Family Lifestyle Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA

Family Lifestyle Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA

It has been another busy week full of sessions, and I have lots of fun-filled sneak peeks to share! From Williamsburg, to Smithfield, to Virginia Beach, I have traveled all around town to capture some sweet moments with these beautiful families.

Some of my favorite families have come back to see me again this year, and that always fills my heart with joy! I love watching them grow, and helping to fill their walls and albums with lovely memories. 

Check out these twinsies on the beach! Doubly adorable!! Big brother and I have been best buds since he was their age. Love this family. <3

Making new friends is a treat too, especially when they are as laid back and hilarious as this crew!

This summer is sure shaping up to be packed full of fantastic memories. :)  Lots more to come soon! - XOXO, Melissa

Get in touch to get on my calendar. Schedule your summer lifestyle photo session before it's too late!

Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer, Virginia + Travel

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Family Beach Sessions, Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer

Family Beach Sessions, Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer 

It's official. Summer is here! It has been a crazy busy month so far. Lots of sessions and wedding consultations and my summer calendar is filling up quickly! I love being back out on the beach shooting! But all those sessions and editing marathons don't leave much time for blogging. I'll keep this one brief, but wanted to share some sneak peeks from a few recent sessions. I hope you enjoy them!

It's so great to see so many old friends and to meet new ones too!

Toes in the sand, camera in hand! I'm a happy girl. Many thanks to all the awesome couples and families who have put their memories in my hands. More to come soon! - XOXO, Melissa 

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography experience, contact us today!

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How to Get the Best Ever Family Beach Photos - 10 Pro Tips

How to Get the Best Ever Family Beach Photos

 10 Pro Tips

I've been shooting family beach sessions for almost 7 years now. From May through September my toes are in the sand, and my calendar is filled with family lifestyle beach sessions, engagement sessions on the beach, and beach weddings. I've shot on the beach on hot muggy days (119 degree beach wedding anyone?), wild, windy days, and even frigid winter days.

I've shot solo portraits, extended family groups, large wedding parties and everything in between. Over the years, I've learned quite a bit about how to make the most of every situation. Today, I'm sharing my top tips for how to get the best ever family beach photos. 

1. When to book: Book as early as possible to ensure an appointment with an experienced photographer. Beach light and the elements can be tricky! Select a date early in the week if you're visiting from out of town. 

2. Selecting a photographer: Choose a licensed & insured pro whose work you love. Check out their website and social media to get a feel for their style. Make sure it's in line with your vision.

3. Lifestyle sessions are gold: Especially for families with young ones! Your photographer will guide you into loose poses and help bring out your best as you interact. Kiddos are free to have fun. Mom and dad are free from begging, scolding and stressing. 

4. Timing: Your photographer will most likely recommend shooting at sunset to take advantage of the most flattering light. If you have little ones, plan to adjust their nap times for a day or two prior, or schedule your beach session for late in the season when the sun sets earlier. 

5. Wardrobe: Select colors that compliment your surroundings i.e. blues, greens, beiges, creams, peach and golden tones. Choose two complimentary colors with a neutral mixed throughout the group. Relaxed flowy styles rule. And bare feet look best! 

6. Prepare ahead of time: No really, waaaaay ahead. Getting a family ready is like herding cats. Plan your wardrobe weeks in advance. Back up options are key for young kiddos. Start early and avoid the frantic last minute dash. 

7. Prepare the dudes: Most men would rather avoid photo shoots, or take one or two quick pics and call it good. Ease them on board. Share images from your photographer so they know what to expect. Discuss your game plan & goals for the shoot. Let them know how much it means to you!

8. What to bring: Your best attitude. So. Important. Even if last minute prep has you frazzled, when the time comes, let it go. Take a deep breath, find your sense of humor and remember why you are doing this - for great family memories!

9. What else to bring: Pack a comb, towel, wipes, a small snack and water for kiddos too. Incorporating a favorite family activity can be a great way to keep everyone focused on having fun with each other, and not on being in front of the camera. Ask your photographer for recommendations.  

10. Trust your photographer: You've booked a pro, prepped and primped, and let go of the small stuff. Now have fun! Trust your photographer to make the best of whatever the time brings. Beauty radiates from joy, so focus on your loves and get playful!

Bonus tip: Don't be afraid to get a little wind blown or wet. Focus on making memories! Your kids will pick up on your vibe. If you keep it light and playful, they'll follow your cue. Nothing brings big smiles like dancing on the sand, jumping in the waves, or swinging through the air in the arms of mom or dad. The best images I've ever taken were with clients who weren't afraid to let loose and live a little. Getting wet and sandy is a temporary state, but the memory of those happy family moments on your sunset beach adventure will last a lifetime. Trust me. 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Senior Portrait Session, Virginia Beach Photographer

Senior Portrait Session, Virginia Beach Photographer 

I've got something new to share today! It's been a while since I have shot a senior portrait session. I do enjoy them, but don't really market to that demographic. I'm more of a fan of creative environmental portraiture than the typical posed senior portrait. And my plate is usually pretty full with family and wedding clients. But, it is definitely fun to stretch a bit and do something different every once in a while. 

When Hannah's mama contacted me after Christmas to book a beach session, I could tell we'd click well together at our shoot. She and Hannah were attracted by my beach images posted online. She really wanted some great pics of her oldest daughter, and soon to be grad. 

