Leica Tech Talk: Cheriss May and David Butow with the Leica M11-P
Talk about the new Leica M11-P camera and the content authenticity initiative (CAI), with David Butow, Leica Senior Product Specialist John Kreidler and Leica Product Communication Specialist Nathan Kellum.
Photo by me of my cousin, 105-year-old Clifford, photographed at his home in Los Angeles, Ca., sitting under his lemon tree he planted when he bought his home in1947. Created w/ #LEICAM11P and Noctilux-M 1:1.25/75 ASPH.
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Perspectives: NPPA Member Spotlight
National Press Photographers Association — Feature in News Photographer magazine.
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Leica Storyteller Cheriss May: Connecting People to Moments of Truth
Part One: By Richard Rejino
When it comes to telling visual stories, Leica photographer Cheriss May is interested in two things: staying true to her passion and purpose and connecting the people she photographs to moments of truth and honesty. Known for combining her emotionally charged subjects with impeccable placement and composition, her background in graphic design heightens her ability to see things quickly. But what really sets her apart is her ability to capture quiet, intimate moments. Whether photographing at the White House or making commissioned portraits, she draws the viewer in as if they were witnessing these moments with her.
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LEICA SL STORYTELLERS
Inspiring New Perspectives
Leica Camera introduces Leica SL Storytellers, a collective of visual artists whose tapestry of moments, from the everyday, to the extraordinary, craft stories that celebrate the human spirit. Photography has the power to spark conversations, and the storytellers behind the lens choose the narrative to record and share with the world. From everyday moments to magical milestones, the moments that comprise our world deserve to be witnessed. The Leica SL Storyteller series begins with the work of accomplished photographers Cheriss May and Sheila Pree Bright, capturing their journey with the Leica SL-System to convey their unique perspectives
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Art Talk at Busboys and Poets
Feb. 7, 2023
5PM-7PM
Busboys and Poets | 14th and V St. NW, Washington, D.C.
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Exhibit — "Cheriss May Soul Connection"
On view until May 27, 2023
Busboys & Poets
2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
HOURS:
Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM
Monday — Thursday: 8 AM–10 PM
Friday: 8 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–11 PM
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Community Conversations: Black Creators You Should Know
Featured in the second episode of Community Conversations. ADCOLOR Community members from different industries tell us about the Black creators that we should know about.
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Black Is...Photo Exhibition
Montpelier Arts Center Main Gallery
On View: Through Aug. 7, 2022
9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD 20708
Open every day 10am-5pm (Holiday hours vary)
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8th Edition Eyes on Main Street Wilson International Outdoor Photo Festival
October 21, 2022 – March 30, 2023 | Wilson, North Carolina USA
My photo is featured in the eighth edition of Eyes on Main Street, Wilson Outdoor Photo Festival in historic downtown Wilson, NC. For 150 days, 100 photographs will be displayed on 100 storefront windows, walls and buildings, spanning nine city blocks.
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Leica Weekends & Master Workshops
Soul Connection - Portrait Photography with Cheriss May - Washington DC
June 25th & 26th, 2022
Explore portrait photography with lauded editorial and portrait photographer Cheriss May during this two-day workshop in Washington D.C.
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Panel Discussion on Diversity in Visual Media
Panelist for an internal talk about the importance of diversity in visual media with employee network group: FT Embrace on May 31, 2022.
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‘I Was Witnessing History’: 4 Black Photographers On What It Was Like To Cover Ketanji Brown Jackson
Sarahbeth Maney, Michael McCoy, Jarrad Henderson and Cheriss May are each used to being one of the only Black photographers in the room. This time was different.
By Elise Foley and Damon Dahlen
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"Been Seen" - Exhibit On View 2022
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Thursday, March 31, 2022, 5PM
Location: 515 Malcolm X Blvd, NY, NY 10037
On view: 2022
Featuring: Austin Hansen, Dario Calmese, Mark Clennon, Ricky Day, Cheriss May, Flo Ngala, Gerald Peart
Curated by: Novella Ford, Associate Director of Public Programs and Exhibitions
Images by Black photographers continue to file minority reports for the interior and public life of Black existence. Been Seen places the work of Austin Hansen in conversation with seven contemporary photographers: Dario Calmese, Cheriss May, Flo Ngala, Ricky Day, Gerald Peart, Mark Clennon and Lola Flash. Their practices explore identity, Black experiences, visual culture, and portraiture.
Been Seen welcomes audiences to look, compare, consider, and see.
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Women in Communication Panel Discussion
Hosted by: North Carolina Central University Dept. of Mass Communication
April 6, 2022 | Virtual
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Closing Artist Talk — Harriet's Wildest Dreams
Artist talk, closing and walkthrough of Harriet's Wildest Dreams photo exhibition at Eaton Cinema at the Eaton DC hotel in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2022
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Black Women Photographers Collective Announces Inaugural Summit
The inaugural Black Women Photographers Summit features industry leaders we all know and love: Raven B. Varona, Kimberly Douglas, also known as @kihmberlie, Audrey Woulard, Lola Flash, Lola Akinmade Åkerström, Amanda J. Cain, Whitney Matewe, DeLovie Kwagala, Cheriss May, Sade Ndya, Chaya Howell, Idara Ekpoh, and Kreshonna Keane.
Powered by Adobe Lightroom.
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Ohio University Black Student Communication Caucus Presents
Visual Storytelling: Through A Black Lens
Panelists: Marquis Maines, Grace Ekpu, Cheriss May, and Micah Fluellen
March 21, 2022 , 6PM ET
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Amplifying Black Voices: 100+ Black Photographers You Should be Following on Social Media
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Interview with ARD German Television
Interview telling my experience being in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
working for Getty Images.
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Front Row Seat to History
Podcast interview with Leica Street Photography Collective
Episode 25
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ESPN THE UNDEFEATED X GETTY IMAGES
Profile story by ESPN The Undefeated and Getty Images as part of a new series called "Folkus"
‘This is my passion and my purpose. To have that gives me strength’
Story text by Miss Rosen
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Cheriss May Soul Connection Exhibit
Leica Store Bellevue
Location: Leica Store Bellevue | 221 B Bellevue Square | Bellevue, WA 98004
Duration: Oct. 24 - January 9, 2022
Opening Reception & Talk: Sunday, October 24th —1:30pm-2:30pm PST
Contatct: Brandon Andre, Manager | 425-451-4060
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-9PM | Sundays 11AM-7PM
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Harriet’s Wildest Dreams Exhibit
Eaton DC Hotel | 1201 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20005 | 202-289-7600
On View: October 15 - April 1st, 2022
Opening reception: October 15, 2021 — 6:30-8:30PM
Curator: Claudia Watts
Four women photographers follow the Black woman and the many waters she wades. Seeking to normalize and exalt her multifaceted existence, this collection of images explores sensuality, devotion, gratitude, glory, home, family, and self.
Four women photographers follow the Black woman and the many waters she wades. Seeking to normalize and exalt her multifaceted existence, this collection of images explores sensuality, devotion, gratitude, glory, home, family, and self.
Featured Artists: Dee Dwyer | Cheriss May | Kyna Uwaeme | Nyeusi Mwezi
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7th Edition Eyes on Main Street Wilson International Outdoor Photo Festival
October 30, 2021 – March 30, 2022 | Wilson, North Carolina USA
My photo is featured in the seventh edition of Eyes on Main Street, Wilson Outdoor Photo Festival in historic downtown Wilson, NC. For 150 days, 100 photographs will be displayed on 100 storefront windows, walls and buildings, spanning nine city blocks.
Additionally, my photograph is 1 of 20 selected for exhibition:
— Jeonju Photography Festival, South Korea
— Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival, Malaysia
— Pingyao International Photography Festival, Shanxi, China
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"Been Seen" - Photoville 10th Anniversary festival
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Location: St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street and St. Nicholas Ave
Exhibit Duration: Sept. 18-Dec. 1, 2021
Featuring: Austin Hansen, Dario Calmese, Mark Clennon, Ricky Day, Cheriss May, Flo Ngala, Gerald Peart
Curated by: Novella Ford, Associate Director of Public Programs and Exhibitions
Been Seen centers the gaze of Black photographers for whom the ordinary and the peculiarities of Black life occupy memory and is a source for exploration and celebration. The exhibition places in conversation the work of Harlem-based studio photographer Austin Hansen (1910-1996) with six contemporary photographers: Dario Calmese, Cheriss May, Flo Ngala, Ricky Day, Gerald Peart, and Mark Clennon. Their practices explore identity, Black experiences, visual culture, and portraiture.
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The International Leica Society Annual Meeting
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Full Circle Gallery presents Reaching for Justice
A group photography exhibition focused on the larger movement of social and racial reckoning that resulted in people taking to the streets across the U.S. in 2020. Featuring André Chung, Cheriss May, and Tony Mobley, the exhibition highlights black and white photographs that document the faces, messaging, and energy from the Baltimore-Washington region during the summer of last year.
Duration: June 19-September 4, 2021
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Cheriss: August Black Women Photographers Showcase
This month, you’ll meet Cheriss May, a photographer based out of Washington, D.C. We hope that you are inspired by her passion for documenting history, and her commitment to educating the next generation of photographers as much as we are!
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Living a Rich Life With Rich James
Featured guest on Beexposed Radio show
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Finding Focus | Sponsored by Leica
Jun 17, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET
Editorial and portrait photographer Cheriss May shares her work documenting democracy and creating portraits of inspiring change makers. Cheriss will talk about connecting to the extraordinary in everyday stories, from photographing political figures and events to hidden figures and community leaders.
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Soul Wealth Radio Interview w/Dr. Vikki Johnson
This show is an enlightening, insightful, 30-minute conversation with amazing people to help listeners nurture their own souls and live their best lives. Guests range from thought leaders in health, PR, faith, politics, finance, mentorship, and community advocacy to mental health, music, entertainment, social justice, education, and leadership.
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Commissioned Portrait: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden
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DC Photojournalist Speaks on First Lady Portrait and Why to Hire Diverse Storytellers
Black History Month Change Makers — D.C. photographer Cheriss May’s work centers on politics and protest. From photographing first lady Jill Biden to covering the uprisings of 2020 to escaping violence at the Capitol, the Howard graduate and professor tells why she’s living in her purpose.
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Artist of the Year — St. Teresa's Academy
I was selected "Artist of the Year" by my high school, St. Teresa's Academy. Commissioned to capture the dedication of the new St. Teresa of Avila statue, a 3500 pound marble statue created in Italy. The statue replaces a statue of the patron Saint Joseph which stood at the entrance of the campus since 1903.
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Vice News Interview
I talk about covering The March on Washington, 57 years later still marching for some of the same things and the hope for change. Also, knowing Chad Boseman as my next door neighbor and an image I created of him is part of a permanent exhibit called: "In Conversation: Visual Meditations on Black Masculinity" at The African American Museum in Philadelphia.
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The Story Behind Her: Photojournalist Cheriss May Is Changing the Status Quo Through Photography
Featured in Ms. Magazine
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Women Photograph: 2020 Year in Pictures
Photo featured in Women Photograph: 2020 Year in Pictures. Curated by Oriana Koren
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Movements, Moments & Memory with Sheila Pree Bright & Cheriss May
Artist talk/conversation for Leica
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Selected as a judge for POY 2021
Pictures of the Year International, the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism program and competition in the world, this year is the 78th competition. POY, a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism, recognizes the best photojournalism, online presentation and visual editing created or published in 2020.
