The Onyx Project
A Legacy in Portraits: 50 Black Women Over 50
An exclusive fine-art photography initiative celebrating the strength, wisdom, and beauty of remarkable Black women in the DMV area. This is more than a photoshoot—it is your testament.
Apply for ConsiderationAbout The Project
The Onyx Project is a prestigious cultural initiative that honors the legacy, strength, and beauty of 50 extraordinary Black women over 50 in the DMV area.
This is not simply a photography session—it is a transformative experience that celebrates the duality of womanhood through two distinct portrait sessions: one capturing your authentic, soulful essence for inclusion in our fine-art coffee table book, and another creating empowering glamour portraits for your personal collection.
Each participant becomes part of a historic documentation of our community's matriarchs, mentors, and trailblazers—women whose stories deserve to be told and whose images will inspire future generations.
✨
Celebrating Wisdom
& Timeless Beauty
A Sisterhood of Excellence
Beyond the portraits lies something equally precious—the bonds formed between remarkable women who share this transformative journey together.
Lifelong Connections
Form meaningful relationships with 49 other extraordinary women who, like you, have chosen to celebrate their legacy and invest in their story. These connections often extend far beyond the project itself.
Exclusive Network
Join an elite circle of accomplished Black women over 50 in the DMV area. Share wisdom, collaborate on ventures, and support each other's continued growth and success in an environment of mutual respect and admiration.
Legacy Circle
Become part of a permanent sisterhood documented in fine art. Together, you'll inspire future generations while building professional and personal relationships that honor your collective wisdom and achievements.
The Art of Legacy
Each portrait tells a story of strength, wisdom, and beauty. Here's a glimpse of the caliber of fine-art photography that will capture your essence.
Authentic Portraits
Timeless Elegance
Strength & Grace
Legacy Captured
Our Mission
Celebrate Legacy
Honor the remarkable achievements and wisdom of Black women who have shaped their communities and families over five decades of life.
Document History
Create a permanent, beautiful record of the everyday heroes in our DMV community through fine-art portraiture and storytelling.
Empower Beauty
Showcase the multifaceted nature of Black womanhood—from authentic, unadorned strength to glamorous, polished elegance.
The Onyx Experience
Legacy Design Session
A personal consultation to design both parts of your photoshoot experience, ensuring every detail reflects your unique story and vision.
The Authentic Session
An intimate 45-minute session capturing your essence, wisdom, and inner strength for your portrait in the prestigious coffee table book.
The Glamour Experience
Professional hair and makeup artistry followed by an empowering 2+ hour glamour session creating stunning portraits for your personal collection.
The Reveal & Heirloom
A private viewing of your portraits, selection of your personal collection, and presentation of your custom onyx necklace—a tangible piece of your legacy.
Investment & Inclusions
- ✨ Legacy Design Consultation Session
- 📸 Complete Dual Photography Experience
- 💄 Professional Hair & Makeup Artistry
- 📖 Inclusion in The Onyx Project Coffee Table Book
- 📚 Complimentary Copy of Published Book ($150+ value)
- 💎 Custom Onyx Heirloom Necklace ($100+ value)
- 🎉 Exclusive Gallery Exhibition Invitation
- 💰 $200 Credit Toward Glamour Portrait Collection
Additional glamour portrait collections available from $1,200 - $7,000+
Apply for Consideration
We are seeking 50 remarkable Black women over 50 in the DMV area to be part of this historic project. Share your story with us.
Meet the Visionary
Welcome to my most meaningful project yet. I'm Marquel Forbes, and as a professional headshot photographer with over seven years of experience, I specialize in creating clean, consistent, and authentic portraits for professionals and businesses in the DC metropolitan area.
My passion lies in empowering clients, especially those who are camera-shy, by fostering a relaxed and approachable environment during photo sessions. This commitment has allowed me to deliver high-quality visuals that enhance personal and corporate branding throughout the DMV region.
Through my work as President & CEO of Forbes Insurance Agency, Inc., an Allstate exclusive agency, I bring a unique blend of professionalism, entrepreneurial insight, and customer-centric service to every project. This business leadership experience has taught me the importance of building trust and delivering exceptional client experiences.
The Onyx Project represents the culmination of my passion for portrait photography and my deep commitment to celebrating the extraordinary women in our community who have shaped our world with their wisdom, strength, and grace.
Professional Background
- Over 7 years as a professional headshot photographer in the DMV area
- President & CEO of Forbes Insurance Agency, Inc. (2016-Present)
- Associate Photographer with HeadshotCrew (2023-Present)
- Owner of Marquel Yvette Photography LLC (2018-Present)
- Licensed in VA, DC, MD, and WV
- Specializes in executive headshots and authentic portrait photography