Through Their Lens: Why Debbie and Sara Stachkunas Love Photography

In the riverside town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, creativity often flows as naturally as the tides.

Among the many local talents who capture the town’s charm, one duo stands out for both their artistry and their heart — mother-daughter photographers Debbie and Sara Stachkunas.

What began as a shared pastime between mom and daughter has blossomed into something deeper: a collaboration built on love, community, and the joy of seeing the world through each other’s eyes.

A Family Story Told in Photographs

For Debbie Stachkunas, photography is more than a creative outlet — it’s a form of connection. A longtime educator and advocate for inclusion, Debbie has always seen beauty in everyday people and places. When she looks through her camera lens, she’s not just framing a shot — she’s telling a story of belonging and discovery.

Her daughter, Sara, shares that same spark. Together, they explore Colonial Beach with cameras in hand, seeking out the textures, reflections, and fleeting moments that define their coastal hometown. Whether it’s the golden glow of sunset on the boardwalk or the laughter of neighbors at a local event, the pair has a gift for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.

“We both love showing people the beauty that’s right in front of them,” Debbie often says. “You don’t have to travel far — sometimes, the magic is right in your own backyard.”

Why Photographers Like Debbie and Sara Love What They Do

1. They See the World with Gratitude

Photography teaches you to slow down and notice — the way light bounces off the river, the smile that flashes before a laugh. Debbie and Sara approach every outing with a sense of gratitude for the world around them. Their images often celebrate community, nature, and simple joy.

2. They Capture Connection

As a mother-daughter team, their collaboration goes beyond technique — it’s about relationship. When Debbie photographs, Sara often assists or shoots alongside her, and together they inspire one another’s creativity. Their teamwork mirrors the connections they strive to capture through their lens: moments between friends, families, and neighbors who make Colonial Beach such a special place.

3. They Build Community Through Art

Debbie and Sara don’t just take photos — they use photography to bring people together. Through the Colonial Beach Explorers, an inclusive group they helped organize, they encourage residents and visitors alike to celebrate the town’s natural beauty. Events like World Photography Day invite people of all ages and abilities to explore, snap pictures, and share their perspectives.

Their work reminds us that photography isn’t just for professionals — it’s for anyone who wants to connect more deeply with their surroundings.

4. They Preserve Local Legacy

Every image Debbie and Sara take becomes a part of Colonial Beach’s living history. Their photos of festivals, landscapes, and everyday moments capture the essence of a town in motion — evolving, thriving, and full of heart. Future generations will one day look at their images and see not just faces and places, but the love that built a community.

A Shared Passion, A Shared Purpose

What truly makes Debbie and Sara Stachkunas special is the way their photography reflects their relationship. It’s not competitive; it’s collaborative. Debbie’s nurturing eye and Sara’s fresh perspective complement one another perfectly — proof that creativity runs in the family.

Whether they’re walking along the beach at sunrise or documenting a community event, they approach every project with curiosity and care. Their joy is contagious, inspiring others to pick up a camera and see the world in a new way.

“It’s not just about taking a picture,” Sara explains. “It’s about feeling the moment — and knowing you’ll have it forever.”

Through Their Lens, We See Ourselves

At the heart of every great photograph is emotion — and that’s what Debbie and Sara deliver. Their work tells a story of love: love of family, love of art, and love of community.

They remind us that photography is about more than angles and exposure — it’s about connection. Through their lens, we don’t just see Colonial Beach; we see what it means to belong.

So the next time you find yourself watching the light dance across the Potomac or walking through town with your camera in hand, think of Debbie and Sara Stachkunas — two local artists who prove that when you follow your passion, every picture becomes a story worth telling.