It is an honor to be named the Local Hero of the week by Rep. Jamie Raskin for my work on Life in the Time of Coronavirus: Voices from Silver Spring.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I documented the lives of friends and neighbors as we lived through this extraordinary time in history. I talked with close friends, local business owners, cancer survivors, teachers, students, and people in our community I had never before met. Each person had an incredible story to share about how they were coping during that trying time.

In this interview with Rep. Jamie Raskin, I highlight four people I met while working on this project and share their stories of resiliency and strength. 

The full archives from the project is below.

I'm thrilled to once again be the event photographer for Silver Spring's very own Taste the World in Fenton Village. This one-of-a-kind festival showcases the best Silver Spring has to offer, including dozens of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. 

To accommodate COVID restrictions and ensure the safety of guests, workers, and restaurant owners, this year's festival will take place over an entire week. Patrons will have the option to dine outdoors, or order carry out or delivery. I'll be at the festival Sunday, May 16 and again on Friday, May 21 -- and I'll be there with my camera! Stop by, say hi, and you may even end up on Fenton Village's website!

Patrons who visit Fenton Village restaurants three times throughout the week of May 16 - 22 will be entered to win cash prizes. Guests simply need to take photos of their receipts and email them to fentonvillageinc@gmail.com

2020 has been a wild and crazy year full of challenges and heartbreak. It may feel like all hope is lost and all love is gone, but I know that is not true. I know that because of families like the Rodriguezes. This entire family is so full of joy, and their loving spirit shines through in these images. It was an absolute pleasure working with them!

I love working with families, but I especially adore working with moms and daughters. There's just something special about the bond a mother shares with her daughters, and I was honored to be able to capture that relationship in these images. Aisha and her daughters Noelle and Cece were delightful to work with, and their loving, fun spirit really shines through in these photos!

Sligo Creek Parkway has always been a haven for me. Walking along the nine-mile trail offers a chance to slow down, collect my thoughts, and be with nature. It also offers a chance to connect with those who love the parkway as much as I do. That's certainly the case with the Habicht Family.

For this lovely family of four, Sligo Creek was a discovery made during the pandemic. They have spent the year exploring the parkway and couldn't wait to show me some of their favorite spots during our time together. It was at one of those spots, near a favorite boulder, where a Jonna Michelle Photography first happened: daughter Abby lost her tooth DURING our session! It was such a simple, beautiful reminder that even in chaotic and troubling times, life still goes on.

Fall is always a magical time -- the crisp air and colorful leaves make me want to spend every waking moment outside. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the fall family photo season than by spending time in Sligo Creek with the Arnett Family. Mom and Dad Gina and Josh were so fun to work with, and little Marty is just a doll. I especially loved how this family included grandparents in their photo session as well. Look for more from Jonna Michelle Photography coming soon!

I'm thrilled to be able to share these images of Baby Alice and her proud parents, Maggie and Zack. We spent last Sunday afternoon together at their home in Mount Rainier and, as you can see, everything was gorgeous... from the soft, golden light to Maggie's radiant cream dress to the way baby Alice slept so comfortably in the baskets we set her in. What stuck with me the most from this session, however, is just how at ease Maggie and Zack were in their new role as parents. I wish them and baby Alice only the best.

I'm thrilled to be able to share this sneak peek from the elopement/wedding of Erin and Vinny! These two were supposed to be married June 13 in New Mexico, but the pandemic had other plans. Instead of postponing, Erin and Vinny kept their original wedding date and said their vows surrounded by close friends and family at Lee District Park in Fairfax, Virginia. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful couple! I wish these two the absolute best!