Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it.
I recommend your camera and any lenses 50mm or longer. Lenses with multi focal lengths are best.
Your camera must be able to be set in manual shooting mode and have a hot shoe on top.
A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun!
What's Provided:
Use of model and lighting equipment. Professional hair and makeup artist.
What to Expect:
One and a half hours of hands-on training in posing people quickly and naturally, and various studio lighting setups to achieve a certain look.
Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here.
Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch!
Access to my 42 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher.
Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to build your portfolio by photographing our model.
Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters.
Exclusive access. Class will be small...limited to four people max. So the images you take home from the class won't be on 20 other photographers websites.
When, Where, How Much?:
Friday, May 20, 2022. 6:30pm - 8pm.
My studio at 2916 Cessna Drive, Va Beach. Third house on the right. Studio is around back.
$95 per person. $25 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop. Spaces go fast.
What Do I Do Next?:
Email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me.
Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days.
Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go.
Final payment is due at the workshop. Cash, check, Venmo, Facebook Messenger Pay or Paypal a Friend all work.
Above photos are not mine...for concept purposes only.
It was windy, but warm and the moon was rising above the ocean at the perfect time. Meanwhile our models danced gracefully in the moonlight for our students who were learning how to photograph models with the full moon. If you're interested in workshops or classes please find me on Facebook at Dee Akright Photography Classe and Workshops, or contact me here.
I recently had the opportunity to create new branding photos for my good friend and fellow wedding vendor Ivory Morgan-Burton of Storybook Events. Such an amazing lady!
What to Bring: Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it. I recommend your camera and any lenses longer than 50mm. Your camera must be able to set in manual shooting mode and have a hot shoe on top. A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun! What's Provided: Use of model and lighting equipment. Access to my brain. What to Expect: Two hours of hands-on training in posing people quickly and naturally, and various studio lighting setups to achieve a certain look. Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here. Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch! Access to my 40 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher. Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to build your portfolio by photographing our model. Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters. Exclusive access. Class will be small...limited to four people max. So the images you take home from the class won't be on 20 other photographers websites. When and Where: My studio at 2916 Cessna Drive, Va Beach from 11am to 1pm. Links: www.deeakright.com What Do I Do Next? Call (757-486-8779), email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me. $20 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop. Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days. Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go. Final payment is due at the workshop.
What to Bring: Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it. A tripod for the Night Sky classes. Small flashlight or you can use your phone. Bug Spray. Comfortable Walking Shoes, and a sweater or jacket for the cool evenings in the country. Money for lunch, dinner and souvenirs. A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun! What's Provided: Wine and Cheese Friday evening, Breakfast Saturday and Sunday, possible dinner on Saturday, bottled water and snacks during the day. Lodging at one of our historic homes. Entry into Sylvan Bird Park. Use of models and lighting equipment. Access to my brain.
What to Expect: A 1.5 hour drive from Virginia Beach, VA to the workshop's "basecamp" in our historic farmhouse at 111 Spiers Road in Como, NC. A workshop centered around learning while shooting. Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here. Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch! Access to my 38 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher. Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to photograph models, nature, birds and more birds, beautiful landscapes, architectural details, the Milky Way, whatever you like! Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters. (If you have these things, feel free to bring them. If not you'll still be able to play.) Fun memories and new friends!
Itinerary (may change): Friday, June 7, 2019: Arrive anytime you can after work. Or come in early to get settled. If some people want to come in early I can be available for specific questions or portfolio reviews. We'll have a meet and greet at the farmhouse around 6pm with wine and cheese. Once the sky gets dark, there'll be a class on photographing the Milky Way, the moon, the stars...whatever we have (weather permitting). Or I'll do a class on light painting/light writing. Heck I might do it all!
Saturday, June 8, 2019: Hop out of bed early for a quick breakfast (provided). Carpool to Sylvan (45 minute drive) to explore and photograph all the wonderful birds and creatures at Sylvan Bird Park. Afterwards we'll stop for lunch and questions at a local restaurant (there are some great barbeque places near the park). Spend the late afternoon relaxing at the farmhouse, or working on your photos you took that morning. That evening we'll have dinner at the farmhouse or at a local restaurant in town followed by a class on sunset portraits (matching flash to ambient light class) with models. Then once the sun goes down, you can relax, sit with me for photo critiques, or try some more night photography...whatever you like.
Sunday, June 9, 2019: Another quick breakfast (provided) at the farmhouse. Then we'll head into nearby Murfreesboro, NC (10 minute drive) for a day of shooting and learning in and around the historic district. We'll start at our property, the historic Murfree-Willliams House which was built in 1801 by the family that founded both Murfreesboro, NC and Murfreesboro, TN. Next we'll walk across the footbridge by the house to the historic cemetery. Also we'll check out the old farm machinery at the Agricultural museum across the street, and walk around photographing the beautiful homes in the historic district. Afterwards you'll have the afternoon to head back home, sightsee, or do more shooting.
