Single Images
The following images were taken as singles for The Diamondback, Capital News Service or as freelance work.
Denali Foxx’s hair flips while performing at SEE’s annual drag show on April 10, 2025 in Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland.
WASHINGTON - Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland speaks at a press conference to call on Republicans to end the government shut down on Oct. 1, 2025.
Ajitesh Kaladi, a senior immersive media design major, jumps with his pogo stick on McKeldin Mall on Feb. 19, 2025.
District 1 Prince George’s County Council member Thomas Dernoga looks down during a council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie attempts to score during Maryland's 87-60 win over Syracuse on Dec. 21, 2024.
LP O'Brien, an award-winning mixologist, poses for a portrait inside the Jefferson Monument on March 26, 2024.
Two Maryland fans smile as Maryland football defeats USC 29-28 on Oct. 20, 2024.
WASHINGTON - 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.
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.
People perform and dance at Metalheads of Maryland’s Shellfest II on Dec. 7, 2025. (Sam Cohen/The Diamondback)
Local metalheads connect, rage together at Shellfest II concert
I pitched and delivered a reported piece with multimedia elements for The Diamondback. I found the Metalheads of Maryland on Instagram and learned about Shellfest II. I decided this would be a great event to cover, as it brought together many UMD students and alumni in a non-mainstream way. I interviewed musicians and attendees, then wrote the article in an under 24-hour turnaround time. I included video and multimedia elements to push myself to consider creative boundaries.
I pitched and delivered a reported piece with multimedia elements for The Diamondback. I found the Metalheads of Maryland on Instagram and learned about Shellfest II. I decided this would be a great event to cover, as it brought together many UMD students and alumni in a non-mainstream way. I interviewed musicians and attendees, then wrote the article in an under 24-hour turnaround time. I included video and multimedia elements to push myself to consider creative boundaries.
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.