Capturing the Essence of Unforgettable Moments

Working with Marissa Sams Events is an invitation into a world where each detail is executed with absolute precision, and every moment feels poised on the edge of history. From intimate VIP gatherings to global summits that bring together world leaders, titans of industry, and cultural icons, the events orchestrated by Marissa Sams and her team transcend the ordinary.

My role within these extraordinary experiences is to translate the energy, elegance, and gravitas into imagery that resonates long after the last guest has departed. It’s a matter of timing and trust: anticipating the genuine laugh, the subtle exchange of glances, the quiet pride in a host’s eyes as their vision comes to life. Whether documenting the presence of revered dignitaries, capturing the allure of celebrity guests, or highlighting the ambiance that turns a venue into a world unto itself, each image must hold meaning and substance.

What sets these collaborations apart is the harmony between Marissa Sams Events’ meticulous planning and my own dedication to storytelling through a lens. Together, we ensure that every photograph is not only a record of the night’s splendor, but a reflection of the collective effort behind it—the florists and lighting technicians, the musicians and culinary artists, and the hosts whose names may never appear in the headlines yet are vital to the event’s soul.

The result is a portfolio of work that does more than document prestige and grandeur. It speaks to the intimacy of human connection, the subtle interplay of power and vulnerability, and the quiet moments of reflection that shape a legacy. These images become heirlooms of an evening’s triumph, echoing the artistry and intention that Marissa Sams Events invests into every celebration.

In this realm of rare opportunities and high expectations, I have learned that true excellence is measured not only by who is in the room, but by how their stories are honored through light and composition. Collaborating with Marissa Sams Events allows me to deliver images that do more than impress—they endure, offering a timeless window into the moments that define our shared cultural narrative.

On October 13, 2022, Urban Alliance marked its 25th anniversary with a powerful evening at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The event honored a quarter-century of connecting high school students to paid internships, mentorship, and professional development. Jiveshot Media, in collaboration with Marissa Sams Events, led the photography and real-time image delivery, supporting the Obama communications team with immediate content for national social media campaigns.

The celebration welcomed a remarkable lineup of speakers and guests, including President Barack Obama and Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. The program highlighted the impact of Urban Alliance’s Obama Youth Jobs Corps and featured moving keynote reflections by students and alumni from across Greater DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. The evening also included inspiring performances by the Eastern Vocal Ensemble and regional highlights from executive leaders who have helped shape Urban Alliance’s legacy.

Throughout the night, moments of celebration and gratitude took center stage—from new partnership announcements, including a transformative collaboration between Bank of America, the Smithsonian, and Urban Alliance, to heartfelt thanks for the mentors, partners, and funders who made the last 25 years possible. The emcees, both alumni of the program, reminded guests that the true power of Urban Alliance lies in the success and brilliance of its young people.

After an evening filled with reflection and recognition, guests were invited to continue the celebration with dinner and dancing, featuring live music from the legendary Chuck Brown Band. The atmosphere was one of legacy and promise—an affirmation of the transformative potential that emerges when community, opportunity, and mentorship come together. As Urban Alliance looks toward the future, this milestone event served as a joyful reminder that they are just getting started.

As lead photographer, I’m proud to have documented this historic evening and helped shape the visual narrative of a movement committed to equity, opportunity, and youth empowerment.

Sometimes It's Art and Sometimes It's Science

In the quiet elegance of a meticulously arranged event, where every detail whispers refinement, lies the heart of Arianespace—a beacon of French ingenuity propelling humanity into the cosmos for over 44 years. As a premier event photographer, I have had the honor of capturing moments where art and science converge, celebrating milestones that push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.

At the Art Museums of the Americas in Washington, DC, I witnessed an extraordinary fusion of the emerging art of the 1900s and the relentless pursuit of international diplomatic peace. The walls were adorned with stories and artworks that bridged cultures, while the air was thick with the promise of scientific advancement. Live music intertwined with the intellectual exchanges of rocket scientists, creating an atmosphere where creativity and precision danced in harmony.

Arianespace stands as a testament to the power of balanced pursuit—where the meticulous craftsmanship of rocket engineering meets the boundless creativity of artistic expression. Over the decades, Arianespace has launched countless satellites, facilitated groundbreaking scientific missions, and fostered international collaborations that underscore the universal quest for knowledge and peace.

This prevailing idea that to live and achieve is always a balance of art and science is vividly embodied in every event I cover for Arianespace. The refined choice of venues, the thoughtful arrangement of guests, and the seamless integration of live performances with scientific discourse all highlight a commitment to excellence that transcends disciplines. Each photograph captures not just a moment, but the essence of a vision realized through collaborative effort and shared passion.

In documenting these high-end events, I strive to convey the profound impact of Arianespace’s achievements and the elegant sophistication that accompanies their endeavors. It is through this lens that the stories of innovation, perseverance, and unity are immortalized, offering a glimpse into a future where art and science continue to elevate humanity beyond the stars.

Capturing the Essence of Heritage and Resilience

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, nestled on the storied grounds of Gadsden Wharf, lies a beacon of history and culture—the International African American Museum. As the Creative Director of event visuals (photo/video) for Marissa Sams Events, I had the profound honor of guiding the visual narrative for its grand three-day opening. This was not merely an event; it was a celebration of souls who were brought to this nation under unimaginable conditions, a tribute to their roots, lineage, and the stories that have withstood the ravages of time.

To stand amidst such profound reverence, in a place I had only read about, was to step into a living tapestry of resilience and triumph. The museum’s walls echoed with the voices of those who came before us, their untold stories whispering through the corridors, demanding to be heard and remembered. Each photograph I captured was a testament to their enduring spirit, a visual sonnet to their unyielding strength and unbreakable will.

The elegance of the setting was matched only by the gravity of the occasion. International diplomats and esteemed guests mingled with artists and visionaries, each interaction a dance of diplomacy and creativity. Live music filled the air, intertwining with the intellectual fervor of rocket scientists and cultural historians alike. It was a symphony of progress and preservation, a harmonious blend of past and future aspirations.

As a photographer, my lens sought to capture not just images, but the very essence of what it means to honor history while forging new paths. The celebration was a mosaic of struggles and celebrations, of purpose and perseverance. It was a reminder that our achievements are always a balance of art and science, creativity and precision, emotion and intellect.