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

Virginia Beach, VA Photographers, Hampton Roads Photographers, Sandbridge Beach Photographers, beach portraits, beach photo session ideas, beach photography, family photographer, family session, family photos

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!

Virginia Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Photographers, Virginia Beach Photographers, Chesapeake Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Sandbridge Photographers, Williamsburg, VA Photographer

Norfolk Engagement Photographer - Waterside District Intimate Photo Session

Norfolk Engagement Photographer

Waterside District Intimate Photo Session

Madison and Zack's Norfolk Waterside District Photo Session was last weekend. I had a blast shooting downtown with these two. They were so laid back and they looked amazing! Not to mention that they are clearly mad about each other. And what's more beautiful than love??

 Here are some sneak peeks from our session on the Norfolk waterfront. Enjoy!

These two totally rocked their session and I am loving how their gallery is shaping up.

And guess what? After we shot around the Waterside District for a bit, Madison and Zack eloped right on the lawn downtown! It was amazing!

Congratulations Madison and Zack! I wish you many happy years together. - XOXO, Melissa

Creative  Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer, VA + Travel Destinations World Wide

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

To find our more about my wedding and elopement services, get in touch today!

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Blue Horizon Sandbridge Beach Wedding, VA Destination Wedding Photographer

Blue Horizon Sandbridge Beach Wedding

 VA Destination Wedding Photographer

What a beautiful wedding I have to share today! Caitlin and Dan officially tied the knot in Virginia Beach this week, and it was such an exciting event! Family and friends gathered from all around the globe for this fabulous British-American destination beach wedding. Scroll on for sneak peeks from their day and a wedding preview slideshow. 

Caitlin and Dan met in the UK several years ago and currently live in California. They selected Virginia Beach as the destination for their wedding so that family and friends could come together from near and far to celebrate. 

I met with Caitlin last fall as she was putting together all the vendors for their big day. After months of planning, lots of travel, and much anticipation, it was truly thrilling to see it all come together for these two lovely people!

It was such an honor to be invited to be part of this momentous occasion! Everyone came together to pull it off so spectacularly! Caitlin's mother did much of the event decor, and her aunt, who isn't a professional florist by the way, purchased and arranged all of the flowers for the wedding. I was absolutely stunned by what an amazing job they did. It was all SO gorgeous!

All of the wedding prep and the reception took place in a beautiful, and big, beach house just steps from the ocean. In case you are wondering, this spectacular cottage, the "Blue Horizon", is managed by Sandbridge Vacation Rentals. 

Many professional vendors also did a bang up job of completing the set up, catering, bridal party prep, entertainment and event coordination. My hats off to the team for their excellent work! 

Wedding Vendor Team:

Hair/MUA: Katie Cistola, www.beautyboxstudiosva.com
Venue: Blue Horizon, Sandbridge Vacation Rentals
Catering: www.traditionscateringva.com
DJ: Astro DJs (Entertainment) DJ Larry
Cake: Incredible Edibles Bakery
Day of Coordinator: www.SandbridgeBeachEvents.com
Flowers/Decor: Jennifer Lavoie, Melanie Lavoie (Brides Aunt & Mother)
Second Photographer: Chava Lind Photography

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Bishop! I wish you both love and happy days always!

XOXO -Melissa

Stay tuned for a full post on this beautiful Sandbridge beach cottage wedding!

If you have had a session with me in recent weeks, or plan to book one, be sure to follow MBP on Facebook , Instagram and Google+ as I always post there first.

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Creative Wedding & Lifestyle Photography, Hampton Roads, VA + Travel Destinations 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

To find out more about our wedding event photography, 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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Happy Mother's Day from MBP!

Happy Mother's Day!

I’m SO lucky to meet so many amazing mamas through my work. And I am  triple lucky to have a wonderful mom, stepmom and Mom-in-Law to lean on, and learn from, as I make my own way as a mother. This week I am giving up ALL the love for all the moms out there❣️YOU make the world a better, kinder, softer, stronger, more beautiful place each and every day. One day a year is not enough to celebrate all that you do. Thank you!

I am currently booking June-September 2018 sessions, as well as 2018-2019 weddings. 

Contact me today to reserve your lifestyle photos session or chat about your wedding plans!

Creative Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer in Virginia + Travel Worldwide 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Family Photographers, Virginia Beach Family Photographers, Chesapeake Family Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Sandbridge Family Photographers, Williamsburg, VA Photographer, VA Destination Wedding Photographer

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

VA Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer - Destination Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk, VA Photographers, Virginia Beach, VA Photographers, Suffolk, VA Photographers, Chesapeake, VA Photographers, Portsmouth, VA Photographers, Sandbridge Photographers, Smithfield, VA Photographers, Williamsburg, VA Photographers