Accommodations: The Rectory. Originally built as the rectory for the nearby church in 1880, we purchased the house and restored it from uninhabitable to a four bedroom/2.5 bath home that sleeps up to 8-9 people. Sleeping for another (mildly adventurous) person is available in the private Cottage behind the house. (The cottage is air conditioned, but doesn't have a bathroom, so we'll leave the back door to the main house open for you!) The house is located in Como which is so small it literally is one street: so you'll be out in the country without the noise, people and ground light of a big town. (it gets dark out there, which is great for photographing the night sky) Behind the house are farm fields as far as you can see and the town's water tower. The sun setting over the fields is gorgeous, and the water tower makes for some fun night photography. During the early evening you might even get a chance to photograph the home's hummingbirds. Sleeping: five single beds, one queen, one king Links: Sylvan Bird Park https://www.shwpark.com, Murfreesboro, NC http://www.murfreesboronc.org/ What Do I Do Next? Call (757-470-1979), email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me with credit card info. $75 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop. Find a tripod if you don't already have one. Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days. Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go. Final payment is due 1 week prior to the workshop.
What to Bring: Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it. I recommend your camera, any lenses longer than 50mm, and a hot shoe flash if you have one. A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun!
What's Provided: Use of models and lighting equipment. Access to my brain. Bottled water.
What to Expect: Three hours of hands-on training in the exposure triangle, posing people quickly and naturally, and all types of lighting from available light to studio strobes.
Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here.
Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch! Access to my 39 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher. Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to build your portfolio by photographing models and families. Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters. (If you have these things, feel free to bring them. If not you'll still be able to play.) Fun memories and new friends!
When and Where: Seagate Colony on Shore Drive. We'll be in the Beach room from 9am to noon.
What Do I Do Next? Call (757-486-8779), email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me with credit card info. $40 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop. Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days. Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go. Final payment is due at the workshop.
Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it. A tripod for the Night Sky classes. Small flashlight or you can use your phone. Bug Spray. Comfortable Walking Shoes, and a sweater or jacket for the cool evenings in the country. Money for lunch, dinner and souvenirs. A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun!
What's Provided:
Wine and Cheese Friday evening, Breakfast Saturday and Sunday, possible dinner on Saturday, bottled water and snacks during the day. Lodging at one of our historic homes. Entry into Sylvan Bird Park. Use of models and lighting equipment. Access to my brain.
What to Expect:
A 1.5 hour drive from Virginia Beach, VA to the workshop's "basecamp" in our historic farmhouse at 111 Spiers Road in Como, NC.
A workshop centered around learning while shooting. Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here. Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch! Access to my 38 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher. Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to photograph models, nature, birds and more birds, beautiful landscapes, architectural details, the Milky Way, whatever you like! Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters. (If you have these things, feel free to bring them. If not you'll still be able to play.) Fun memories and new friends!
Itinerary (may change):
Friday, October 19, 2018: Arrive anytime you can after work. Or come in early to get settled. If some people want to come in early I can be available for specific questions or portfolio reviews. We'll have a meet and greet at the farmhouse around 6pm with wine and cheese. Once the sky gets dark, there'll be a class on photographing the Milky Way, the moon, the stars...whatever we have (weather permitting). Or I'll do a class on light painting/light writing. Heck I might do it all!
Saturday, October 20, 2018: Hop out of bed early for a quick breakfast (provided). Carpool to Sylvan (45 minute drive) to explore and photograph all the wonderful birds and creatures at Sylvan Bird Park. Afterwards we'll stop for lunch and questions at a local restaurant (there are some great barbeque places near the park). Spend the late afternoon relaxing at the farmhouse, or working on your photos you took that morning. That evening we'll have dinner at the farmhouse or at a local restaurant in town followed by a class on sunset portraits (matching flash to ambient light class) with models. Then once the sun goes down, you can relax, sit with me for photo critiques, or try some more night photography...whatever you like.
Sunday, October 21, 2018: Another quick breakfast (provided) at the farmhouse. Then we'll head into nearby Murfreesboro, NC (10 minute drive) for a day of shooting and learning in and around the historic district. We'll start at our property, the historic Murfree-Willliams House which was built in 1801 by the family that founded both Murfreesboro, NC and Murfreesboro, TN. Next we'll walk across the footbridge by the house to the historic cemetery. Also we'll check out the old farm machinery at the Agricultural museum across the street, and walk around photographing the beautiful homes in the historic district. After lunch at Walter's just up the block from the house; you'll have the afternoon to head back home, sightsee, or do more shooting.