We had a blast shooting at Fort Monroe beach in Hampton. The weather was a bit chilly and windy, so we started off in the quaint little residential areas near the fort.

Fort Monroe is so charming, especially in the spring! And I love the variety of textures and backgrounds you can find by wandering a bit on foot. 

As the sun was setting, we headed off to the beach to capture those yummy golden & peachy tones in the soft sunset light. 

It was crazy cold in the wind! Poor Hannah had goose bumps from head to toe, but she rocked her portraits like a pro! Isn't she stunning?!

It was a treat to meet you and your mom Hannah! Thank you for trusting me with your senior pics. I'm so thrilled that you love your photos! I wish you the very best as you graduate and set off to college on new adventures. I have ZERO doubt that you will be a fantastic nurse one day soon! - XOXO Melissa 

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If you are in Hampton Roads, VA (or plan to be) and would like to schedule your lifestyle photo experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Beach Sunset Family Mini Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

Beach Sunset Family Mini Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

This sweet little family recently moved to Virginia Beach after relocating all the way from California. I met the Tozzi family at Chick's Beach for a sunset beach mini session. It was time for some updated portraits, and their littlest peanut was celebrating her first birthday too!

It didn't take long for me to fall in love with their sweet girls! They were absolutely charming. Mom and Dad's down-to-earth, laid back manner also won my heart. We simply played and explored the bay shore, while Mother Nature graced us with the most gorgeous sunset.

The evening was just about perfect, I tell ya! I mean that golden light, those long shadows and the rolling clouds...pretty much a recipe for perfection if you ask me. Especially when you throw in this awesome family crew!

Before I knew it, the sun was slipping down past the horizon. But oh! what a spectacular end to the day!! (I just had to capture it in both black and white and color.)

Thank you Tozzi family for sharing your delightful family moments with me! I adored our session and hope to see you again soon. - XOXO Melissa

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area, or plan to be, and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography experience, contact me today! 

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Virginia Beach Photographer, Lifestyle Family Beach Photos

Virginia Beach Photographer, Lifestyle Family Beach Photos

This post is long overdue, but I am finally getting around to blogging one of my favorite family sessions to date! Last year I did a call for submissions for Beauty Revived's 50 Most Beautiful Children Campaign.  The mission of Beauty Revived is to tell the stories of real women and children with real beauty.

Photographers donate one session to a deserving woman or child who shows attributes of kindness, courage and strength. These sessions are featured on the Beauty Revived website and in their quarterly magazine. Beauty Revived was established in 2014 and has held 14 national campaigns, has a network of 1500 photographers and has told the stories of 600 women in print with 9 magazines published.

Mingmei was selected for my campaign session. She is a spunky little beauty who is curious, kind and wise beyond her years. I had such a fantastic time with Mingmei and her family at our beach session. It was a gorgeous evening with a spectacular sunset. It was truly magical!

Mingmei's family is one of the sweetest I have ever met! You can read more about Mingmei in her Beauty Revived article, but I am finally sharing some additional images from our session here. I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them!

It was an absolute honor and a complete joy to do this session for MIngmei and her lovely family. I am thrilled that she enjoyed "being famous" in a magazine, and that I was able to create these beautiful memories for her family.  XOXO -Melissa

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area, or plan to be, and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography experience, contact Melissa Bliss Photography today! 

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Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

These two beautiful souls were married during a small private ceremony at the chapel on Norfolk Naval Base. While their elopement was to be a private affair, they did want some creative photos to celebrate their union. Devon and Andrew were high school sweethearts, and have been close for years. Andrew will soon be heading to Chicago, so they decided to tie the knot before the move. They will begin a new adventure as Mr. & Mrs. 

When we chatted about their session, they told me they wanted something outdoors and romantic, possibly at the beach. Not familiar with the area (they are both from Texas), they left the location up to me.

We did luck out with an unseasonably warm winter day for our session, but it was windy and I knew the beach would be unbearable. First Landing State Park was the perfect spot for some pretty water views, but also some trees and grasses to break the wind a bit. 

 The sun was out when we began our session, but the skies quickly turned overcast and the wind picked up. These two didn't mind though. As the chill came on, they snuggled into a familiar embrace to keep each other warm. I love how sweet and light-hearted they are together!

I must say, windy days are my favorite for shooting. I love how the wind dances with hair and fabric, adding movement and atmosphere to images. 

And this couple....so gorgeous!! I had a seriously difficult time culling down images for this blog post. The one below is definitely a fave from this session.

What a beautiful reminder of an important chapter in their love story. I hope they hang it big where they can see it often.

After getting some waterside shots, we headed to the woods to change things up a bit. I love the variety of natural beauty that abounds at First Landing. The Spanish Moss is magical and those earthy tones make my soul happy. 

We finished up back by the water for sunset. Even though it was cloudy and overcast, there was a warm golden glow that was lovely. 

I am so grateful that I got to meet and work with this charming couple to create some meaningful photographs for them. 

Congratulations Devon & Andrew! Sending all my best wishes to you for good fortune and many happy days together. - XO Melissa

VA Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer - Destination Wedding Photographer

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If you would like to find out more about engagement, elopement or wedding photography services, get in touch today!

Wedding and Elopement Photography services in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and world wide.