VIRGINIA
BEACH
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 07 June
Marlin Bay Dr. - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
book now
$92       4 places left
Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Saturday 21 June
General Booth Blvd - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Continue your photographic journey with our Advanced Photography Course. After mastering the basics, delve into in-depth concepts covering composition, the analysis of RAW vs JPEG image formats, in-detail photo editing, comprehensive file storage, and plenty of practice for honing your manual mode shooting skills. If you know the ropes of operating your camera and are keen to refine the quality of your photos, you're more than welcome to join. With our three-hour interactive sessions, you'll participate in numerous activities for practical learning, and be a part of insightful discussions offering individual and group feedback. Unleash your full potential and turn your vision into captivating art.
book now
$92       3 places left
Sunset Photography Meetup

Sunset Photography Meetup

Sunday 20 July
Cape Charles - 7pm - 2 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Capture a beautiful sunset over the water! We'll talk about the optimal camera settings to balance light and capture the rich colors of the sky, and we'll play with reflections in the water. Keep a lookout for seabirds wrapping up dinnertime and enjoy the peace that settles in as the day comes to a close.
book now
$49      

Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 16 August
Marlin Bay Dr. - 8:30am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
closed
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 06 September
Marlin Bay Dr. - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
book now
$98      
Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Saturday 20 September
General Booth Blvd - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Continue your photographic journey with our Advanced Photography Course. After mastering the basics, delve into in-depth concepts covering composition, the analysis of RAW vs JPEG image formats, in-detail photo editing, comprehensive file storage, and plenty of practice for honing your manual mode shooting skills. If you know the ropes of operating your camera and are keen to refine the quality of your photos, you're more than welcome to join. With our three-hour interactive sessions, you'll participate in numerous activities for practical learning, and be a part of insightful discussions offering individual and group feedback. Unleash your full potential and turn your vision into captivating art.
book now
$98       5 places left

Up Close with Flowers Meetup

Up Close with Flowers Meetup

Sunday 28 September
Azalea Garden Road - 10am - 2 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Get up close with flowers and the insects that love them! A photograph should bring the audience a new experience, and we will focus on the details most people simply walk past. We will practice getting clear, colorful and interesting pictures that capture the imagination of the viewer.

As Monarch butterflies prepare to migrate, we should be able to capture them feeding before their long trek. This is also a great time for bees to begin preparing for winter by stocking up on pollen from the plentiful early fall blooms.
book now
$48      
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 11 October
Marlin Bay Dr. - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
book now
$98      
BW Photography Walk  Talk Meetup

BW Photography Walk Talk Meetup

Sunday 26 October
E. Princess Anne Road - 2:30pm - 2 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Black and White photography is a study of contrast, shadows, and interesting shapes. Without color to help tell the story, composition and lighting are the stars. This meetup is for all skill levels and any camera type, including cell phones. Scheduled later in the afternoon to take advantage of long shadows, and in a setting that lends itself perfectly to monochromatic images, this two hour meetup is an informative and fun way to explore the role of mood in photography.
book now
$48      

Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 08 November
Marlin Bay Dr. - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
book now
$98      
Street Photography Meetup

Street Photography Meetup

Saturday 22 November
Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA - 10am - 2 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Street photographers are observers by nature. They use photography as a way of connecting with the world and bringing back the moments that stand out. There are hints, feelings, ideas, stories, or questions in their photos that are meant to prompt the viewer to wonder about the rest of the story.
This two-hour meetup is for all skill levels and any camera type, including cell phones. We will be exploring downtown Norfolk, looking for the interesting details in everyday life that are often overlooked. After a discussion on what Street Photography is and how to go about it, we will walk Granby Street. And what we find will be different for everyone, that's the beauty of Street Photography, pictures are taken from the photographer's viewpoint instead of focusing on the viewer's perspective, leaving every image up to the interpretation of the viewer rather than leading them to it.
book now
$48      
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 06 December
Marlin Bay Dr. - 9am - 3 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
This class will cover the exposure triangle and the part that ISO, aperture, and shutter speed play individually in achieving the perfect exposure. We'll delve into how to choose which setting to prioritize based on the image you want to produce, and how lighting and composition impact those choices. There will be practice activities, and plenty of time for one-on-one coaching. Please bring a camera that can shoot in manual mode, and if you are not familiar with where the settings are on your camera, please also bring the user's manual for your camera.
book now
$98      