Accommodations: The Rectory. Originally built as the rectory for the nearby church in 1880, we purchased the house and restored it from uninhabitable to a four bedroom/2.5 bath home that sleeps up to 8-9 people. Sleeping for another (mildly adventurous) person is available in the private Cottage behind the house. (The cottage is air conditioned, but doesn't have a bathroom, so we'll leave the back door to the main house open for you!) The house is located in Como which is so small it literally is one street: so you'll be out in the country without the noise, people and ground light of a big town. (it gets dark out there, which is great for photographing the night sky) Behind the house are farm fields as far as you can see and the town's water tower. The sun setting over the fields is gorgeous, and the water tower makes for some fun night photography. During the early evening you might even get a chance to photograph the home's hummingbirds.
Call (757-486-8779), email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me with credit card info. $40 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop.
Find a tripod if you don't already have one. Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days. Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go. Final payment is due 1 week prior to the workshop.
Bill and Sol's at-home wedding was extra special for me since my sister Kate and I have known Bill since junior high school. So happy to see this amazing man finally find his soul mate. Sometimes the best things in life come later in life.
I've noticed the past few years a huge resurgence of at-home weddings rather than the traditional church wedding. For me it goes back to my roots in photography when my biggest photographic influence came from perusing every Martha Stewart Weddings magazine I could get my hands on. I love the ambiance and unique lighting challenges that an at-home wedding provides, but more importantly I just love the overall feeling of spending time with family and friends. There are so many personal touches that show the personality of not only the bride and groom but the people who love them. The relationships, the laughter, the happy tears, the stories of family members no longer here...all of it reminds me of why I got into photographing weddings in the first place.
One wedding from 2017 stands out in my heart as embodying all of that. Sit back and enjoy some of my favorite images from Lori and Laine's at home wedding.
Tap into my 37 years of experience as a professional wedding photographer. Don't reinvent the wheel. Learn from all the mistakes I've made over the years, and how to avoid making them yourself.
Hands on shooting. We have a really, really good looking couple who are eager to get back into their wedding clothes (their wedding was earlier this year) and pose for you. We'll also have bouquets and bouts designed by my florist and friend, Storybook Events.
Real time experience of what it's like to shoot a wedding with time to stop and learn.
Get photos for your portfolio and website, and the chance to tell your clients you're investing in your education.
We'll start with a short lecture, followed by hands on shooting with plenty of time for questions.
Meet and network with other photographers of all levels.
What to Bring.
Your gear. It's best to bring it all and not use it all, than to wish you had something with you.
Comfortable clothes and shoes. You won't be expected to dress like you're working.
Note taking materials, and a willingness to learn.
What will be Provided.
Bottled water and snacks.
Various forms and lists that I use in my business.
Course Handout to peruse later.
KNOWLEDGE!
A fun, easy going atmosphere.
But What if I've Never Shot a Wedding?
No problem. This workshop is designed for photographers of ALL levels. Whether you've been shooting weddings for a little while, or just considering doing weddings. OR if you want to start second shooting with other photographers.
How do I Register?
Call 757-486-8779 and leave a message.
Text or call 757-470-1979
Email deeakright@verizon.net
To reserve your spot you'll need a non-refundable retainer of $40. Or you can pay the entire amount of $85. Bring a friend who hasn't taken a class with me before and both of you will get $5 off.
in Inspiration Seeing your spouse before the wedding ceremony was once considered bad luck, but we think the photos taken during your first look will have you feeling pretty lucky! Not convinced yet? See our 5 reasons to do a first look below!
1. A moment alone with your spouse
Youve heard it time and time again that Your wedding day will go by so fast! and its true. You'll be greeting family, reuniting with friends, and probably won't get much alone time with your precious bride or groom. First looks capture true closeness and raw emotion while giving the happy couple a magical private moment; a moment to reflect, soak each other in, and truly remind yourself what the day is all about.
2. You will end up with more photos
Wedding photography is a big investment, so make the most of it! You'll get approximately 40% more portraits with your new spouse if you do a first look. These are the photos that you'll cherish forever, that'll fill up your albums, and will proudly be hung in your first home! Your wedding photos will bring you back to that special place and time, so in our opinion, the more photos the merrier!
3. You have a chance to calm your nerves
Your wedding day can be a little overwhelming (so much planning and coordinating all for one day)! Who better to calm your nerves than the person youve chosen to have by your side from this day forward! Not to mention, when you see each other for the first time, you wont have a room full of people staring at you. These photos are beautifully intimate and are always our favorite to do!
