A Space of My Own
After more than 20 years of photo adventuring on the go, I am beyond excited to have a physical space of my own! This past May, it was my heart’s desire to open my photography studio in Alexandria at 7946 Fort Hunt Road in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. The launch of the studio coincided perfectly with a major family milestone—we signed the lease on the very day of my husband's retirement from the US Navy after 26 years of service!
As a military family, we spent many years moving and living in different places across the country. Returning to Alexandria and casting deeper roots here has been a dream. Our community in Fort Hunt has not only stayed involved with our life and travels in the five years we had moved away, but provided me with an incredible welcome home and wonderful foundation and support to create a space where I can continue to grow, connect and create!
It’s incredibly unique to step out of your front door and walk your child to school, then drive a mile to your studio and wave to friends out and about along the way. Our little courtyard at Hollin Hall is filled with twinkling lights, yummy eats and our very own vintage barber shop. Everyone living and working in OUR community to make it OUR home!
I have always loved traveling to location spots to photograph families and seniors…we live in such a beautiful and historical place, this will always be a part of how I create. Now, coupling this with the gift of a quiet space to photograph, edit and share my work is a dream!. A place I can focus and create. I am excited for people to pop in when we are there, or peek in our windows at our new images we have created, you might even see a friend or family you know!
Since returning to Northern Virginia in 2019, I have worked hard to become invested in the local community, sharing my passion for photography with local education programs and supporting small businesses, while building lasting friendships with small businesses, neighbors, and friends.
Cheered on by my five sons (spanning six-years-old to 20!) I signed a lease for the studio in September of last year and immediately began major renovations. The studio, a spacious and inviting room filled with beautiful natural light, is ready to welcome the community. This space is the perfect place to capture headshots, portraits, meet with clients for a design session and also to display the variety of beautiful prints we offer. We had a beautiful opening in our courtyard in May and celebrated our new space! Grateful for all the local businesses that made it possible including Nepenthe, Helen Olivia and Cakes by Ellen.
As a distinguished Master Photographer with over two decades of experience, I am dedicated to capturing the lives of families, children, expectant mothers, and professionals. My photography has been celebrated for its elegant portrayal of the profound beauty found in simple moments. I have been blessed with numerous accolades, with my photographs receiving the “Best Portrait of a Child” Award from the Virginia Professional Photographers Association in both 2020 and 2021 while my piece “Ascend” was ranked among the Top 50 Portraits of a Child in the United States. In 2022. I was honored to receive the Photographic Craftsman Degree from Professional Photographers of America. Renowned for my infrared landscape photography, I was selected for the esteemed VPPA Commonwealth Collection.
With the opening of my studio space, I also look forward to continued collaboration with Nepenthe Gallery, strengthening our partnership speaking yearly, photographing original artwork and co-hosting our annual Student Art Anthology. As a Governor on the board of the American Society of Photographers, I’m excited to engage with newly degreed photographers helping them to see all the opportunities to learn and give back to our photography community. You’ve seen my work in Alexandria Stylebook’s Street Style series, and I’ve also been featured in publications such as NBC, CNN, Good Morning America, The Washington Post, The Washingtonian, The Scout Guide, The Bend Magazine, Bainbridge Island Magazine, The Zebra Press, Flying Edna, Military Families Magazine and multiple book authors.
The Renée C. Gage Photography studio is located at 7946 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22308 (by appointment only). Visit Renée C. Gage Photography or follow @reneecgagephoto. We’d love to work with you and continue to work with you. Nothing brings me greater joy than capturing your most precious moments that will always hold a place in your hearts.
Shine bright!
SEE ALSO: Meet Photographer Renée C. Gage: The Navy Journey Brought Her Here
