Long before she stood just feet from newly elected presidents as an official U.S. Senate photographer, Joy Holder '91 was simply a young woman determined to prove she belonged in college. School had never come easily. Diagnosed with a learning disability as a child, Holder often struggled in the classroom. But she refused to let that define her future.
Her determination brought her to Onondaga Community College, where she enrolled in the Photography program. It also brought her to one of the people who would forever change the course of her life. "The learning disability specialist there was a lifesaver, she taught me how to write effectively and how to study, which allowed me to truly excel."
Those lessons extended far beyond the classroom. With a new level of confidence and a stronger academic foundation, Holder completed her associate degree at OCC, and transferred to SUNY Oswego to study art and museum studies. There were still challenges along the way, but she persevered, earning her bachelor's degree before continuing her education at Syracuse University. Years later, while working for the United States Senate, she added a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University.
It was the beginning of a journey that would eventually place her at the center of some of the nation's most historic moments. One of the first unexpected turns came shortly after graduating from SUNY Oswego, when Holder walked into Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and introduced herself to photography professor Thomas Richards. "I just graduated from SUNY Oswego, and now I want to study here," she recalled telling him.
Instead of a brief conversation, Richards invited her into his office. Before long, he was inviting Holder to join a group of photography students traveling to London the following semester. The experience broadened her perspective, even though she was ultimately not accepted into Syracuse University's graduate program.
Rather than seeing rejection, Holder saw another reason to keep moving forward. Before she left for London, Richards asked what she hoped to do after graduation. "I told him I was moving to Washington, D.C., to photograph black-tie events," Holder said. The professor smiled and told her that usually took years to achieve.
After returning from London, Holder moved to the Washington area, sleeping on a friend's sofa while searching for work. She soon landed a position with Mattox Commercial Photography in Alexandria, Virginia, photographing studio portraits, corporate events, conferences and formal dinners. Just two months after being hired, she found herself photographing her first black-tie event at one of Washington's luxury hotels. "I was by far the youngest and poorest person in the room, but I had reached my goal faster than anyone expected."
It was only the beginning. Holder would spend parts of four decades as an official photographer for the United States Senate, documenting history from behind the lens before retiring in September 2023. Her office was located on the first floor of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, but her work regularly placed her in the middle of extraordinary moments. Among the most memorable were the presidential inaugurations of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. "It was a deeply moving experience," Holder said. "Photographers were assigned to various strategic locations throughout the Capitol, but being positioned directly on the main platform in one of the media stands was the ultimate highlight."
Long before sunrise, photographers would report to their assigned positions. Then came the waiting. Looking out from the platform, Holder could see hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall, all witnessing history together. "I was crammed into that stand with hundreds of other photographers. The sheer energy of being that close to a historic event was absolutely electric."
Her camera also captured countless other moments that became part of the nation's story - from official Senate business to presidents comforting families and honoring public servants. Each assignment carried the responsibility of preserving history one frame at a time.
Today, Holder's pace and place are much different. After retiring, she settled in New York's Southern Tier and spent nearly three years volunteering at the Corning Museum of Glass, helping visitors discover both the artwork on display and the stories behind it. "I love it there. The museum is just so well done."
This year, she launched Joy's Art and Treasures, a small business selling her original photography, digital artwork, and carefully curated vintage items online. These days, many of her favorite photographs are no longer taken with the professional cameras she relied on throughout her career. "I don't want to carry around my big camera anymore," she said with a laugh. "I'm happy with the pictures my iPhone takes."
Even in retirement, Holder says she continues to navigate the daily effects of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder while embracing new creative pursuits. "I struggle with the symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite this challenge, I managed to build a successful career and retire from my dream job as an official U.S. Senate photographer. Along the way, I also earned three college degrees." And her journey started at OCC, where she learned how to learn.