Holiday Street Photography

Holiday Street Photography

Sunday 14 December
High Street - 1pm - 2 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
Street photographers are observers by nature. They use photography as a way of connecting with the world and bringing back the moments that stand out. There are hints, feelings, ideas, stories, or questions in their photos that are meant to prompt the viewer to wonder about the rest of the story.This two-hour meetup is for all skill levels and any camera type, including cell phones. We will be exploring downtown Portsmouth all dressed up for the holidays. After a discussion on what Street Photography is and how to go about it, we will walk High Street and the surrounding area. What we find will be different for everyone, that's the beauty of Street Photography, pictures are taken from the photographer's viewpoint instead of focusing on the viewer's perspective, leaving every image up to the interpretation of the viewer rather than leading them to it.
book now
$49      

Nearby Photography Groups

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Sunday 25 May
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 3 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$92       0 places left
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Sunday 08 June
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 3 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98       1 places left
Mastering Prime Lenses: The Art of 50mm, 35mm & 85mm Photography!

Mastering Prime Lenses: The Art of 50mm, 35mm & 85mm Photography!

Sunday 15 June
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 2 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Discover the power of prime lenses in this hands-on photography class! Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, prime lenses (50mm, 35mm, and 85mm) offer sharp images, beautiful background blur (bokeh), and creative control.

In this class, you'll learn:
How to pick the best prime lens for different shots
Tips for getting sharp focus and smooth background blur
Simple composition tricks to improve your photos
How to use natural light for amazing results

Great for beginners and photography lovers looking to improve their skills!
book now
$47      

Mastering One Studio Strobe Photography Lighting Class

Mastering One Studio Strobe Photography Lighting Class

Sunday 22 June
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 3 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Unlock the power of studio lighting with our 3-hour intensive workshop! Designed for photographers of all levels, this hands-on class focuses on mastering the use of a single studio strobe to create stunning, professional-quality images. Learn how to set up and control your strobe, shape light using modifiers, and capture beautiful portraits with ease.

Objective:

By the end of the course, you will have a strong understanding of how to use one studio strobe with your camera to control light, create different effects, and achieve consistent, high-quality results in your photography.

What You'll Learn:

Key lighting principles: hard vs. soft light, direction, and intensity
How to properly set up and position a studio strobe
Adjusting camera and strobe settings for perfect exposure
Using modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas, etc.) to shape light
Practical, hands-on experience lighting a subject with one strobe
book now
$130       5 places left
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 26 July
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 3 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98       4 places left
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Sunday 17 August
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 3 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98       5 places left

Portrait Photography Meetup

Portrait Photography Meetup

Sunday 31 August
South 12th Street, Richmond - 10am - 2 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Whether you wish to up your selfie game or begin developing a portfolio, this workshop will help you learn the basics of portrait photography and push your creativity and technical understanding.

Learn which settings are best to use, how to select the best locations, and what lighting and poses highlight a model's best features. We will also learn how to build rapport to get the best reactions and genuine emotions from a person.


This is a great opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside other photographers! You'll work together to create portraits and bounce off new ideas.

This is an intermediate course that assumes you understands the basics of photography and controlling your camera.
book now
$49      

Other Nearby Groups

Painting Watercolours in a Cafe

Painting Watercolours in a Cafe

Sunday 25 May
The Fan District - 11:30am - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Imagine yourself nestled in a lovely shady spot, surrounded by the sounds of rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of the river. As you immerse yourself in the joy of painting, you can indulge in the delightful offerings of a cafe. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or a snack, elevating your artistic experience with every sip and bite. During this delightful event, we'll be capturing the beauty of nature and urban charm as we paint the trees on the riverbank, the flowing river, and the buildings on the opposite shore. You'll also have the option to paint a striking sculpture or the lively cafe patrons from a distance – each brushstroke a unique expression of your artistic vision.
book now
$47      
 Floral and Nature Painting

Floral and Nature Painting

Sunday 01 June
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
The focus of this two-hour structured session is the studies of floral and nature painting. You will be guided to select your choice of reference in the garden, take photograph references and complete one or two studies of the selected plants and flowers. You will learn how to compose floral and nature paintings using traditional and contemporary composition methods. If you are a nature enthusiast, this session is perfect for you. You will have a chance to meet and greet like-minded people, choose your own subjects in the garden and be guided to complete the studies and have some take away homework with the learnt technique. All level and experience are welcome. Please bring watercolor painting travel kit (this can be watercolor tube paints or watercolor pan along with ink pens, pencil, rubber and watercolor pads or drawing pads. You are also welcome to bring your choice of medium. Also a smart phone to take reference photos will be handy. Don't worry if you forget anything. I will have some back up materials.
book now
$47      
Nature Painting with Watercolors

