VIRGINIA
BEACH
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Sunday 14 June
General Booth Blvd - 9am - 3.0 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
You've taken our Beginners Photography class, now what's next? This companion course covers composition, the RAW v. JPEG image format debate, editing, file storage, and lots of practice using your manual mode shooting skills. Even if you haven't taken our Beginners Photography class, as long as you know how to operate your camera and want to improve the quality of your pictures, this class is for you! During our three hours together, we will have several activities to practice what we're learning, and plenty of time for individual and group feedback.
book now
$98.00       4 places left
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 11 July
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       5 places left
Sunset Photography Meetup

Sunset Photography Meetup

Sunday 16 August
Cape Charles - 6:30pm - 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 12 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       5 places left
Up Close with Flowers Meetup

Up Close with Flowers Meetup

Saturday 26 September
Azalea Garden Road - 9:15am - 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
$49      
Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Beginner's Photography II Class Shooting in Manual Mode

Saturday 03 October
General Booth Blvd - 9am - 3.0 Hours
Dawn Rykheart
You've taken our Beginners Photography class, now what's next? This companion course covers composition, the RAW v. JPEG image format debate, editing, file storage, and lots of practice using your manual mode shooting skills. Even if you haven't taken our Beginners Photography class, as long as you know how to operate your camera and want to improve the quality of your pictures, this class is for you! During our three hours together, we will have several activities to practice what we're learning, and plenty of time for individual and group feedback.
book now
$98      

BW Photography Walk  Talk Meetup

BW Photography Walk Talk Meetup

Saturday 31 October
E. Princess Anne Road - 2pm - 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
$49      
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Saturday 07 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      
Beginner's Photography I Class

Beginner's Photography I Class

Sunday 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

Saturday 19 December
Portsmouth, 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 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      
Street Photography Meetup in Norfolk

Street Photography Meetup in Norfolk

Sunday 10 January
Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA - 2pm - 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
$49      

Nearby Photography Groups

Natural Light Portraits

Natural Light Portraits

Sunday 07 June
Maymont Gardens - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. Participants bring their own equipment.
book now
$49       5 places left
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 13 June
Oyster Point, Newport News - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Newport News Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Join us for a Beginner's Photography Class at Oyster Point City Center. We'll cover camera settings, composition, and practical techniques to help you take better photos. Bring your camera and a willingness to learn.
book now
$98       5 places left
Studio Light Portraits

Studio Light Portraits

Sunday 21 June
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Studio Light Portraits class. A 3 hour class showing the fundamentals of studio lighting for portraits. Production photography, flash setups, and hands-on practice. Indoor studio class. Participants bring their own equipment. Theme rationale: Studio Photography Class ID69 (4/5 studio/portrait match).
book now
$141       3 places left

Night Cityscape Photography

Night Cityscape Photography

Sunday 28 June
Newport News City Center - 7:30pm - 2.0 Hours
Newport News Photography Group
John Wilson
Join us for a night cityscape photography session in the Newport News City Center area. We'll explore techniques for capturing stunning night shots, including light trails, reflections, and city lights. Suitable for photographers with basic camera knowledge.
book now
$49      
Shooting in Manual Mode

Shooting in Manual Mode

Sunday 05 July
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Shooting in Manual Mode class. This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Hands-on indoor studio practice. Participants bring their own equipment. Theme rationale: Shooting in Manual Mode Class ID70 (5/5 exact match).
book now
$49      
Street Photography

Street Photography

Sunday 19 July
Downtown - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Street Photography meetup. Street art is a unique and colorful art form and can be found in all kinds of nooks and crannies. We'll explore urban street art and photography techniques. Outdoor meetup. Participants bring their own equipment. Theme rationale: Street Art Photography ID29 (5/5 street art/urban match).
book now
$49      

Macro Photography

Macro Photography

Sunday 02 August
Maymont Gardens - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Macro photography is a unique form of photography that involves photographing small objects to make them appear larger than life size. We'll explore close-up techniques in the park.
book now
$49      
Beginners Photography Part I

