Your Guide to Sub Spouse Photographers

woman in gray shirt taking a photo shoot during day time

Story submitted by Amanda D.

It’s that time again!  Looking for a photographer for your holiday card photos?  Look no further.  We have gathered a list of submarine spouses around the country who would love to photograph your family for any occasion.  From Groton to Hawaii, we have you covered.

We asked fellow sub spouses to share their favorite photographers, to which this list was generated. If you would like to add yourself and/or provide a photo and bio, please reach out to us thesubmergedlife@gmail.com. We will update this blog post on a regular basis!

GROTON, CT

Dacia Banda is a newborn, family, and homecoming photographer.  Her business, Dacia Vu Photography, is based near the Naval Submarine Base New London.  You can view Dacia’s work on her website or her Facebook page.


Amanda Lawrence is a photographer in the Groton, CT area.  She and her husband have three sons.  She enjoyed practicing photography as a hobby for many years, until recently she started professionally. To view Amanda’s portfolio, check out her website and Facebook page.


Lauren Mancini. Lauren is a marketing professional, photographer, military spouse, and vizsla lover.  As a military wife, she is always reminding herself to cherish every moment no matter what the situation may be.  New homes, new states, new family members – what better way to capture these life long memories than through a picture?  To view her work, click here.


Jessica Buhle has been a sub-wife for over 10 years nd owns Second Heart Photography. In her tenure she has been an FRG treasurer for her sailor’s first boat, and an ombudsman for the two following commands. Her photography is focused on motherhood and capturing families before children grow up because they grow up far too quickly. She likes the emotional and true moments, and less posed images. A big part of her business is giving back to her community throughout the yea, with sessions benefiting causes like FRGs, the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, and other local charities. You can find her on Facebook or Instagram at @secondheartphotography.


Hayley Ashley is a military spouse of 11 years, most of which has been spent in Groton, CT. She photographs families, couples, engagements and elopements but her heart is truly for homecomings!  Learn more on her website or connect on Instagram.


MARYLAND/DC/NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Danielle Press is a former sub spouse and mom of two boys from NYC.  Her family currently lives just outside of Annapolis where she runs her photography business.  She offers family, senior photography, lifestyle, military promotions, newborn, maternity sessions in the Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia areas.  Danielle also volunteers her skills for an annual calendar for the SPCA and cookbook for local restaurants.   Check out more about Danielle at her website.


Meredith Hodge is a portrait photographer and photography educator located in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Her work has been featured in Vogue an several smaller publications.  Her family is currently stationed at Norfolk, Virginia.  Check out Meredith’s work on her website and reach out to her at info@meredithhodge.com.


Jean Wines Photography is a portrait photographer in Hampton Roads that specializes in family and event photography.  She believes in creating a comfortable environment where natural connections are felt and captured. Along with photography, their company offers submarine graphic prints, art displays and custom 3D models.  Visit their Etsy store to learn more.


CHARLESTON, SC

Rachael Hammer and her husband recently PCS’d from Hawaii to Charleston, SC for shore tour.  She is an adventurous, fun, laid back person, and specializes in family, maternity, couples and all things homecoming photography.  Check out her Instagram page to see her work and book a session. 


Josie Kapral is a military spouse and award-winning photographer based in Charleston. For the past 10 years, Josie’s photography has focused on military families. She is currently available for family and couples sessions, homecoming, change of command ceremonies and charity events.  She works out of Charleston, Norfolk, and Groton sub bases.  You can contact her at (302) 943-8811 or via her Instagram.


HAWAII

Ashleigh Lauber is a sub spouse and owner of Following Seas Photography. She focuses her photography work around families and kids of all ages. It is her goal to give clients images that instantly bring them back to that period of time with their child. She loves to create timeless, authentic and joyful pictures. To view Ashleigh’s work, check out her website or Facebook.


MONTEREY

Chloe Hutton is the owner of Nori Rose Photography, based in Monterey, CA. .  She loves photographing new experiences and getting to meet new faces from all over.  To learn more check out her website!


Dana Arnold is a Navy spouse and full-time wedding and military events photographer.  She started her business in Hawaii, continued it in Virginia, and is now based out of Monterey, CA.  For the last four years, Dana has photographed weddings and retirements in nine different states. Check out her website for more information. 


NEW YORK

Katrina Gomez’ photography journey began in a tiny coastal town in Oregon. She was always drawn to the icy water and dramatic scenes of the Pacific Northwest, you could say it’s in her blood with her father, aunt and grandfather having been professional photographers at one time or another. As she grew up her hobby developed into her own small business.  She enjoys family and milestone portraiture in lovely natural settings. She also happens to deeply enjoy dabbling in more conceptual artistic photography when time allows. To learn more, check out Katrina’s website.

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