Duane Heaton Photography

I offer the best wedding photography and event photography services.
One of the best things that my clients have always said about me and the service that I offer is, "we didn't even know Duane was there".
I make sure that I do whatever it takes to capture the love, romance and excitement of every event that I am brought in for.

When I embarked on my career as a professional photographer, I promised myself that I would make
images for my clients that capture the love, romance and excitement in their lives. So over the years
I’ve developed a style of imagery that has real heart and soul and that ensures that my clients get a
piece of artwork that is about them and only them – not the cookie-cutter look you get from chain
stores or from photographers who are more technicians than artists.
Born and raised in Mattawan, MI, I was fortunate enough to attend a high school that had a
photography program. I continued my training after graduation in the U.S. Navy – as a
Photographer’s Mate E-5. I traveled through the Mediterranean, Middle East and Northern Europe,
responsible for public affairs and intelligence photography. I also ran the TV station aboard the USS
Nassau.
After my military service I settled in Washington, DC and became a staff photographer for the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, where I did everything from aerial photography to video
production. I also opened my own studio, to give me the opportunity to expand my talents and
explore creative ideas and projects. In addition to shooting portraits, social events and more than
1,000 weddings, I have served a number of commercial clients, some of whom are listed below.
I also serve the photography community as an educator – hoping to instill my passion for
photography in those with a desire to learn and improve their skills. I own and operate
DCPhotoworkshops, providing a workshop learning environment for beginning and intermediate
photographers. I taught workshops for the Washington School of Photography – focusing on a style
of portraiture I’ve developed called Hollywood Lights, inspired by the movie studio-driven Glamour
Photography of screen stars in the 1930s and 40s. And I consult with individuals and organizations
about photographic issues and equipment.
My current passion is Hospitality Photography – furnishing hotels, restaurants, spas and bed and
breakfast inns with unique, inviting images to promote their businesses. I have found a love in
photographing fashion and specifically swimwear.
I love photography and everything it can do – for me, for my clients and for the people they serve.
This profession allows me not only to create art, but to create relationships with people who value
that art – or who want to become photographic artists themselves.
I couldn’t ask for a better job

I have been photographing events for more than 30 years.
I have been at weddings where there were only 12 people including myself, and then I have been part of event with 3 teams of photographers covering the event with 600 guest.
I shoot with Canon cameras and lenses. I always have backup gear and depending on event, I do have some of the best second photographers in the Washington DC area to help cover events.