Sam Cohen
(201) 254-4543 | sambcohenphoto@gmail.com | in/sam-cohen23/ | samcohen.myportfolio.com | College Park, MD
PHOTOJOURNALISM EXPERIENCE
Photo Editor, Staff Photographer | The Diamondback - College Park, M.D. | Nov. 2023 - Present
- Manage 13 photographers through assignment distribution and weekly professional development meetings
- Work closely with section editors to embed images into stories via Wordpress, modifying captions to fit AP style
- Photograph four news or sports assignments each week; self-assign photo stories showcasing campus life
- Deliver 20+ visually diverse images for news stories and 80+ for sports, adhering to strict metadata conventions
Staff Photographer | AFTER Magazine - Washington, D.C. & Ridgewood, N.J. | Dec. 2022 - Present
- Create editorial portraits featured on four published magazine covers for an alcohol-free lifestyle publication
- Coordinate portrait sessions merging publication brand identity, subject personality and personal style
- Connect quickly with subjects within one to three hour photo sessions to create emotionally impactful images
Lead Photographer | Capital News Service - Washington, D.C. | Sept. 2025 - Dec. 2025
- U.S. Senate-credentialed photojournalist, covered Congressional hearings, press conferences and other events
- Created compelling images for Maryland-focused wire service, supported a team of seven reporters, 16 hours weekly
- Reported on and documented the demolition of the White House’s East Wing, syndicated by 6 publications nationwide
- Identified and photographed key buildings and politicians as designated file images in preparation for breaking news
- Assisted staff reporters in generating article ideas, pitching stories and filming vertical videos for Instagram and TikTok
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Photographer & Founder | Captured by Sam Photo, LLC - Ridgewood, N.J. | Nov. 2019 - Present
- Founded and grew an independent photography business serving 200+ clients in 1-6 hour sessions
- Coordinate photo sessions with a varying client base for graduation portraits, events and family photo sessions
- Photographed and delivered images for 100+ graduates at UMD in under 3 weeks with ~3 day turnaround time
Upper Camp Photographer | Deerkill Day Camp - Suffern, N.Y. | Summers 2023, 2024, 2025
- Photographed 17 groups of 20+ campers 9-15 in sports, arts and special events, creating my own schedule
- Delivered 2,200+ images weekly for eight weeks to administrative office to publish online for campers and parents
Pre-Season Office Staff | Deerkill Day Camp - Suffern, N.Y. | Summers 2024, 2025
- Prepared camp facilities for 800+ campers and staff through file organization, printing and package distribution
- Edited 10 leadership staff videos on Google Vids, incorporating audio, text and visuals to engage parents and campers
Peer Consultant | UMD Oral Communication Center - College Park, M.D. | Aug. 2024 - May 2025
- Tutored three to four peers in public speaking two to three hours weekly to build skills and reduce speaking anxiety
- Conducted email outreach to professors; visited ten classrooms total to promote the Oral Communication Center
EDUCATION
University of Maryland, College Park, M.D., GPA 3.94 – Expected Graduation May 2027
Bachelor of Arts - Digital & Media Communication Minors - General Business, Jewish Studies
Bachelor of Arts - Digital & Media Communication Minors - General Business, Jewish Studies
International Studies Institute, Florence, Italy – Spring 2026
SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS
Skills: Adobe (Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro), Nikon, Canon, WordPress, Photo Stories, Slack, Public Speaking, Project Management, Reporting, Photo Mechanic, Instagram (Reels, Posts)
Certifications: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certified
MEMBERSHIPS
Women Photojournalists of Washington member – Fall 2025 mentee
NPPA member
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority member