Local professional photographer Jess Wakefield, owner of Dark Light Portrait Studios, is hosting a free portrait event for Breast Cancer Survivors on September 26^th, 2026, in Williamsburg, VA. The event will be held in her studio in New Town and will be open to anyone who is currently battling breast cancer or has had it in the past. “We will have 3 photographers and are hoping to photograph up to 34 survivors” she stated. “If I can make this a really successful event, maybe it can become an annual thing.”

The event is free to survivors and will include a portrait session along with a free print of your choice. In addition to the photography, a raffle will be held the day of the event for all survivors who attend.  “We are giving away some wonderful prizes that have been donated by amazing Williamsburg businesses. I’m super excited for this event and to be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I am so thankful for the businesses who are supporting this idea and the community.”

Jess is a portrait, sports and event photographer who has been in the Williamsburg area for the past 2 years. She specializes in portraits of women, teens and tweens and believes that having beautiful portraits can help so much with empowering girls and women to see themselves in a positive light and build self-esteem. “Women are told from a young age that we must look a certain way, behave a certain way and live up to unrealistic body expectations. I want everyone to know that it’s more than OK to be who you want to be and to be happy with yourself just the way you are. Self-acceptance is a beautiful thing.”

The portrait event is appointment based, and spots will fill up quickly. The appointment link will be made available the middle of August and will be published on Facebook (dlportraitstudios), Instagram (@dlportraitstudios) and through other avenues throughout the community.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Jess by email at dlps@dlportraitstudios.com or by phone at 757-293-5036 to be placed on the list to be notified when appointments open. Appointments are open to any survivor in Williamsburg or the surrounding area.