NYC: Ballet Photo Workshop December 8th with Dancer Alexandra Gibbon at Matka Studio in Brooklyn

Hello Photographers! My next event in NYC will be at a studio I have never used before: Matka NYC! This studio in Brooklyn boasts large windows, great light, hardwood floors and 1300 square feet of shooting space! Check out the photos below to see what the location looks like.

For this three hour event we will have an amazing dancer and someone new to Events with Dakota: Alexandra Gibbon! She is a highly experienced model and dancer who will be a welcomed addition to any photographer’s portfolio. To see more of her work, please go to her Instagram at @Alexballetina

We will be working with multiple wardrobe looks with half of the event including pointe shoes and more traditional ballet attire and the other half without pointe shoes and more contemporary styling. For our backdrops we will work with the crisp white walls of the studio and a moody black backdrop for some closer, emotive portraits.

This event is open to all level of photographer with me providing more instruction for those unfamiliar or inexperienced with dance photography, and less instruction/as needed for the more experienced photographer. Having knowledge of the exposure triangle and a general knowledge of how to use your camera is recommended. Attendance will be limited to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to grab unique images of Alexandra.

When: December 8th, 2024 from 1-4 pm

Where: Matka NYC at their SOSNA location 361 Stagg Street Brooklyn

Cost: $200.00 for the three hour event which includes all modeling, studio, instruction, styling and creative direction fees. To pay for the event, please go HERE (click link). Payment on website incurs a $13.00 service fee, however to avoid the service fee please reach out to me at msdakotalee@gmail.com but please do not use this email on any of the payment platforms to send me payment. ONLY those who pay for the cost of the event will be able to attend. No refunds given, however balance can be applied to a future event as long as you cancel no less than 24 hours before the start of the event.

Parking: On street and fairly easy.



DMV: Christmas at Studio MAB Photo Event with Talented Vintage Hollywood Style Model Sarah

All photos above of Sarah taken by me (Dakota Lee)

Hello photographers in the DMV area! For the first time ever, I will be staging my studio for a luxury style Christmas-themed workshop! This will not be Santa style or cheesy, but instead we will be creating upscale, luxury Christmas images with a fabulous new model! I have worked with Sarah before and can attest to her professionalism and skill as a model! She has a gorgeous signature style she creates herself, which is an Old Hollywood Glamour look. This involves a particular style of hair and makeup that is not easy to create.

This will be a two hour event with a maximum attendance of 4 photographers for a ratio of one model per four photographers. We do not shoot Paparazzi style and typically operate on a lead timer. The set design will include a theme of red and gold- inspiration of the vibe we are going for is below. I will begin staging my studio for Christmas starting in early November so I will have plenty of time to prepare and run tests.

We will be working with gorgeous wardrobe that evokes a glamorous and upscale vibe. Two looks will be included during the event and lighting will be provided- we will be using some strobes for the event using my Elinchrom equipment. Bring your camera and lenses, I will provide the triggers, strobes and V Flats. Please make sure to bring a 50mm lens or wider for some of the tighter spaces in my studio.

The photos taken at this event will be a great addition to anyone’s portfolio- whether you’re a hobbyist looking to create gorgeous holiday photos or a professional photographer looking to build their holiday portfolio to aid in booking paid work. This event is open to all level of photographer however, having an idea of how to use your camera (exposure triangle, etc) is recommended.

When: December 14th from either 12-2 pm or 2-4 pm. Space is limited in my studio so I break up attendance into smaller groups. When paying for the event, please make sure you select the correct timeframe.

Where: 104 W Main Street, Middletown, Maryland.

Cost: $165.00 for the two hour event with all model, wardrobe, set design, hair and makeup, lighting and instruction fees included. To pay for the event, please go HERE (click link) on my website (which will incur an additional $7.00 service fee). To avoid additional service fees, please reach out to me at msdakotalee@gmail.com to pay an alternate way. No refunds given unless we can find someone to fill your spot, however we can roll over your payment to a future Events with Dakota Event as long as you cancel no less than 12 hours from the event.

Parking: Parking is on street and free, however if you are having trouble finding parking, you can park at the municipal parking lot just a half a block down from my studio.

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at msdakotalee@gmail.com