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The International Center of Photography Lecture
"We are pleased to announce the winter/spring season of our photographer lecture series, ICP Talks. Join us online for four one-hour lectures featuring inspiring photographers who champion social change through photography, use innovative practices that expand the form, and critically engage with the role of images in visual culture today.
The season includes photojournalist Cheriss May on documenting democracy"
Click for more into/to register
The season includes photojournalist Cheriss May on documenting democracy"
Click for more into/to register
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BBC News: Week in Pictures
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Chrysler Museum of Art Exhibition
Work selected for exhibition at the Chrysler Museum of Art.
On view now through Jan. 3, 2021.
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Cheriss May: Beyond the Protest
Solo Exhibition of Photographs Exploring the Intersection of Race, Politics, and Protest in the Wake of the National Reckoning on Racial Injustice
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Adobe MAX HBCU Series
Commissioned video I created for Adobe with Howard students. Director, producer, and featured still images.
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Leica - Her Legacy Blog Feature
TELL YOUR STORY. Look at what’s important to you, and your community.. Find your passion… know your purpose and tell your story. I’ll never forget this advice one of my mentors Fred Watkins gave me — If you see all the photographers going one direction, go another way, your story will always be different from everyone else’s.
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The Power of Visual Storytelling
"There is power in story. Join photographer @cherissmay & me next week on @CreativeLive TV as we record our podcast live! Cheriss is the president of @wpowdc, an @adobe Education Leader, @HowardU Prof & Alum + an overall powerhouse!"
— Kenna Klosterman
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Adobe for Education Panel
Live interactive panel, "Preparing Students for a Changing World with Emerging Technologies", moderated by Tacy Trowbridge, Head of Adobe for Education programs and policy. Featured panelists include: Cheriss May, Howard University, Lisa Gottfried, New Tech High School, and Stephen Marshall, East Tennessee State University.
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Adobe Career Bootcamp Mentor
Special pre-conference day full of inspiration, skill building, networking, and mentorship at Adobemax 2020
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The New York Times: 7 Things to Do This Weekend
Our critics and writers have selected noteworthy cultural events to experience virtually or in person in New York City.
Selected for 7 things to do by The New York Times
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Leica Camera Commissioned Talk - Photoville
"The Gravity of Inclusive Storytelling: A conversation with Cheriss May" at Photoville.
The PHOTOVILLE Festival, New York City’s FREE premier photo destination, returns for a ninth year in a different way – online community and artist programming plus photo exhibitions in public spaces throughout New York City.
This annual community gathering features public exhibitions, virtual online storytelling events, artist talks, workshops, demonstrations, educational programs, and community programming.
The Photoville Festival provides an accessible venue for photographers and audiences from every walk of life to engage with each other, and experience thought-provoking photography from across the globe – with free admission for all!
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CHERISS MAY: BEYOND THE PROTEST
Photographer and educator Cheriss May shares her experiences covering the intersectionality of race, politics, and protest, in the wake of the national reckoning on racial injustice. May will then be joined by CCP Director, Anne Breckenridge Barrett, for conversation and virtual Q&A with the audience.
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Adobe Create Magazine Interview
My interview as a photographer, guest editor and curator for Adobe Create magazine.
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Spotify Commissioned Talk
Commissioned by Spotify to give an inspirational talk on inclusive storytelling.
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Today Show: Hoda & Jenna NYT Family Protest Story
Story I pitched that was published in The New York Times, was picked up by The Today Show
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Judge for The Feature Shoot Emerging Photography Awards
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Reporting While Black: Covering Election 2020
Panel discussion with Shaquille Brewster, NBC News, Milton Coleman, Howard University Hearst visiting professor, Michelle Johnson, Boston University, Cheriss May, Photographer & educator, and moderator Ingrid Sturgis, Howard University!