Nature Painting with Watercolors

Sunday 15 June
Byrd Park Court Historic District - 1pm - 3 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
In this class we will focus on nature painting. We will learn tips and tricks on how to paint trees, clouds, flowers, mountains, and other objects found in nature. Note: This is not a Landscape painting class, we will not be creating completed landscape paintings. Our focus will be on the individual objects that make up those landscapes.
book now
$47      

Beginner's Watercolor class

Beginner's Watercolor class

Sunday 29 June
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this social meetup hosted by a professional instructor. Beginners to advanced all welcome.
book now
$47      
Beginner's Watercolor Class

Beginner's Watercolor Class

Sunday 13 July
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolor painting? Then join this small class hosted by a professional instructor, specifically designed to assist beginners.

You will learn fundamental watercolor techniques, color theory, how to mix paint and then turn your knowledge into a stunning piece of paper art.
book now
$49      
Beginner's Watercolor class

Beginner's Watercolor class

Sunday 27 July
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this social meetup hosted by a professional instructor. Beginners to advanced all welcome.
book now
$49      

Beginner's Watercolor class

Beginner's Watercolor class

Sunday 27 July
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this social meetup hosted by a professional instructor. Beginners to advanced all welcome.
book now
$49      
ABOUT VIRGINIA
BEACH
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Virginia Beach .

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Virginia Beach Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
  • REVIEWS
    I had a lot of fun! It was great to learn more about my camera in a way that felt digestible and socialize with others into the hobby (and beyond). I feel a lot more confident to play with my camera and see what happens.
    5/5
    Christiauna
    2025-05-11
    Instructor very knowledgeable and very patient explaining and helping
    5/5
    Barbara
    2025-04-27
    I enjoyed as well as learned a lot about Manual mode. I know I have to practice
    5/5
    Leah
    2025-04-06

    Got good instructions from Dawn at the start. She was available for suggestions and questions. Guided us, but allowed us to walk along at our own pace. The route was good for the time we had. Group size of 5 plus Dawn was nice.
    5/5
    Anne
    2025-02-11
    It was quite enjoyable and a small group so it was more personal for us all. Our leader was great and was very helpful if anyone had questions.
    5/5
    Page
    2025-02-10
    Amazing class that provided a great amount of information and the one-on-one was an extra perk. Highly recommend to not only those trying to figure out the triangle, but also for those who are looking for tips/tricks for figuring out some options on your camera.
    5/5
    Margo
    2024-10-13

    Excellent class, and a fun time.
    5/5
    Kevin
    2024-09-30
    Dawn is an amazing teacher who shares her knowledge and her passion with her students. During less than 3 hours I understood manual settings and how easy it is to take good pictures. I?m looking forward to attend more events in the near future.
    5/5
    Aurea
    2024-09-19
    Dawn is a really good teacher And she was personal, astentive and encouraging
    5/5
    Betsy
    2024-09-08

    Dawn as always provided great instruction and spent time with each studen. Great class
    5/5
    Kerry
    2024-08-26
    I had a great time and learned some new skills. I would highly recommend.
    5/5
    Kevin
    2024-08-26
    Excellent class!! I really enjoyed the experience and have registered for two additional classes.
    5/5
    Kelly
    2024-07-14

    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Dawn Rykheart
    Dawn Rykheart is a Virginia Beach photographer and owner of Awestruck Photos, LLC. She has lived in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia since 2004 and was drawn there by the abundance of natural areas to explore. She spends her summers taking family portraits on the beach and has worked as an event photographer for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, CVS Pharmacy, SunTrust Bank, and other local businesses. For several years she was a contributing photographer to the Hampton Roads Health Journal. She has also volunteered her photography services for the VA Heart Gallery, Sentara Hospice Services, and numerous non-profit fundraisers. Her go-to equipment set includes a Nikon D7100, Sigma 18-35mm lens, and Nikkor 28-300mm lens. She enjoys sharing her love of photography with others, and delights in helping people capture their own unique view of the world!

