Woman sitting on an examination table talking to a therapist or medical professional seated at a small table with a laptop in a therapy or medical room.

Welcome to Movement and Media Studio.

Where clinical care meets creative vision.

Meet Daniela Zapata, PT, DPT

Daniela (or Dani) is a licensed physical therapist and professional photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia. She began her photography business while studying at Johns Hopkins University and grew it alongside earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from George Washington University.

Over time, Dani realized that both disciplines were rooted in the same belief: people deserve care that is thoughtful, individualized, and grounded in real life. Whether she’s working with someone recovering from an injury or stepping in front of the camera, her approach is the same: intentional, detail-oriented, and built around the person in front of her.

She works with busy adults who value quality, clarity, and care that actually fits into their lives.

A woman with curly dark hair, smiling, wearing a black top with rolled-up sleeves and tied bows, standing against a white background.

About
Movement & Media Co.

Movement & Media Co. is a boutique wellness and creative studio in Old Town Alexandria, offering personalized physical therapy and professional photography services in an intimate, one-on-one setting.

The studio is intentionally designed to transform, moving effortlessly between physical therapy and photography as needed. Each element serves a purpose, making the space feel both functional and refined.

From a treatment table and exercise area to wall-mounted backdrops, professional lighting, and mirrors for movement analysis (and last-minute outfit checks), the studio supports quality care, creative work, and everything in between.

Business card holder on a table with an inscription about physical therapy, with blurred anatomical posters hanging on the wall in the background.

The Physical Therapy Side

Daniela specializes in helping working adults fix chronic desk posture pain and move without limitations. Through comprehensive one-on-one evaluations, she identifies the root cause of your pain - whether it's from prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or postural dysfunction - and creates personalized treatment plans to address it. Her cash-based model means longer sessions, focused attention, and practical solutions you can implement in your daily life. Also treating general orthopedic injuries including knee pain, ankle sprains, and sports-related issues.

The Photography Side

Whether you're a dancer, athlete, yoga instructor, or just someone who moves through the world with intention, your portraits should reflect that. Daniela captures the energy you bring to your craft, turning a simple headshot or studio portrait into something that actually feels like you. No stiff poses, no generic angles. Just you, in motion, looking exactly how you show up.

What People Are Saying

  • I had a wonderful experience with Dani in taking a professional headshot! I would absolutely recommend her to anyone in need of a professional photo or any other photography needs. She is fantastic!

    - Christina

  • I could tell Daniela was genuinely curious and knowledgeable during my shoulder evaluation. I felt cared for and that means a lot to me.

    - PB

  • Daniela was phenomenal to work with! A true professional in every sense- she knew exactly what shots to get and she got perfect lighting and angles. I certainly recommend her to anyone else!

    - Charlie

 FAQs

  • Though fundamentally different services, there's more overlap than you might think! Both are built on the same foundation: personalized, one-on-one attention tailored to your specific needs. Whether working with a PT patient or a photography client, Daniela brings creativity, years of expertise, and a collaborative approach to help you reach your goals.

    On the practical side, the studio is intentionally designed for versatility. Photo backdrops and lighting equipment are easily stowed when PT clients are in session, and the treatment table tucks away for photography appointments. Both services take advantage of the convenient Old Town Alexandria location, beautiful waiting area, and thoughtfully designed space that adapts to whatever you need.

    And the why? Daniela has been offering both services separately for years, so bringing them together under one roof was a natural evolution. By housing both in the same space, she hopes PT clients might discover the value of professional headshots for their careers, while photography clients may finally address that nagging back pain they've been putting off. It's about serving the whole person, not just one need at a time.

  • Movement & Media Co. serves active individuals, professionals, and entrepreneurs who value personalized, high-quality care. Whether you're dealing with pain that's holding you back, training for a goal, building your professional brand, or simply want to move and look your best—this is for you. Daniela works with clients who appreciate a tailored, one-on-one approach and are ready to invest in themselves.

    Learn more about Physical Therapy services →

    View Photography portfolio & examples →

  • Movement & Media Co. operates on a cash-based model, which means sessions are not billed through insurance. This allows Daniela to spend more time with each client- typically 60-90 minutes of one-on-one care- without the restrictions and limitations that come with insurance-based practices. You'll receive a detailed receipt (called a superbill) after each session that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement, though coverage varies by plan. This model prioritizes quality, personalized care over quantity of patients.

  • Movement & Media Co. is located in North Old Town Alexandria on the third floorwith elevator access. The address is 950 N Washington St, Suite 312, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

    Getting here:

    • Free, easy street parking available

    • Accessible by bus

    • 10-minute walk from Braddock metro station

    You'll receive building access instructions when you book.

    Ready to schedule?

Choose a Service

Whether you’re here for one or both services, we’re excited to have you!

Close-up of a person's arm holding a red dumbbell during a workout, with a blurred woman in the background in a gym or workout space.
Photography studio setup with lighting, camera, and backdrop equipment on a plain indoor background.

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