D.C. Creatives Shine at the Umbrella Photo Fair
By • September 29, 2025 0 395
By Mia Pech
The Umbrella Photo Fair took place this past weekend at Gallery Place, showcasing more than 30 emerging and established photographers from across the DMV. The fair created a space for artists to push their creativity while connecting directly with collectors and community members. Presented in partnership with the Downtown DC Business Improvement District and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the event was a sister fair to the Umbrella Art Fair held earlier this month. By charging no participation fees or commission, the fair allowed photographers to keep all the money from sales.
Courtesy Moki Media.
The event started with an opening party featuring DJ Mathias on Friday. Guests explored three floors of beautiful art with a wide range of work, with pieces priced from a few hundred dollars to over $5,000. Among the highlights were pieces by well-known local photographers Joshua Cogan, Janet Fries, Steven Cummings and Farrah Skeiky.
One standout was Serli Lala’s installation, which combined two bodies of work: State of Mind and an ongoing series on social justice and collective liberation. Her images reflect what she describes as “visual sanctuaries” that hold space for pause, reflection and healing. Rooted in her family history and a commitment to intersectional liberation, Lala’s photography resonated with the fair’s theme: art as both survival and visioning.
In contrast, Noel David Carson, a D.C.-based Creative Director and photographer, presented photography that explores light, shadow and overlooked details across city streets. His images highlight the textures of public spaces and the fleeting moments many pass by. With a background in design and a career shaping brands in the built environment, Carson translates that sensibility into thoughtful photography of urban life.
Together, these perspectives highlighted the range of photography in the region. By centering artists and making their work more accessible to the public, the Umbrella Photo Fair proved itself as more than an exhibition.
Photos below by Mia Pech.