Beginners Photography Part I

Sunday 16 August
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!
book now
$98       2 places left
Beginners Photography Part II

Beginners Photography Part II

Sunday 06 September
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Continue your photography journey with Part II of our beginners series. Build on the basics and learn new techniques to improve your photos.
book now
$98       5 places left

Flash Photography

Flash Photography

Sunday 20 September
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
A 3 hour class showing the fundamentals of having and using a studio. Production photography, flash techniques.
book now
$98      
Beginners Photography Part III

Beginners Photography Part III

Sunday 27 September
E Main St, Richmond - 10am - 3.0 Hours
Richmond Photography Group
Daring Leaderman
Complete your journey with Part III of our beginners series. Build on your skills and master new techniques to take your photography further.
book now
$98       5 places left

Other Nearby Groups

Second Level Watercolour Class

Second Level Watercolour Class

Sunday 14 June
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this small class hosted by a professional instructor, specifically designed to assist second level
book now
$49      
Mandala Art

Mandala Art

Saturday 11 July
Hampton St, Richmond - 10am - 2 Hours
Richmond Art Group
Dianna
Slow down and begin to notice the natural patterns all around you-ripple in the water, shapes of leaves, textures of trees. Learn to see like an artist as you transform these patterns into your own beautiful mandala painting.

This class focuses on creativity, mindfulness, and self-expression. All levels welcome-no experience needed, just come ready to explore and enjoy the process.

What to bring
Canvas or watercolor paper, or drawing paper
watercolor or acrylic paints, pencils whatever is comfortable for you.
Brushes and pencils you love
Water for painting and to drink
A hat optional
something comfortable to sit on
book now
$49      
Second Level Watercolour Class

Second Level Watercolour Class

Sunday 12 July
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this small class hosted by a professional instructor, specifically designed to assist second level
book now
$49      

Sketch and Shading Techniques for All Skill Levels

Sketch and Shading Techniques for All Skill Levels

Saturday 18 July
Glen Allen, VA - 11am - 2 Hours
Richmond Art Group
Neelima Ganta
Join Richmond Art Group for a relaxing Acrylic Floral Botanicals class for beginner and intermediate artists. Learn vibrant floral compositions using color blending, layering, and brush techniques. All instruction is presented through easy-to-follow demonstrations.
book now
$74      
Acrylic Floral Botanicals for All Skill Levels

Acrylic Floral Botanicals for All Skill Levels

Saturday 08 August
Glen Allen, VA - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Richmond Art Group
Neelima Ganta
Join Richmond Art Group for a relaxing acrylic floral botanicals meetup for beginner and intermediate artists. Learn vibrant floral compositions using color blending, layering, and brush techniques. All instruction is presented through easy-to-follow demonstrations.
book now
$74      
Second Level Watercolour Class

Second Level Watercolour Class

Sunday 09 August
The Fan District - 1pm - 2 Hours
Richmond Watercolor Group
Janaya Taylor
Are you wanting to learn more about Watercolour painting? Then join this small class hosted by a professional instructor, specifically designed to assist second level
book now
$49      

Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Sunday 06 September
The Fan District - 1pm - 3 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      
Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Sunday 20 September
The Fan District - 1pm - 3 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      
Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Intermediate Class (2nd level)

Sunday 04 October
The Fan District - 1pm - 3 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
    Beautiful park with many good photo opportunities. As usual, the instructor, Dawn Rykheart, was terrific.
    5/5
    Paul
    2026-04-26
    I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other people with an interest in photography, to see a new park, and to enjoy a beautiful morning walking in nature. Dawn was very outgoing, friendly and supportive, and was able to offer her expertise to anyone with a question, regardless of their skill level.
    5/5
    Bill
    2026-04-26
    Dawn did a very nice job.
    5/5
    James
    2026-04-26

