In the last couple posts I introduced us being new photographers in Norfolk, VA as individuals. This post is about how great of a team we are together!
Introducing DNA Studios: Where Creativity Meets Technical Proficiency! We are a married couple that’s become a dynamic photography team based in Norfolk, VA, driven by a love for people and creativity. Here’s a fun fact, one of our first dates was actually a photoshoot!
As photographers, we aim to be true to who we are and to produce timeless photos that don’t compare to fleeting trends. The business name “DNA” originates from our initials, Damien and Alysha. However, it holds a deeper significance rooted in our shared passion for identity and authenticity. For us, DNA represents more than just our names—it embodies our belief in the essential connection between truth and love. The truth and love must go hand in hand.
Damien specializes in the studio, professional retouch and portrait photography, while Alysha’s focus is on-location with lifestyle and editorial photoshoots. She is also a painter and mural artist. Shop her art here https://dnastudios.art/shop/. Together they tag team weddings!! This works in their favor as having a second shooter for your big day is a gamechanger.
Our top strengths lie in our collaboration, inspiration, and resilience.
- Collaborative Proficiency: Working together, we achieve maximum proficiency. Our collaboration enhances us to deliver the best possible product to our clients. We set a high standard for ourselves, rooted in the purpose of creativity itself. We also recognize that collaborating mean including our clients!
- Inspiration: Our motivation stems from the innate value of creativity. It’s not about being better than others; it’s about why we choose to express ourselves creatively. This inspires us to continually innovate and push the boundaries of our craft.
- Resilient Teamwork: Despite life’s challenges, we have built resilience through our hardship and experiences. We support each other through thick and thin, lifting each other up when we’re down. Our teamwork fuels our motivation, even on the days when inspiration may be lacking. Together, we can find encouragement in each other, driving us to excel in our work and elevate the standard of our business practices.
Damien is all about technical excellence. His journey into photography started simply with a click that sparked a lifelong passion. Damien’s dedication to his craft knows no bounds. His portfolio boasts a diverse array of projects, from branding campaigns to weddings, each meticulously crafted with a signature style born from his love for portrait photography and editing. Damien believes that technical proficiency is the cornerstone of creative expression, allowing him to push boundaries and evoke raw emotions through his lens and what he sees.
And then there’s me, Alysha. I have a knack for capturing beauty and the essence of people as well as deep moments. From my early days in the art room to carving my niche in high fashion and editorial photography, the journey has been nothing short of inspiring. While my heart may have initially been set on the runway and magazines, I found I enjoy photographing couples and weddings, infusing each shoot with creativity and depth. Photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures—it’s about making people feel seen, beautiful, and understood, a sentiment deeply rooted in my own experiences.
Damien finds that I challenge him creatively and admires my ability to tell stories through photography, something he aims to improve. While he focuses on technical aspects, I can encourage him to loosen control and focus on the narrative. My relational approach with clients contrasts Damien’s technical focus, but both are very necessary. Together we do complement each other. I find Damien to be an excellent teacher. He points out things I don’t see and shows me a better way. As he refines my technical skills, I help him connect with people and flow in the moment. It’s good to have someone that challenges and helps you grow. This makes our business dynamic and rewarding. We are better together as we watch how we each approach photography differently. We grow and expand as individuals rather than conform to one another. We are unified despite differences. In fact, being diverse enables us to be more unified. With our complementary skill sets and shared commitment to excellence, we are on a mission to redefine photography in Norfolk and wherever else it takes us.
But we are more than just a photography team—we are a community built on collaboration and connection. With a passion for mentoring other artists and aspiring photographers and holding fast to a belief in the power of relationships, we are committed to adding value to both our clients and our creative peers. As believers in the transformative power of creativity, truth, and love, we strive to create not just photographs, but meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact.
So, why choose DNA Studios for your next photography project? Because we’re not just photographers—we’re storytellers, dreamers, and believers in the power of art to change lives. Whether you’re planning your dream wedding, desiring to portray who you are in business, or need to capture anything at all, we’re here to bring your vision to life with passion, professionalism, and a whole lot of heart.
Get in touch with us today and let’s create something beautiful and creative together. We can’t wait to hear your story and collaborate!
Warm regards,
The DNA Studios Team
Want to learn more about DNA Studios? Connect with us! https://dnastudios.art/contact/