    Dawn Rykheart is available for private bookings

    Available days most weekends, and evenings during the week starting at 6pm

    PHOTOS
    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-05-16
    Title or Location: Northwest River Park, Chesapeake VA
    This photo was taken late winter, February, and was an unexpected subject. I was originally looking for Downy and Pileated Woodpeckers when I noticed this female Eastern Towee foraging through the leaves on the ground. She flew up into a nearby sapling, after I spooked her, and posed for a few shots before she decided to move on. EOS 1D X Mk IIISigma 150-600mmStabilized by tripod and swivel head1/1600thF/6.3ISO 1600
    Credit: Dave Sweede
    Facebook: Dave Sweede
    Instagram: va_ttl

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-05-09
    Title or Location: Stumpy Lake Natural Area in Virginia Beach
    This was taken in late February, with spring approaching. There was a group of male Mallard Ducks competing for the approval of this one female and the males were very aggressive. I noticed the female would dive whenever the males would start fighting for her and after things would calm, she would preen and try to enjoy the calm with her currently selected mate, before the challengers would come back. As part of her preening process, she would raise up and flap her wings. After another round of
    Credit: Dave Sweede
    Facebook: Dave Sweede
    Instagram: va_ttl
    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-05-05
    Title or Location: Beaufort, SC
    This was taken on a recent photo workshop hosted by Raj Bose Photography in Savannah, GA. We went to shoot sunrise at Boneyard Beach near Beaufort, SC and practiced many of the techniques Mr. Bose was teaching. When shooting, I?ll use my iPhone to shoot the location because of its map features, then later import those locations to Lightroom while editing. This was the photo to mark the Boneyard Beach shoot location, it came out pretty decent on an iPhone 14 Pro.
    Credit: Bill Chizek
    Facebook: @BillChizekPhotography
    Instagram: @BillChizekPhotography

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-04-29
    Title or Location: Osprey Fishing off the Beach at Va Beach Oceanfront.
    The osprey had just missed a chance to catch a fish. Rising from the water, he prepared for another attempt to provide for his family.
    Credit: Gerard A Corprew
    Facebook: @gerardcorprew
    Instagram: @gerardcorprew

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-04-25
    Title or Location: Va Beach Aquarium

    Credit: Keithy Yakima
    Instagram: Yakimaphotos
    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2025-04-20
    Title or Location: Naples, FL
    As we?re preparing for our move to Virginia Beach, my son and I were playing outside by the pool. I caught this, and many more, during a long stint of silliness and buffoonery. Being perfect portrait models is not in our blood (clearly), but we both liked this photo the most, so we saved it!
    Credit: Mackenzie Pond
    Instagram: kenzofthelens

    Reno Photography Group
    2025-05-20
    Title or Location: Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra Infia
    This Tigress took a long swim to cool off from the soaring afternoon heat exceeding 100 degrees. We waited for more than 2 hours to get our vehicle close enough to have a clear shot of her and her three subadults, resting along the water?s edge nearby. The offspring slept and stretched while she kept a keen lookout. Captured in April 2025.
    Credit: Cynthia Albright
    Facebook: Cynthia Albright
    Instagram: Urbandesignmind

    Portland Photography Group
    2025-05-19
    Title or Location: Oregon-Washington Bridge
    Bridge shadows and forms
    Credit: A. Bautista
    Facebook: Asuncion Luna Bautista
    Instagram: Faitersft
    San Antonio Photography Group
    2025-05-18
    Title or Location: Bandera Texas
    This ground to sky upward lightning was captured on May 1, 2025 near Bandera Texas using a full frame digital Nikon with a 28mm lens. I had the ISO set to 200 and the aperture at F/9 focused to infinity. It is a 30 second exposure. This was a very lucky shot as I had just moved the camera to view this portion of the sky moments before it happened. Although it looks like the lightning is coming from the ground, it's actually emerging from a tall radio tower about 6 miles out. The image is
    Credit: Michael Tidwell
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.tidwell.487791
    Instagram: mike_tidwell

    Launceston Photography Group
    2025-05-17
    Title or Location: Bay Of Fires Tasmania
    The Milkyway and Aurora Australis together as buddies. So happy when I reviewed the photo on the back of the camera to have captured this to Icons of the sky together in the same shot.Taken on a night away camping at Cosy Corner in the Bay of Fires area Tasmania, Australia on the 1st May 2025. There was a predicted Aurora Australis, so I went to the beach in expectation and when I got there about 09:30 pm, this was the first shot I took, it looked great in the back of camera. Proceed to take
    Credit: Stephen Simmons

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