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Speaker: "Remember the Time: Photography In The Movement"
Speaker at Adcolor's annual conference Sept. 8-10, 2020. Theme: “Here For It”. It’s about showing up, being present, continuing the fight and striving for progress. "Join ADCOLOR & 250+ speakers as we ignite conversations about diversity & inclusion in the creative industries."
Register: http://bit.ly/adcoloreverywhere"
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Focus on the Story Board Member
"We're thrilled to announce that Cheriss May has joined the Focus on the Story board of directors! She's a mainstay in Washington, DC photography circles, serving as president of the
WPOW: Women Photojournalists of Washington, covering this year's uprising, with her work appearing in the New York Times and carried by Reuters, teaching at Howard University and appearing as a frequent podcast and webinar guest, including during this year's Focus on the Story International Photo Festival, and recently at the Photoville festival. We're looking forward to having her help us take our festival to the next level."
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Photo Contest Judge
Afrotographers' 2020 March on Washington Photo Competition
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National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Photo featured in the July/August 2020 edition. Click to read
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Top Photo of the Day and Photo of the Week
My first assignment with Reuters to cover the White House on August 2, 2020, which meant going out to Trump National Golf Club in Sterling Virginia, there were protestors and supporters at the entrance of the club. My picture of a protestor in a Grim Reaper costume holding a sign with the number 152K to represent the number of victims of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the U.S., was selected as a "Top Photo of the Day".
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School of the New York Times: Guest Speaker
Zoom presentation I conducted for a photojournalism class, on my work and career as a photojournalist.
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BET Social Justice Campaign ‘Content for Change’
Three of my images were selected for BET's social justice initiative PSA that first aired during the 2020 BET Awards. “The initiative is being carried out by BET and various corporations, civil rights groups, and social justice organizations with the intent to positively impact social justice outcomes for Black Americans. It will support the creation, distribution, marketing, and promotion of content aimed at ending systemic racism in America in areas such as education, healthcare, civic participation, and economic empowerment.”
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The Pieces We Are
My image was selected for this virtual gallery.
After a month of no work, this self portrait was taken after coming back from my first assignment since the global coronavirus pandemic. I felt so uninspired, and uncertain about my future.
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Adobe Meeting - Photo Presentation
A slideshow with my photos was presented at the beginning of an Adobe employee meeting. Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, presented it during a reflection of the present moment of protests, and uprisings that are happening across the country.
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Documenting a National Reckoning on Race and Justice
Powerful discussion with Black photographers and photo editors who share their experiences covering a historic reckoning on race and justice and why doing so carries the weight of the generations that came before them.
As millions take to the streets to protest racism, police brutality and a system that suppresses the voices of Black Americans and people of color, it has put a spotlight on the role of the photographers documenting this historic reckoning.
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Admitn’ It Podcast — Episode 18: Homecoming at an HBCU
"In this week's episode, Netty and D get the opportunity to interview a photographer/ photojournalist/ Howard alumni and dope human Cheriss May. They gain more insight on what photos mean to her, what it’s like being a photographer, and we even get to hear funny stories about Netty at Howard's Homecoming. You don’t want to miss this episode."
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Episode 10 - Say it Loud
"Tune in to hear Washington DC based photojournalist and professor, Cheriss May, discuss her time photographing politics as a Black woman. She also speaks on her experiences as both a student and professor at Howard University and the importance of having that community. I've never had a Black photography professor. Never had a Black graphic design professor either. I remember sitting in classes at ICP and hearing instructors speak high praise about all of their favorite photographers and none of them looked like me. I was angered, confused and inspired. Knowing that Cheriss May is a professor and is able to share her thoughts, inspiration and real world experience with students who resemble her is amazing. Make sure you tune in. Peace!" — Idris Solomon, Black Shutter Podcast
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The Candid Frame — Episode 518
"Ibarionex Perello, Idris Talib Solomon, and Cheriss May are three of the finest creators in photojournalism and documentary photography today. Even if you're not a photographer, please take the time to listen to this episode."
