The Melanin + Light Workshop

photography workshop
It’s officially here and I’m so excited to FINALLY be able to share this news with the world!  After months and months of planning alongside Kristen Gordon of K. Marie Photography our new project is finally being unveiled for the world to see.  And if I’m being completely honest I’m currently a ball of nerves and excitement which I think is good when venturing into something new.  We created this workshop as a need that we felt many in the photography community had, how to properly shoot and edit their black and brown clientele.  Kristen and I both have similar shooting and editing styles and a desire to help other photographers properly hone their skills so the only natural next step was to put together a workshop based off of this idea.
Our first workshop, Melanin + Light, will take place at Collision Cowork in Rock Hill, SC on February 9, 2019 from 11 am – 3 pm.  The workshop will include hands on training with two models to get you more comfortable with posing and client interaction, basic editing tutorials in Lightroom and ending the day with lunch and an informal Q+A session.  Early bird tickets are officially on sale now, with a savings of $50, and you can get them here.  Early bird sales will end on December 6 and regular ticket sales will end on February 1.  There are a limited number of seats available so don’t wait to purchase your ticket!  If you’re reading this after the workshop has ended please make sure to sign up for the DBP Brand Experience Newsletter to be notified of future workshops.
Date: February 9 ,2019
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Collision Cowork, 116 E Main Suite 201, Rock Hill, SC 29730
*Lunch will be provided

Tanya G. | Personal Branding Session

personal branding session
Tanya G. | Personal Branding Session
I’m always amazed when someone comes from far away just to have a session with me.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for each and every client I have the opportunity to work with both near and far, but when someone hops a flight or drives for hours just to work with me, well…let’s just say it blows my mind a little.  Not because I don’t think I’m a good photographer, but there are so many photographers out there that produce good work I guess it just baffles me a bit when someone thinks enough of me and what I do to make the trek to see me.
denise benson photography
Tanya and I are a part of a Facebook group for photographers and that’s how we initially ‘met’.  She reached out to me and indicated she wanted to come down from the DMV area for her next branding session.  Some time went by and she eventually reached back out when she was ready to move forward.  She explained her vision and what she does as a side hustle (photography) as well as her hobby (ballroom dancing) and we worked together to create a session that combined her two passions and something that was uniquely hers.
denise benson photography
Over the course of two hours we spent working together we had a great time getting to know one another and I was able to see first hand how her passions make her come alive and how excited they get her.  After our session time together ended I knew we had to hang out for just a bit longer so we enjoyed desserts and coffee at the original Amelie’s in NoDa while getting to know one another on a more personal level.  I’m truly thankful she entrusted me with her vision and I’m excited to see where both of her dreams take her.  You can find Tanya on her website, Instagramand Twitter. And if you’re in the DMV area and looking for a photographer definitely reach out to her!
denise benson photography

Candice J. | Columbia Branding Session

binact

Candice J. | Columbia Branding Session

While I love shooting in and around Rock Hill and Charlotte, NC it’s fun to get out of town every once in a while for a session and shoot in locations I only get the opportunity to shoot in occasionally and sometimes for the first time ever.  When my Soror Candice reached out to me regarding a branding session for her blog, But I’m Not A Critic Though (aka BINACT), I was so excited to get the opportunity to work with her!  BINACT’s mission is to provide unique and positive perspectives to today’s music culture.  BINACT, as it’s sometimes affectionately dubbed, gives it’s followers music reviews of not only mainstream music, but also independent artists that you may have never heard of before.  And in today’s culture that’s definitely a refreshing change of pace.
but I'm not a critic though
denise benson photography
Candice and I met in The Vista located in downtown Columbia, SC (home of my alma mater) for a quick shoot to give her some fresh, new images that she can use across the board for not only her website, but social media and her marketing materials.  Her laid back style allowed us to capture some unique imagery that isn’t stuffy or boring like typical headshots can sometimes be.  I love when my clients think outside the box and use their images to speak to who they are and what they want their brand to represent.
columbia branding session
You can check Candice and BINACT out on Instagram and Facebook. And to keep up with the latest at But I’m Not A Critic Though make sure to visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.  And if you’re a blogger, business owner or just need some updated images I’d love to chat with you!  Email me today so I can help you bring your vision to life.

Sheena F. | Slay The Day

denise benson photography
Sheena F. | Slay The Day
I had the pleasure of working with Sheena a few months ago for her first branding session and we instantly clicked!  I love it when I meet a new client and our visions are so in sync that we’re already looking forward to our next shoot together.  So I was thrilled when she reached back out to me regarding her new t-shirt line “Slay The Day” and having me capture it.  Sheena is an advocate for living the single life fabulously so this new line of t-shirts (that let’s both married and single ladies know they’re slaying this life with no regrets) is completely on brand for her.  It was something a bit different for me when it comes to branding photography and I always like to stretch myself and try new things so I was extra excited for this session.
sheena faust
personal branding
We decided to shoot in her city of Columbia, SC, affectionately known as Soda City in the downtown area with a group of fabulous ladies.  Some that Sheena has known for years and others that she had just met prior to the shoot and got them to be a part of the fun!  I got to work with each of these ladies individually and in groupings and it was such a fun morning!  Thankfully we were able to get in and out before the humidity got the best of us and we came away with some amazing shots.  I’m so glad that Sheena chose me to be part of creating this campaign for her and I’m already looking forward to our next collaboration.  If you’re looking to build your brand or create new images for an existing brand I’d love to hear from you!  Email me today so that I can hear your ideas of how we can create some magic together.
slay the day

Meet Me In Maui

denise benson photography
Meet Me In Maui
A couple of months ago I took one of the most amazing vacations of my entire life all thanks to my best friend.  Hawaii has been on my bucket list for years.  And when I say years, I mean YEARS.  And although it’s part of the United States it’s always seemed a bit unattainable.  Literally being on the other side of the country and knowing how expensive of a trip it would be made it a trip that I wasn’t sure would ever take place.  So when the opportunity presented itself at the end of 2017 to actually go in August of 2018 I decided to put my doubts to the side and just say YES!  And boy am I glad I did.  It was one of the most beautiful and relaxing vacations I’ve ever taken.  For one week straight I was literally out here “living my best life.”
meet me in maui
denise benson photography
hawaii vacation
The island of Maui is incredibly lush and scenic and although it’s a laid back environment we were never short on things to do.  From lounging on the beach in our own private casabella and at the resort pools of The Grand Wailea Resort, pampering ourselves at the best spa I’ve ever experienced, exploring a nearby rock beach on the search for sea turtles, to zip-lining in one of the most scenic places in the world it was a trip I will always remember.  If you ever find yourself in Maui take advantage of everything it has to offer.  And fully enjoy the cuisine!  We ate so good everyday and I’m still craving the shrimp poke bowls that I had on more than one occasion.  I’m so thankful this was something I was able to share with some amazing ladies and am already looking forward to my next adventure!
luaudenise benson photography

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