus, thus earning his nickname.
Remini Tillotson and Ava Morales fight for the ball during Maryland's 0-5 loss to Michigan State on Sept. 12, 2024.
Giuseppe LoPiccolo walks past the Capitol Building on Nov. 3, 2024.
Jack White slides down the Wildcat Run slide at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland on Oct. 11, 2025. Often noted as a classic Montgomery County fall experience, Butler’s Orchard hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival with fall activities.
Addison Reed, Brooke Denmark, Rylie Gross and Kerrin Kelsey perform a flipping dismount at a University of Maryland Cheer team practice inside Xfinity Center Pavilion on March 4, 2025. The team practices several times each week to prepare for their national competition as well as basketball, football and volleyball games.
LP O'Brien, an award-winning mixologist, poses for a portrait inside the Jefferson Monument on March 26, 2024. O’Brien is several years sober and relies on senses other than taste to craft her beverages.
Rayna Engelmayer completes a beam dismount during Maryland gymnastics' 195.750-194.725 win over Iowa on Feb. 21, 2025.
Two Maryland fans smile as Maryland football defeats USC 29-28 on Oct. 20, 2024.
The Maryland women's volleyball team celebrate a point during their 3-2 loss to Iowa on Sept. 28, 2024.
A demonstrator carries an upside-down United States flag on the National Mall on Sept. 19, 2025. Participants in the We Are America march walked from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. between Sept. 6 and Sept. 19 to "hold America accountable" and defend the U.S. Constitution.
Stories
Linked below are some of the photo and written pieces I have published.
People perform and dance at Metalheads of Maryland’s Shellfest II on Dec. 7, 2025.
Local metalheads connect, rage together at Shellfest II concert
I pitched and reported a piece about the Metalheads of Maryland's Shellfest II event, a metal concert with performers across the Maryland area. I spoke with current club members, UMD alumni and local metalheads unaffiliated with the university. In addition to laying out images throughout the piece, I also created a GIF composed with different scenes throughout the evening and a b-roll compilation to provide a more immersive reading experience.
I pitched and reported a piece about the Metalheads of Maryland's Shellfest II event, a metal concert with performers across the Maryland area. I spoke with current club members, UMD alumni and local metalheads unaffiliated with the university. In addition to laying out images throughout the piece, I also created a GIF composed with different scenes throughout the evening and a b-roll compilation to provide a more immersive reading experience.
WASHINGTON - A backhoe demolishes a part of the White House's East Wing on Oct. 22, 2025. (Sam Cohen/Capital News Service)
White House demolition sparks anger, an appeal to stop – and a shrug
As the lead photographer for Capital News Service, I often find my own assignments to cover for file purposes. Initially, I went to the White House to photograph the demolition of the East Wing, but as I watched around me, I heard such strong reactions from spectators. I decided to interview people and get a sense of different thoughts. I struck up casual conversation with spectators who seemed interested in sharing their thoughts. I identified myself as a member of the press and asked if they would be interested in sharing their thoughts with me on the record. I answered questions about identity, fact checking and quelled fears of misrepresentation. Each person I approached agreed to an interview. I loved writing this story because I learned about the experiences of three very different people and how their lives channeled their emotions in that very moment.
Post-publication, this article was syndicated by 6 news outlets nationwide, including the Juneau Independent, Maryland Matters and the Royal Examiner.
As the lead photographer for Capital News Service, I often find my own assignments to cover for file purposes. Initially, I went to the White House to photograph the demolition of the East Wing, but as I watched around me, I heard such strong reactions from spectators. I decided to interview people and get a sense of different thoughts. I struck up casual conversation with spectators who seemed interested in sharing their thoughts. I identified myself as a member of the press and asked if they would be interested in sharing their thoughts with me on the record. I answered questions about identity, fact checking and quelled fears of misrepresentation. Each person I approached agreed to an interview. I loved writing this story because I learned about the experiences of three very different people and how their lives channeled their emotions in that very moment.
Post-publication, this article was syndicated by 6 news outlets nationwide, including the Juneau Independent, Maryland Matters and the Royal Examiner.
Denali Foxx’s hair flips while performing at SEE’s annual drag show on April 10, 2025 in Stamp Student Union. (Sam Cohen/The Diamondback)
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, ‘Dragula’ alumni electrify fifth SEE Spring Drag Show
I photographed and reported this article for The Diamondback. Initially, it was intended that I would work with a reporter to cover this drag show, but I decided to write the story when nobody was available. I conducted interviews with audience members and the drag artists while being closely monitored by event staff to ensure I asked the approved questions. I photographed the event, took notes and kept an Otter recording for fact checking purposes. I worked with the editors through five rounds of revision.
I photographed and reported this article for The Diamondback. Initially, it was intended that I would work with a reporter to cover this drag show, but I decided to write the story when nobody was available. I conducted interviews with audience members and the drag artists while being closely monitored by event staff to ensure I asked the approved questions. I photographed the event, took notes and kept an Otter recording for fact checking purposes. I worked with the editors through five rounds of revision.
Video Work
As the lead photographer at Capital News Service, I often assist in producing videos with reporters. I contributed to all three of these videos by filming B-roll and some standup for the reporter. I am studying abroad in Florence next semester and I plan to build my video skills by creating travel videos and by volunteering with The Florentine, an English-language magazine based in Florence, to assist with their photographic needs and social media video.