    Wonderful way to start learning the basics. Dawn is a great teacher and her enthusiasm is contagious!
    5/5
    Kagen
    2026-04-19
    The session was fun, informative, and personalized. I received some very helpful tips and I?m looking forward to my next session!
    5/5
    Lisa
    2026-03-08
    The session was fun, informative, and personalized. I received some very helpful tips and I?m looking forward to my next session!
    5/5
    Lisa
    2026-03-08

    I enjoyed meeting everyone, the location was great and the facilitator (Dawn) is just tremendous, so helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great time.
    5/5
    DAVID
    2026-03-01
    It was a great time and look forward to joining more events
    5/5
    Dean
    2026-03-01
    It was great!!
    5/5
    Rece
    2025-11-25

    This is a fun event with a great leader. Informative yet freedom to find your style.
    5/5
    Page
    2025-11-23
    I loved it.
    5/5
    James Rogan
    2025-10-28
    I loved it.
    5/5
    James
    2025-10-28

    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
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: Pacific Avenue at the oceanfront Virginia Beach
    I just saw this random can on the street, and it looks so interesting. I just took a shot of every picture I want to take. I wanna tell a story.
    Credit: Quonthyon cuffee
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quanthanos_?igsh=MXJjNjNvdDh2N3p6Nw3D3D&utm_source=qr

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2026-05-22
    Title or Location: Virginia Beach, Va
    This image was taken with a macro lens that I was testing out, I wasn't very crazy with this image, but I took some time to play with the colors in Lightroom and landed on this color palette that changed my mind about this image.
    Credit: Konstantin "Dean" Kokoris
    Instagram: dean_k_m_k
    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2026-05-15
    Title or Location: Hampton, VA
    I love dragonflies and this little beauty was kind enough to pose for me at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, VA.
    Credit: Page Thomas
    Facebook: Page Ruby Thomas

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2026-05-01
    Title or Location: Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Va Beach
    The golden hour at Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Va Beach is a great location to capture light. Taken with a Leica CL (APSC) and an 18mm lens, this has been one of my favorite sunset captures.
    Credit: Konstantin "Dean" Kokoris
    Instagram: @dean_k_m_k

    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2026-04-28
    Title or Location: Northwest River Park
    A Silver-spotted Skipper enjoying a HoneySuckle bush
    Credit: Bradley Ward
    Instagram: Brado0o
    Virginia Beach Photography Group
    2026-04-24
    Title or Location: Monument Valley, AZ
    After waiting for the late sky drama at Monument Valley for over five hours, just before the sun was low enough in the sky to provide some unique light conditions, the wind kicked up to nearly 60 mph and was blowing red sand as thick as rain. It was early evening and the wind & dust chased everyone out of the park. I had reservations in Bluff, Utah for the night so I headed north (about 50 miles). Not ten minutes north of the park, I saw the storm on the other side of the road. I crossed over an
    Credit: Russ Morrison

    Orange County Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: This Still Life Photograph of "Grapes, Strawberry's and Wine" was taken in my bedroom in Orange County California.
    This image is a Still Life Composition of "Berries, Wine and Grapes" that I created on a rainy day in my bedroom. I used no fancy Studio Lighting at all. My only light source was a hand-held flashlight that I kept moving rapidly. It was an experiment in Light Painting when I couldn't go outside to shoot.
    Credit: Gary Markarian

    Hertfordshire Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: Stanborough Lake
    The bird, location, background and the light complimented each other creating a scene that could not be neglected.
    Credit: Leszek Walczak
    Facebook: Lesswall photography
    Syracuse Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: Dewitt, NY
    Blue Moon, DeWitt, NY 5/29/26 (OM System OM1 mkii w/ M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm)
    Credit: AT McLean

    Fremont Photography Group
    2026-05-31
    Title or Location: Hanksville, Utah
    Early morning drive to moonscape was worth it when I was able to capture first morning rays on the canyon walls.
    Credit: Niral Patel
    Instagram: Npatel.photos

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