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Reporters On The Frontlines During Two Pandemics
"Two major issues are taking place in America at the same time: Protests in the streets demanding changes to policing in America and the Coronavirus crisis. Reporters are out there, on the frontlines, covering it all while trying to stay safe and keep a balanced perspective."
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Reporting While Black: Journalists on the Front Lines
"Black journalists oftentimes have to live in two worlds when it comes to covering controversial stories on race. As journalism faculty who have all served as working journalists, we want to provide an opportunity for candid conversations with media professionals covering George Floyd's death and subsequent protests."
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Philadelphia Tribune Interview
“In Conversation: Visual Meditations on Black Masculinity” is a two-gallery exhibition of photography that explores the construct of Black masculinity, through the lenses of 55 women and non-binary photographers of African descent. Photographer Cheriss May is one of the women involved in the project. Thank you to the curators of the exhibit: Laylah Amatullah Barrayn and Adama Delphine Fawundu.
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Motivation Monday: Using visual storytelling to impact the world
"WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Passionate about history, culture, and storytelling through photography, visual journalist and educator Cheriss May has captured many historical moments. She joined us on the big yellow couch to share her passion for photography."
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Photos Featured on 'The Chew'
Chef Carla Hall shared photos I took at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art's Awards Gala on the show.
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Focus on the Story — Virtual International Photo Festival 2020
Panel to talk about photographers' rights, options for those who want to use social media but don’t want to give up control of their images. Panelists: Louis J. Levy, a DC attorney who specializes in copyright and trademark issues, Thomas Maddrey, general counsel for the American Society of Media Photographers, Cheriss May, president of the Women Photojournalists of Washington (WPOW), and Allen Murabayashi, co-founder of PhotoShelter.
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'Tension' - Artist Talk
Closing reception for Click DC, artist talk that examines the relationship between Tension, Life, and Art. Featuring: Kirth Bobb, Kanayo Adibe, Dee Dwyer and Cheriss May. Moderated by Mollie Q. Coleman of High Caliber Events.
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Howard University Magazine Profile
"When she was a kid back in Kansas City, Missouri, with her Kodak camera, she would take pictures everywhere she went. Her parents were very encouraging of her and would upgrade her camera, motivating her to take photography classes in high school and eventually when she came to Howard University."
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The Stories and Lives of Women, Told in Women’s Voices
Female photographers document the stories and lives of women.
11th Annual Juried Show at FotoWeekDC, this year’s competition was judged by Diàna Markosian, Jenn Poggi and Maggie Steber. The exhibition displays the work of many women in photojournalism in the Washington metropolitan area.
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Howard University To Be Present At Adobe Worldwide Sales Conference
"Howard University has been selected to attend the Adobe Worldwide Sales Conference this December in Las Vegas. Howard will be the only historically Black college or university at the conference, joining the University of California, Berkeley and University of North Carolina. Representing Howard will be award-winning photojournalist and digital design adjunct professor, Cheriss May, along with two students – senior Sydne Barard and sophomore Kiara Hardy. The conference will include leaders in industries of photography, video production, documentary filmmaking and storytelling."
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AIGA DC — Nonbook Book Club
Guest of AIGA DC for an online monthly chat series through Slack covering design and diversity.
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Guest - Impact the World Radio Show
Invited to speak on Cheryl Wood's radio show: "Impact the World" about my experience as a photographer.
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Speaker - 108th NAACP Annual Convention
Commissioned to speak about my time and experience covering the Obamas at The White House as a press photographer, at the 108th NAACP Annual Convention, Arts and Entertainment Day.
"Arts and Entertainment Day is a daylong series of conversations on the power and impact of the arts and entertainment industry. Produced by the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, the purpose of the forum is to help audiences better understand the entertainment industry and learn how to leverage arts and entertainment as a tool for activism and advocacy. The series of topics will engage, entertain and enlighten those attending the NAACP 108th Annual Convention."