When the urge for a last-minute photography-related trip hits, I’ve learned to trust my gut and make it happen. First check is the weather, then my calendar to make sure I am not missing anything, then start going over the little details.
That’s exactly what happened on a recent visit to Virginia Beach last weekend.
Visit Virginia had posted a beach sunrise picture on their Instagram earlier in the week so I give them credit for planting the seed. Then I was hanging out with a bunch of photographers at a networking event Saturday evening so photography was on the brain. And lastly that same evening a gig scheduled for Sunday fell through.
Boom!
I invited another photographer buddy to join and once he confirmed, we began setting up the details. (Most of my photo trips are solo, but it never hurts to switch things up).
Event Timeline:
3:45am Wake up, quick shower & get gas
4:20am Pick up friend and start the trip
6ish:am Arrive at Virginia Beach, park close to a pier, find a sweet spot, set up tripods and get some cool pre-sun pics
7:37am Sun peaks through clouds and I lose my sh**. My mind is blown at how beautiful it was. Other photographers appear out of thin air to capture the same moment as well. We all get along. I snap away with both my cameras.
830ish-3pm We have our shots, the trip was deemed well worth it. Grabbed breakfast, visited another friend in town, and watched some football before heading back to Richmond VA.
3pm-Current I still have sand in my shoes and it’s driving me crazy.
The reason you’re here:
Here’s my one shot that clearly defined the trip and made it well worth it:
Click on the image above to purchase it as print or canvas (or click this link)
I shot that handheld with my Nikon D750. While also using my Fujifilm X100 attached to a tripod. Check out those photos below:

Click on the image above to purchase it as print or canvas (or click this link)

I love living in Virginia and this definitely won’t be my last Virginia Beach sunrise trip!
*Added some more beautiful beach pics here. Check em out!
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