Location: neon district / norfolk, va
Models: Shayna, kandace
ORGANIZER: TOM


We had a photographer/model meetup this past weekend that was set up by a local photographer, Tom Slavin. These meetups are a great way to meet other photographers, models, and generally just get out and shoot.


After arriving and catching up with a few other photographers I broke out my pretty minimal setup and got ready for the models to arrive. Since this is a pretty informal meetup, you never know who will show up (or when). A few of the models were delayed so Tom started looking for volunteers off the street and before you know it, we had a few different couples who were willing to let us photograph them.

Smiling couple posing back-to-back against a rustic brick wall on a wooden deck.
A happy couple embraces and smiles together outdoors in front of a rustic brick wall on a sunny day.
Young couple embracing outdoors, man hugging woman from behind, both smiling, brick wall background.
Couple sharing a tender moment outdoors, man whispering to smiling woman holding a gift.

After shooting the couples, a few cosplayers arrived. The bottom left is @forever_red_cosplays who is obviously Superman and to the right is @chosenmiicosplay who is cosplaying Tom Nook from the Nintendo game Animal Crossing. It's always impressive to see the effort that people put into their attire as well as living up to the character they are portraying.

Superman costumed figure sitting heroically on a platform against a dramatic cloudy sky.
Person wearing Tom Nook Animal Crossing mask playing Nintendo Switch on a blue bench outdoors.
Person in Tom Nook Animal Crossing mask sitting with arms crossed on a colorful blue bench.

Before the models arrived a couple of photographers and I took a lap around the block to check out the murals and scope out a few good places to shoot. While we were walking around behind one of the buildings someone popped out to take out the trash and it couldn't have been more perfect. It was Vic (center below) and we immediately asked if we could take a few photos. Shortly after, their co-worker Neil (left below) came out and we had a little mini-photo shoot. They were great sports and even invited us into the shop (Tender Heart Tattoo) take more photos (which we did).


Neil: https://www.instagram.com/weirdtrails/

Vic: https://www.instagram.com/piercingdingus/

Kari: https://www.instagram.com/kariartdesu/

Tattooed bearded man in a black Harley-Davidson t-shirt stands with arms crossed before a graffiti wall.
Person with pink shaved hair, glasses, nose ring, and headphones smiles in front of a graffiti wall.
Asian woman with long dark wavy hair smiles outdoors in front of a glass storefront window.

Now that we're all warmed up, a few models have arrived and we take a walk around to find some great shots. Both Shayna and Kandace showed up ready to go and we were off! Shooting with both of these talented ladies was a pleasure. So many great photos and generally just a pleasure to be around! You can find their IG info below.


Shayna: https://www.instagram.com/limestonewalker/

Kandace: https://www.instagram.com/mamallamamodeling/

Young Black woman adjusting pink rimless sunglasses, wearing fur-trimmed coat, urban background.
Elegant Black woman in black fur-collar wrap, touching collar, soft bokeh outdoor background.
Smiling Black woman with eyes closed, wearing black fur-trimmed shawl, sunny outdoor setting.
Stylish Black woman in off-shoulder patchwork midi dress posing before a vibrant colorful mural.
Young Black woman posing confidently in a patterned midi dress and black ankle boots against a bright yellow brick wall.
Young woman in a denim jacket with pins sits thoughtfully in a cafe booth near a window with plants.
Two young women, one Black and one white, pose together seen through a glass window with green foliage.
Young woman in a denim jacket and brown top with red lips and sunglasses on her head outdoors.
Young woman in denim jacket and brown crop top holds sunglasses while posing against a colorful graffiti wall.

Another great meetup organized by Tom! Great seeing everyone out there and looking forward to the next one!