Family Vacation Photos - Sandbridge Beach Photographer

Family Vacation Photos - Sandbridge Beach Photographer 

From late spring through late fall my schedule is dotted with family beach sessions. I'm a pretty lucky gal! Not only do I get to meet some amazing families, but I get to work beside, or in, the ocean with the waves lapping at my feet and the sun glistening off the sand, while the setting sun paints the sky a hundred glorious colors. And getting to know so many families from all over the country, well that's pretty amazing too!

The Massie Family scheduled a sunset beach session for their Sandbridge vacation. It was the first time their son (Mr. Adorable) had been to the beach and they wanted to document their family vacation memories. I was happy to oblige and we spent a gorgeous evening laughing and playing, as their little man took full advantage of the sand, surf, and undivided attention. 

I'm pretty sure he was in toddler Heaven, ha ha. It's such fun to watch them explore and discover. 

Thank you, Massie family, for an awesome evening of memory making! I hope we meet again someday. In the meantime, enjoy that sweet nugget - he is a treasure!

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

PIN IT:

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

On location Lifestyle Portrait and 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

Best Photography Locations - Parks in Hampton Roads

Best Photography Locations - Parks in Hampton Roads

A couple of weeks ago I began a series of posts that showcase some of the beautiful locations for photo sessions in Hampton Roads, VA.  For Part Two of this series, I am sharing some additional park settings available around the area. (Click here for Best Locations Part One).

When you schedule a photography session for family photos, engagement portraits or senior portraits in Hampton Roads, there are many options for where to shoot. One of the first questions I am asked is: "Where is the best location for photos?" The answer may vary depending on your hobbies, personal taste, and the time of year. Fortunately, Hampton Roads offers a wide variety of locations, so there are plenty of places to suit just about any purpose.

This list will offer some helpful examples of what is available around the Tidewater area. A few things to keep in mind: the views will change depending on the season; even dog friendly parks require animals to be leashed; and all parks close at sunset.

Oak Grove Lake Park is lovely all year. I especially love the golden hues in the late fall and the flowering wisteria in the early spring. This park features a walking trail that circles a lake, wooded areas and a playground. This park is dog friendly. I have included a number of photos at this location to show some variety throughout the year.

Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield is a unique location in that it's the only public space that offers a rustic farm setting with several old barns, riverfront access, fields and wooded areas with walking trails. The park is quite large and offers tons of variety. This park is dog friendly and even has a dog park, though you need to be a resident of Smithfield to access it.

Because of it's rustic, country appeal, Windsor Castle is quite popular in the fall and often crowded on weekends. The city does host events here on occasion, and part of the park can be reserved for weddings or other special events. 

Another favorite Hampton Roads park for photography is Mariner's Museum Park in Newport News. This park sits adjacent to both the Mariner's Museum and the Peninsula Fine Arts Museum with lake front access, as well as walking trails and bridges that wind throughout the wooded areas. You can hike for miles, and when the leaves change in autumn you may want to! However, parts of the trail are easy to access for shorter sessions or little ones who tire easily. As a bonus, the Mariner's Museum is offering $1 admission all summer!

For more examples of some of the great park locations available for photography sessions in Hampton Roads, check out Part One of this photography location series. I have many options to share so check back soon for part three of this location series. Coming soon..., beach locations, urban sites and more!

Looking for tips on what to wear for your photo session? Find lots of helpful wardrobe advice here.

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

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

Williamsburg Wedding Photographer - Spring Kingsmill Wedding

Williamsburg Wedding Photographer - Kingsmill Plantation Wedding

Sharing some sneak peeks today of Christina & Jerry's beautiful Kingsmill Plantation wedding! Christina grew up in Kingsmill and is now a talented wedding planner in Charlotte, NC. She met Jerry in North Carolina, and they have been enjoying adventures together ever since. After he popped  the question, they decided Kingsmill would be the perfect place to host their wedding event, as it is a central location for their family and friends. Plus, it's gorgeous!

When I speak to couples about wedding planning, I always recommend that they hire a professional planner, or day-of coordinator. It takes SO much pressure off of the couple and ensures that the day will run smoothly, no matter what hiccups occur.  When I learned that Christina has been a wedding planner for many years, I knew every aspect of this wedding would be well tended! I was right, she had every last detail buttoned up. All of that expertise and careful organization means I can fully focus on making beautiful photos throughout the day. 

Here are a few highlights from Christina & Jerry's gorgeous spring wedding in Williamsburg, VA:

Congratulations Christina and Jerry! It was an honor to document your wedding!

Wishing you love and joy always.  - Melissa 

If you would like to find out more about the MBP wedding experience, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA & Beyond

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Suffolk Wedding  Photographers, Chesapeake Wedding Photographers, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographers, Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

Chick's Beach Engagement Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

Chick's Beach Engagement Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

I have had the opportunity to meet some pretty awesome couples through my work as an engagement and wedding photographer in Virginia. Getting to know so many cool new people from all over the country is pretty amazing. Since Hampton Roads is a military hub, with service members transferring in and out all the time, I often meet couples and families from far and wide. It is always fascinating to hear their stories and learn about what brought them to Virginia.

Dan and Jackie met in medical school in New York and both work at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth. They enjoy the beach in their time off, so we chose Chick's Beach as the perfect location for their engagement photos. 

It was a perfect evening for a romantic, sunset session on the bay. What a gorgeous couple they make too!

On the rare weekends when their busy schedules coordinate, they take off on road trip adventures together. It was on one such trip that Dan proposed. He compiled an album of photos from their travels to give to Jackie as a surprise gift. The very last page of the book included a heartfelt proposal. How cool is that?! 

