About Landon Shackelford

Landon Shackelford is a photojournalist and emerging political photographer currently completing a double major in Media Arts and Design (Journalism concentration) and International Affairs at James Madison University.

He works regularly as a photojournalist for The Washington Blade, AKSM Media, and the Daily News-Record, and serves as Photo Editor for JMU’s award-winning student newspaper, The Breeze. His reporting has contributed to multiple Virginia Press Association awards and helped The Breeze earn a 2024 Pacemaker Award.

Landon’s passion for photojournalism grew from a childhood spent traveling as the son of two U.S. Army parents. Photography became a way to connect with unfamiliar places and communities—an approach that continues to shape his work today.

His coverage focuses heavily on politics and public affairs, including reporting from the White House, where he has photographed press briefings, official events, and presidential departures. His work often centers on identity, power, and place, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ communities and underreported voices.

In 2024, the Society of Professional Journalists featured Landon’s work in a gallery exhibition on queer photojournalism in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. That same year, he studied abroad at the University of Ghana (Legon), freelancing with the Ghanaian Times on stories documenting communities on the outskirts of Accra. This work was later exhibited at The Union Galleries.

Landon is a recipient of the George Johnson Scholarship and has earned multiple honors for his photography, including Photo of the Year (2025) from The Breeze and several Virginia Press Awards.

Selected Publications

  • The Washington Blade

  • AKSM Media

  • Daily News-Record

  • Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

  • National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)

  • Virginia Press Association

  • The Breeze

  • Ghanaian Times

  • Viewfinder

  • The Independent Photographer

  • African Impact

  • City of Harrisonburg

  • The Bluestone

  • Madison 101

  • Joshua Tree National Park

  • Moonshine Fly Rods

  • Monticello Wine Trail

  • The Point

Awards

  • 2025 – The Breeze: Photo of the Year

  • 2024 – Virginia Press Awards: First Place, Pictorial Photo

  • 2024 – Virginia Press Awards: Second Place, Slideshow or Gallery

  • 2024 – Virginia Press Awards: Third Place, Slideshow or Gallery

  • 2023 – Pacemaker Award: Online News (The Breeze)

  • 2023 – Viewfinder: Second Place, Wildlife Photo

Education

James Madison University (2023–2027)

  • B.A. International Affairs

  • B.A. Media Arts & Design (Journalism Concentration)

  • Minor: World Literature

University of Ghana, Legon (2024)

  • African Literature, Arts, and Humanities

Languages

  • English

  • Spanish

Contact

📞 434-327-9587
📧 landon.a.shackelford@gmail.com