About Shannon...

Welcome to the home of Brilliant Flashes.

Shannon Housley Davis is a professional photographer, graphic designer, marketing manager, and avid maker. Her creative journey began the moment she picked up her mother’s Pentax K-1000 and became fascinated by the makeshift black-and-white photo lab set up in their tiny bathroom. That same camera, once her mother’s, eventually became her own.

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In high school, Shannon served as the lead photographer for the yearbook and newspaper, setting the stage for her lifelong passion. She began her formal training at Kilgore College in Texas, studying under acclaimed photographer O. Rufus Lovett. There, she developed a strong foundation in photography and related trades including commercial art, printing, and fine art.

Shannon later earned her Bachelor of Science in Photography with a minor in Studio Art from Sam Houston State University—where she also discovered a passion for pottery.

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Professionally, Shannon’s career spans a wide spectrum of creative and technical roles. She has worked as a studio, portrait, and commercial photographer, as well as a research photographer with Texas A&M University aboard the geological research ship JOIDES Resolution. Over five and a half years at sea, she traveled the globe documenting scientific discoveries and creating public relations content for the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Her photography continues to appear in IODP's print publications and digital platforms.

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After her time at sea, Shannon settled in North Texas with her husband, John—whom she met aboard the JOIDES Resolution. She joined the University of North Texas Printing Department and also began working in real estate photography and graphic design, supporting real estate professionals with branding and marketing materials.

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In 2008, Shannon and her family joined the U.S. Foreign Service, serving in Moscow, Russia; Libreville, Gabon; the Washington, D.C. metro area; and Monterrey, Mexico. These global experiences enriched her worldview and creative perspective.

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In 2022, she took on the role of Director of Events and Alumni Services at Columbia State College in Tennessee, where she managed artist series performances, college events, and alumni engagement—blending her expertise in event production, design, and marketing.

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Shannon currently lives just outside Washington, D.C., in Maryland, and works at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). Whether through watercolor, photography, graphic design, or jewelry making, she is constantly exploring and creating—sharing her unique vision through her brand, Brilliant Flashes.