I'm so excited for you guys! It was such a pleasure spending time getting to know you both. Congratulations on your engagement Jackie & Dan!

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

PIN IT:

Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

Engagement Photography, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads  Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer

Family Vacation Photos - Virginia Beach Photographer

Family Vacation Photos - Virginia Beach Photographer 

I met the sweetest family of four for a sunset beach session recently in Virginia Beach. They were in town for a long weekend of family fun and relaxation. Since they don't get to the beach very often, mom decided a family portrait session was in order. I suggested that we meet at the north end, where the kids could roam and explore freely.

The little ones enjoyed the sand, but weren't so sure about the water and waves. The water temp was still pretty cool too, so we stayed out of the waves and kept the kiddos happy playing by the dunes. They loved collecting sea shells and showing their treasures off to mom and dad. :)

As a photographer, it's the small simple moments that make me happiest. And that hazy sunset glow - that makes me pretty happy too!

I am SO glad I had the opportunity to create some beautiful memories for them. It was such a treat to meet this lovely young family! I adored those chubby little dimpled cheeks and mom adored her photo gallery - win/win!!

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

PIN IT:

Contact me to schedule your family photo session.

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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

Fort Monroe Engagement Session - Norfolk Photographer

Fort Monroe Engagement Session - Norfolk Photographer

Ashley and Christ are getting married this July at The Lazy Days Winery near Lynchburg, VA. We've been chatting about their wedding plans and I am SO excited to be their wedding photographer!

Ashley is my niece and I love this girl to death. I was actually her nanny for a while, way back when she was just a wee lass. I am over the moon that she has found a guy who adores her and treats her like gold. And she clearly makes Chris happy too!

Ashley is from Virginia Beach and Chris is from Yorktown. They met in Lynchburg but both still have family here in Hampton Roads. We tossed around a few ideas for engagement session locations and finally decided on Fort Monroe in Hampton. Fort Monroe is such an awesome location for portraits! I love shooting here because there is a ton of variety of scenery and architecture all within reach.  Plus, I'm a sucker for history and this place is steeped in it. 

We spent a lovely evening celebrating their engagement and creating beautiful images that reflect their connection to each other. I can't wait for their July winery wedding!

Congrats Ashley & Chris!

Be sure to follow MBP on Facebook and Google+ to catch the first glimpse of session peeks and stay up to date on our news!

If you enjoyed this post please share it. And be sure to check out our referral program at the bottom of the Investment page to earn free goodies!

 Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

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

Best Photography Locations Hampton Roads - Parks in Virginia Beach

Best Photography Locations Hampton Roads - Parks in Virginia Beach

When you schedule a photo session for family photos, engagement portraits or senior portraits in Hampton Roads, there are a variety of options for session locations. After booking, one of the first questions I am asked by clients is: "Where is the best location for photos?" The answer may vary depending on your hobbies, personal taste, and the time of year. Fortunately, Hampton Roads offers a wide variety of locations, so there are plenty of options to suit any photo session.

Since this question comes up so often in client consultations, I thought it would be helpful to put several ideas into a blog series for easy reference. Today I am sharing some awesome locations for a photo session in Hampton Roads in a park setting. This list is not exhaustive, but will offer some helpful examples of what's available. Keep in mind even dog friendly parks require animals to be leashed, and all parks close at sunset.

1. First Landing State Park: located in Virginia Beach, this park offers miles of walking trails, marshy waterfront areas and beach front property. There are two entrances, one off Shore Drive and one at 64th Street. This is a lovely location year-round, though in the summer months it can be very buggy in the wooded areas, and in the spring-fall some parts of the park can be inaccessible due to tidal flooding. I especially love shooting here in the fall. When the leaves change in early November, it's pretty spectacular. It is a popular spot for photography and is also dog friendly. There is a $5 fee to enter & park on site. 

UPDATE: First Landing now requires a permit & fee to shoot on site. Permit applications must be submitted with payment 30 days prior to a session appointment.

Red Wing Park: located in Virginia Beach off General Booth Boulevard. Red Wing Park offers wooded trails, a lovely Japanese garden and gorgeous rows of Cherry Trees blossoming in the spring. There is also a rose garden and a playground area. This park is dog friendly and there is no fee to enter the park. 

Great Neck Park: This park in Virginia Beach is located off Great Neck Road. It's a smaller park than the other two, but still offers wooded areas, a gazebo overlooking the water, an open field and a playground. It's lovely year-round and is dog friendly. There is no fee to enter this park. 

Regent University: Centrally located near the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Regent University is a beautiful private campus with well manicured gardens, green space and wooded areas. It is pretty year-round and offers some lovely variety all within a short walk. Regent does require a prior reservation and permission to use the premises and they charge a substantial fee for large sessions or anything longer than a mini. 

Pleasure House Point Natural Area: Located off Shore Drive near Bayville Farms and Chic’s Beach, Pleasure House Point is on a tidal basin which offers wide open spaces, tall grasses and marshy wooded areas. Though the grasses are off limits for environmental reasons, there are plenty of walking trails and lovely waterfront vistas which make this a beautiful spot for a session. Parking is on street, or in a small lot near the Brock Environmental Center. But be advised that shooting in the area near the Brock Environmental Center is off limits for photography.

These are just a few examples of some of the great park locations available for photography sessions in Hampton Roads. There are many options so check back soon for part two of this location series. Coming soon...even more park areas around Hampton Roads, beach locations, urban sites and more!

Looking for tips on what to wear for your photo session? Find lots of helpful wardrobe advice here.

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

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

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