Shannon is a professional photographer based in Chennai, India and is available to take assignments throughout India and worldwide.

Shannon’s path as a photojournalist was laid out before she was born. As the daughter of an amateur photographer, she was surrounded by the presence of her Mom, documenting every aspect of their daily lives. Before she knew it, she had earned the honor of being the official family photographer, preserving our most precious moments.

Her childhood passion turned into a serious pursuit the year she shadowed a photographer at The Baltimore Sun. Here is where she had her first photograph published on the front page of the Sports section as a senior in High School.  Beyond the nuts and bolts of daily photojournalism, she learned that a career is something that you should be passionate about. 

She is a trained photojournalist from one of the most prestigious schools: Western Kentucky University. Shannon is an accomplished photojournalist with an array of credits to her name. She has a diverse portfolio spanning over ten years.

Shannon does not simply take photos. She looks for the stories and incidentals many photographers miss. The shy flower girl; the happy but tearful woman who cheers for her son, the quiet eyes of a father parting from his daughter; the corporate office whose wall holds a tiny but powerful poem. These are the kinds of stories Shannon tells through her camera.

EXPERIENCE

Shannon Zirkle Photography

Owner and Photographer, 2006-present
• Specializing in wedding, portraiture, event and corporate photography
• Freelance photographer for news publications
• Conducts photography classes in Chennai and Washington, DC
• Holds Photo Treks throughout Chennai
• Offers workshops at local community centers teaching photography
www.shannonzirkle.com

Capital Gazette Communications, Annapolis, MD

Multimedia-Video Producer, Staff Photographer, August 2008— March 2011
• Responsible for starting and developing video production for online department
• Shot daily video assignments, ranging from breaking news to features
• Shot daily photography assignments, ranging from breaking news to features
• Managed content for website with over 20,000 visits per day
• Trained staff in video and photography
• Produced a weekly sports web chat
• Work featured in five separate publications owned by company

The Frederick News-Post, Frederick, MD

Staff Photographer, 2007-2008
• Shot daily photography assignments, ranging from breaking news to features

The News Journal, Wilmington, DE

Photography and Multimedia Internship, Summer 2007
• Shoot daily video assignments, ranging from breaking news to features
• Shot daily photography assignments, ranging from breaking news to features

College Heights Herald, Bowling Green Kentucky

Staff Photographer, 2006-2007
• Shoot video assignments, ranging from breaking news to features
• Shot photography assignments, ranging from breaking news to features

The York Dispatch, York, PA

Photography Internship, Summer-Fall 2006
• Shot daily photography assignments, ranging from breaking news to features

The Hindu, Chennai, India Photography

Internship, Summer 2005

Shenna Body Art

Owner and Artist, 2007-present
• Provide henna body art services for private parties and corporate events
• Specialize in Indian, Arabic, African and Somalian designs
• Manage and book events for staff artists
• Offer annual workshops teaching the art of henna
www.shennabodyart.com

AWARDS

• 1st place, Detail, Best of Bella Monthly Photo Contest, May 2009

• 1st place, Multimedia Storytelling-News
Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association, 2008

• 1st place, Sports: Monthly Clip Contest, Jan 2008
National Press Photographers Association,

• 3rd place, Multimedia Storytelling-News
Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association, 2009

• 7th Place, Highly Commended, 2013
Annual Exhibition, The Peoples Photographic Society

PUBLICATIONS

The Baltimore Sun
The Washington Post
Capital Gazette Communications
The Frederick News-Post
The News Journal
The York Dispatch
Howard County Times
The Maryland Gazette
Patuxent Publishing
The Gazette
Capital Style Magazine
Pumper Magazine
The Hindu
College Heights Herald
Silkwinds
John Lewis Gazette

EDUCATION

Western Kentucky University

B.A., Photojournalism-New Media

Howard Community College

A.A., General Studies

TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS

• Kelby Lighting Workshop with Joe McNally,
   Participant, October 2009
• Appalachian Cultural Project
   Multimedia Producer, March 2007
• Mountain Workshop, Participant, 2006,
• Mountain Workshop, Gallery Lab Technician, 2005
• Nikon Emotions Workshop, Participant, 2005
• NPPA Best of Photojournalism, St. Petersburg, FL
• Western Kentucky University,
  Computer Lab Technician, 2005-2007

SKILLS

Extensive experience with:
• Film and digital, still and video cameras
• Off-camera and studio lighting
• Audio recording and editing
• Web based publishing and coding
• Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator 
• Photo Mechanic, Flash, Soundslides
• Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Edius, Pro Tools