Welcome to Sharon (Dawn) Drye Photography!
 

I am a contemporary lifestyle and studio portrait photographer in Northern Virginia. I am also a:
 

Lover of God, family & friends * Beach girl * Avid reader * Thai food connoisseur * Animal lover * Ice cream junkie

Even in this age of the instant "selfie," being professionally photographed tends to produce a certain amount of anxiety in the average person.  My goal is to make your customized experience relaxed and, dare I say it, even fun! We'll work together as a team to create timeless images that show the love and joy in your family relationships, or to capture the professional image or unique beauty or personality that represents you or your brand and that you want to present to the world!
 

My photographic style focuses on capturing or creating beautiful light, showing genuine emotion and natural expressions, and displaying all of the details, beauty, and colors from each portrait session or event.  Whether I'm capturing that special connection between family members; creating timeless images of seniors, children or pets in studio or on location; photographing an incredible concert or local band, a memorable anniversary party, or a corporate, editorial, church or charity event -- or documenting the awesomeness of a woman giving birth to her first child, I love to "tell the story."  My clients love to display their memories as custom wall portraits and in heirloom albums and handcrafted custom folio boxes.
 

Everyone needs a GREAT headshot! -- for LinkedIn, websites, business cards, social media, and other promotional materials.  I am now pleased to offer basic and personal/professional branding portraits/headshots.  Special actors/artists' packages are available.  For a more exquisite boutique experience, "Uniquely Beautiful You" celebrates the inherent beauty in women of all ages.  My desire is that every female who comes into my studio will discover how beautiful she is and experience herself as I see her through my lens.
 

Recently I was asked why I do what I do.  My initial response involved a passion for photography as early as my teenage years.  However, a few years ago my cousins and I spent a number of weeks sharing old family photos on social media.  This evoked laughter and tears as we shared our images and our memories.  The excitement of younger family members upon their first viewing of images of departed family members and hearing stories of events long forgotten was amazing and thought provoking.  At that moment a chord was struck deep in my heart of the importance of family connection throughout the generations, and the significance of having a photographic heritage and legacy to pass down to our own children.
 

Moments pass quickly and memories fade.  It would be my joy and honor to help you "tell your story" -- to capture the moments that you never want to forget!

Sharon Dawn

Professional Photographers of America
Virginia Professional Photographers Association