Before you share your story, let me introduce myself...

Pronounced / Dare-yah /
When I was 14 I picked up my first film camera and fell in love. Photography became my way of capturing life’s joy, and no hobby has made me happier since. I’ve lived all over the world as the child of active duty, drawing my inspiration from the coasts of Florida, Spain & Italy. At 29, I have now served in the military for eight years myself, but I always come back to photography. I believe in making art that makes you feel something and capturing memories that last a lifetime.

The Citation 88 typewriter that started it all. Dan and I wrote our vows on this typewriter. Pictured with our wedding rings.
The story behind the name


Why Letter & Lens?

This Citation 88 is one of my most prized possessions. If the house was on fire and I had time to grab something—besides my husband and my kitten—this beauty would be high on the list. A friend of mine saw this typewriter, thought of me, lovingly refurbished it, and had it shipped to my door. Dan and I wrote our vows on this typewriter. If you know me well, you’ve probably received a letter or a birthday card typed on it. It’s a perfect reminder of the beauty of classic things, and that if you put some time and love into something, it will last. Shout out to my soul sister Lauren Todaro from The Gobles Antique Mall for knowing my heart and gifting me a treasure that would eventually inspire the name of my business.

People, Places, and Things I Love Through My Lens.

Owner and Lead Photographer, Derya Happe and her husband
Our sweet kitten, Ravioli Happe, sitting in a cozy chair in our living room at our dream home in Ghent, Norfolk, Virginia.
A historic film camera I cherish called the Argus C3, most commonly used to photograph the Vietnam War.
a portrait of a girl in a wide brimmed hat strolling through the vineyards in napa valley.
three friends embrace beneath the red rocks of Sedona Arizona.
a landscape of the rocky red mountains in Sedona Arizona.
A military couple embraces in the hangar bay of the P8 Poseidon in Jacksonville Florida.
a blue hour photo of fire pushing air into a hot air balloon in Napa California.
A bright image with golden hour light featuring the sun streaming through a wild and unruly oak tree in Napa Valley, CA.
An artistic photo of a wine glass with red wine being poured into it.
a sunset vibrantly setting into the water in hawaii