4. First looks extend your wedding day together
Without a first look, a wedding day typically begins with the bride walking down the aisle. With a first look, you can begin your big day much earlier! After the first look, your bridal party can all get together for group shots and lots of fun! This time is important as well because you may not get this special time with your bridal party otherwise. These people mean the most to you, so why not spend more time with them?
5. Your wedding timeline will be more relaxed
Wedding timelines are necessary but sticking to them is a real challenge. Things happen no matter how much you plan, especially while trying to get the family formals, bridal party photos, and couple portraits all during cocktail hour. Instead of rushing off after your ceremony to a lengthy photo shoot, all you'll have is the family portraits...then you're off to the reception. So, grab a glass of champagne and use the extra time to dance the night away!
Any gear you want to use. Remember it's better to have it and not use it, than it is to need it and not have it.
A tripod for the Night Sky classes. Small flashlight or you can use your phone.
Bug Spray.
Comfortable Walking Shoes, and a sweater or jacket for the cool evenings in the mountains.
Water shoes and shorts, or rubber boots in case you want to get in the water (not required) during the Waterfall Model Shoot.
Money for lunch, dinner and souvenirs.
A willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun!
What to Expect:
A 3.5 hour drive from Virginia Beach, VA to the workshop's "basecamp" in a historic farmhouse at 1091 Pigeon Hill Road in Roseland, VA.
A workshop centered around learning while shooting. Beginner, intermediate or pro...there are no levels here.
Individual attention when you need it from me, and from the other attendees. We're a friendly bunch!
Access to my 37 years of experience as a professional photographer and photography teacher.
Awesome photos! You'll have the chance to photograph models, nature, beautiful landscapes, architectural details, the Milky Way, whatever you like!
Access to lighting equipment such as studio strobes, and transmitters. (If you have these things, feel free to bring them so you don't have to share. If not you'll still be able to play.)
Fun memories and new friends!
Itinerary (may change):
Friday, September 22, 2017: Arrive anytime you can after work. Or come in early to get settled. If some people want to come in early I can be available for specific questions or portfolio reviews. We'll have a meet and greet at the farmhouse around 7pm with wine and cheese. Once the sky gets really dark (and it gets really dark out there), there'll be a class on photographing the Milky Way (weather permitting).
Saturday, September 23, 2017: Hop out of bed early and meet at the farmhouse for a quick breakfast (provided) of baked goodies, coffee and juice. Make the drive to Afton, VA to shoot at one of our gorgeous locations (with models). Then head to Veritas Winery (also in Afton) for lunch and more shooting (and some shopping). Then we're off to a mountain stream and a field with mountain backdrops for sunset photos (matching flash to ambient light class) with models. We'll have dinner at Devil's Backbone Brewery and head back to the farmhouse to relax or try some more night sky photography.
Sunday, September 24, 2017: Hop out of bed early and meet at the farmhouse for a quick breakfast (provided) of baked goodies, coffee and juice. Enjoy two awesome shooting locations with models provided. Have lunch at Mac's Country Store. Then you have the afternoon to head back home, sightsee, do more shooting...whatever you like.
Accommodations: Pricing and drive times are approximate, please check on your own to be sure.
DO NOT DRAG YOUR FEET ON ACCOMMODATIONS. There aren't a whole lot of choices nearby. To figure drive times, the workshop basecamp is 1091 Pigeon Hill Road, Roseland, VA.
Call (757-486-8779), email (deeakright@verizon.net), FB message, or text (757-470-1979) me with credit card info. $75 is required to reserve your spot in the workshop. Make reservations for lodging. Find a tripod if you don't already have one. Put the date on your calendar. Start counting the days.
Your deposit is NON-refundable, but can be applied to a later workshop or transferred to a friend if you can't go. Final payment is due 2 weeks prior to the workshop (or whenever you want).
I love when past clients come back to me to record the next chapter of their lives. Three years ago I got the opportunity to photograph Leah and Jason's wedding. Photos I took of her and her grandfather are some of my favorite images I've done. Yesterday I got the chance to see Leah and Jason again and do their maternity photos for their very first child. A beautiful night on the beach watching the sunset with your wife capturing the memory of waiting for your first child...what a cool way for dad-to-be Jason to spend Father's Day. A big thanks to Daniel George for assisting.
I did Katie and Adam's wedding several years, and then portraits of their first child Nate. Now that Audrey has come along I've gotten to photograph her as well. Always great to see my past clients and watch their families grow!
Teaming up once again with the incredible Ivory Morgan-Burton of Storybook Events, I was honored to photograph Ashley and Ian's drop dead gorgeous wedding at the Chrysler Museum. Words just can't describe how beautiful it was, so I won't even try! Here are some of the photos...
