Listen In With KNN lead photographer and FOX Sports Radio photographer Joy Washington is nominated for “Best Photographer” in the 2026 Montgomery Magazine Reader’s Choice awards.
Washington is a Maryland native with a strong career in sports and youth media. Her work has taken her all over the United States.
Her passion for her work comes from her early career working with children, making digital content for schools.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted to create her own advertising business, EN-Joy Media.
“I help people market their brands. [I work] with brands all over the USA,” said Washington.
Washington had some experience with videography work while in high school, but prides herself on being a self-taught photographer. She credits her success in photography to the many mentors who helped her develop her skills.
“I never went to school for it, and I just surrounded myself with people who are great mentors to continue to teach me,” said Washington.
Washington cites a trip to Niagara Falls as the inspiration to pursue photography more seriously as a career.
Of her many mentors, Washington credits Demiko Aiken as someone she could always count on to be in her corner.
“We have our own TV production company now, and we’re gonna be working around the city doing commercials, headshots, anything, photography, events, and videography. So I’m really excited to work with him and grow with him,” said Washington.
Washington plans to eventually have a full-on production company to continue working with children and community-based projects. She hopes to use her production company as a way to continue teaching younger generations about innovations in photography and giving them the tools they need to tell their stories.
“Kids, once they really tell you that they look up to you, it just hits different,” said Washington.
Washington was first introduced to Kelsey Nicole Nelson while working on a red carpet event at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
“We took a photo, we connected and ever since that day, we have been officially locked in, and that was three years ago. So that was nice. I just kept working, kept working, and she scoped out my work,” said Washington.
When Washington isn’t working with LIWKNN she maintains a full schedule dedicated to supporting her community.
“I help out with a nonprofit organization, the Storehouse, which is all over the DMV, and I also volunteer as an associate photographer in Montgomery County for the Burtonsville Fire Department. I just want to see people do well and live in a positive environment through my photos,” said Washington.
Washington shared that important traits that new photographers should hone in on is their ability to take constructive criticism, to familiarize themselves with the manual mode of their camera to better understand the mechanics of their tools, and to stay humble as they progress in their career.
Additionally, Washington added that an important skill for creatives to develop is the ability to be more discerning when accepting work. Being more selective can benefit someone as they build a professional portfolio, Washington shared.
Washington shared that of her many collaborations with LIWKNN she remembers her time covering E1 and Roc Nation among her favorites.
Voting for the 2026 Montgomery Magazine Reader’s Choice awards ends September 20. Listeners and fans can vote at this link, scroll down to select “Groups”, select “Services” at the bottom, scroll to “Best Photographer”, and choose Joy Washington.
All photos provided by Joy Washington.
Digital and Editorial Summer intern for Listen in with KNN.