In Memory of Joe Shymanski

 

Joseph Anthony Shymanski was born on November 11, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in nearby Livonia. From an early age, Joe was known for his infectious optimism, boundless curiosity, and genuine kindness — qualities that defined both his personal life and his art.

After earning a degree in History and Psychology from the University of Michigan, along with certification to teach in public schools, Joe began his career as a secondary school social studies teacher. His teaching journey took him around the world — from Detroit to Korea, Honduras, Washington, D.C., and Virginia — where he inspired students with his intellect, creativity, and compassion.

While Joe’s early career was rooted in education, his lifelong passion for photography ultimately became his calling. His love for the craft began in high school and led to his first professional role at Focal Point Studio in Farmington, Michigan — one of the state’s premier photography studios. There, Joe honed his eye for light, composition, and human expression, skills that would later define his signature style.

In 2000, Joe opened a small photography studio on Capitol Hill, officially launching his full-time career as a fine art, portrait, and event photographer. Based in Washington, D.C., he became a beloved figure in the local arts community. His work appeared in Harper’s, Hamptons Magazine, The Washington Post, and other national publications. Joe worked with a large number of national and regional associations, trade groups, banks, law firms, real estate groups, government institutions, and other large organizations who needed a trusted photographer who could get the shot the first time every time. Joe had an uncanny ability to not only know what the picture was, but when the picture was. His clients came back to him time and time again, because they knew they would get the results they needed. 

In 2001, while Joe was teaching in DC public schools he met his best friend and lifelong business partner, Alton, who was a brother to one of Joe's middle school students.  For many years he helped Joe out by selling Joe's photography at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill on the weekends. Joe mentored Alton in the art and discipline of photography, and over the years, Alton grew into a creative partner, bringing his own vision and energy to their shared projects. Joe delighted the community with his famous for his LEGO Star Wars art.  He and Alton would playfully compete to see whose photos would sell better at Joe's weekly market booth. Joe and Alton became a well known presence at Eastern Market. After Joe’s passing, Alton has carried on their shared vision and spirit of creativity continue through FREE HUGS DC.

Joe’s commitment to creativity, learning, and community continues to live on through the Joe Shymanski Memorial Scholarship Fund, which mentors D.C. public school students in photography and the arts, helping them discover their own voices through the lens. His legacy lives not only in the images he captured but also in the countless lives he inspired, the students he nurtured, and the joy he shared with friends, family, and the community. Alton and the Shymanski family are honored to award a scholarship to a DC public school student in his memory each year in May. 

Though Joe's talents in photography were extraordinary, his deepest pride and greatest joy came from being a father to his children, June and Jay.  His devotion to them was at the heart of everything he did. 

Joe’s larger-than-life personality, boundless love for life, and genuine care for all people remind us to see the world with curiosity, joy, and compassion. His vision, energy, and kindness continue to inspire everyone who knew him, and will guide all who carry forward his legacy.