#SharejOy Campaign Daily Photo Challenge

Last week I kicked off the #sharejOy campaign with a creative activity sharing art with seniors who are quarantined. If you missed that post, it’s not too late to join in!

This week, I have a new activity that I hope will spark some joy. I’ve created a photo challenge with daily prompts to keep you going. Anyone of any skill level is welcome to participate with any camera they have - phone, iPad, point and shoot, DSLR, film, mirrorless…doesn’t matter. The point is to try to see things in a new way, and to find little sparks of joy in the things around you. This would be a great activity for kids too!

Each prompt is open to your interpretation, so there are no rules, really. Get creative and see what you can come up with. You may choose to shoot a particular prompt in several ways and share your favorites. Or, you could limit yourself to one shot per prompt so that you really have to think it through before you click. If you are a seasoned photographer, you might consider adding a challenge like only using one lens, or shooting each prompt with off camera flash. If you miss a day that’s okay too. You can make it up, or just move on to the next prompt. It’s up to you.

Share your images on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #sharejOy and the initials #sj+promptname ie. #sjcheerful

I’ll be sharing on my Instagram @dayswithourdanes. I have also created a link up below, so if you decide to blog your images, you can come back here and share your post with us!

Let’s all spread some light and joy, and encourage each other to keep finding the good in each new day. Below the prompt list I’m sharing a few tips for creating compelling images, if you need help getting started. Be sure to check those out. I can’t wait to see what you create!

A few tips before you shoot:

1. Consider what type of feeling you want your image to covey and look for light that enhances that feeling (add or eliminate light if you need to - quality of light matters far more than quantity).

2. Consider how the angle of your lens, and your perspective to the subject, affects the look and feel of your shot.

3. Be mindful of what falls within the frame, and move yourself, or zoom in, to eliminate any distracting elements that don’t add to what you want to convey. Often less is more!

4. Consider leading lines, symmetry, color/tone, movement, balance and framing - how can you incorporate these to lead your viewer’s eye where you want it to go?

5. Think about how many ways you can interpret a prompt before you shoot - perhaps there’s a unique perspective you hadn’t considered before? Push yourself beyond the obvious if you are feeling stuck. You should be able to shoot these prompts safe at home or within close proximity to your home. If you feel too confined by your surroundings, remember that a selfie of you looking at a photo of a sunset, still includes a sunset. ;)

6. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep trying. Sometimes the magic happens a few frames after you thought of giving up!

7. Have fun and share the joy in your journey!

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February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA

February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA

If you popped in last month you may remember that I've taken on a new personal creative project and joined a fantastically talented group of photographers in a monthly 10 on 10 blog circle. On the 10th day of each month, we will each post 10 images and link to another member of the blog circle to create a loop of shared creativity. Sounds fun right?

Earlier this month I took my girls to Norfolk's NEON art district for a mini shoot. It was a warmish, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed exploring the local shops and murals. I love the long shadows the sun creates in the cityscape, and the bright pops of color everywhere. 

There are tons of cool paintings and interesting spots to explore, all within just a few blocks. We wandered and shot for about 45 minutes, then grabbed a couple smoothies and a cappuccino at a local eatery. It was a fun little outing and I'm delighted with the unique images I was able to create in a short amount of time. 

I always love shooting in the city. I don't know why I don't do it more often. I can't wait to go back and shoot some more. Now I'm wondering, if you could have a session anywhere, where would you love to go? 

That's it for this month. I hope you will continue on with the circle and see what awesomeness my friend Brandi at Retro Angel Photography has created this month. Thanks for visiting! -Melissa 

To schedule a photo session in Hampton Roads, VA, contact me today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

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January 10 on 10 - The Pursuit of Portraits

January 10 on 10 - A Personal Project & The Pursuit of Portraits

A New Year and  a new project! As we dig into 2018, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. I am incredibly grateful for the continued growth of my business during 2017, and for the many marvelous clients who put their faith in me. I love what I do, and I am honored to be able to meet and serve so many truly wonderful couples and families. I have gotten to know some seriously awesome peeps that I probably would not have otherwise encountered. That just plain rocks. 

I will admit though, that running a full time business requires a huge investment of time and energy, and I am guilty of letting my own personal agenda tumble down the priority ladder. This year, I'd like to get back to the fun and freedom of creating for no other reason than to feed my soul.

Taking time to experiment with new tools and techniques, or to simply pick up my camera and go wherever a whim takes me, is crucial to my growth as an artist and to my sanity. To that end, and for a bit of accountability, I have joined up with a group of insanely talented artists to participate in a 10 on 10 blog circle.  (Seriously, these women blow my mind on the regular and inspire me to reach higher. I know they will inspire you too.) We will each be posting 10 images on the 10th of every month, and linking within that post to another member of the circle. 

I decided to start my blog series with some portraits for a few reasons: First, I am looooong over due for portraits of my kiddos - they are each at least 2 feet taller then the last time I did this! And while I prefer documentary style images most of the time, my mama heart does love a great portrait of those young faces every once in a while. I also find myself drawn to the portraiture of artists like Annie Leibovitz, Yousef Karsh and Helmut Newton. I've often pondered taking my work more in that direction, so it's worth exploring, right? Even if I fail, or never decide take my business down that path, I am certain to learn a few things along the way! And with this project - anything goes, so I won't hold myself to rules about lighting ratios, posing, or post processing a particular way. Freedom reigns!

So, these images of my children aren't particularly imaginative. I know. Like most kids with photographer's child syndrome, none of them are especially enamored with being photographed. They didn't dress up for the occasion and they gave me just a few minutes each. I try to be respectful of their limits and their privacy. My goal was to produce something that was unaffected and undeniably them. 

Simple portraits yes, but I love them. And truth be told, I think my kids enjoyed the extra attention. ;) Maybe next month I will delve deeper into portraits and see where I end up.  

Here are a few favorite portraits I have made in recent years. I'm curious, what's your favorite type of photography? 

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check out the amazing images of my talented friends by continuing on with the circle. Up next, Shannon Kathleen Photography shares her artistry with you!

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Interested in scheduling your own creative photo session? I'd love to chat. Contact me today!

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Chick's Beach Family Maternity Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

Chick's Beach Family Maternity Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

I've got another gorgeous sunset beach session to share today. And these peeps are near and dear to my heart, in fact, they're family! We had a blast playing in the warm sunset light on Chick's Beach last weekend.

We selected the calm bay area for this session because of its kid-friendly atmosphere and its amazing sunset view. That soft, sweet glow just sets the perfect mood for these maternity portraits, don't you think?

It was a special treat to be able to do this session for my beautiful sister and her awesome family. I am SO crazy excited to meet our newest little family member very soon!

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

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Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer – Beach Day

Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer – Beach Day

I am a beach girl at heart. I was born and raised in Virginia Beach and have spent many days with sand between my toes listening to the tide rolling in and out. I love the warmth of summer, the salty air and the wide open space at the shore. Winter is not a friend to me. I feel cold when the mercury dips below 65 degrees. The dreary gray days seem to drag on and I long for sunny skies and balmy breezes. I am thankful for the short, mild winters here in Hampton Roads. And I love it when the temp pops up now and then, giving hope that spring and summer are on their way.  I also love taking full advantage of those rogue warm weather days.

That’s just what I did earlier this week! The spring-like weather popped in to say hello and I packed the kids up for an afternoon beach excursion. It was short-lived, but oh, it was heavenly! A beach day in March? Yes, indeed!

Capturing these fleeting childhood moments is so important to me. Every time I blink my kids seem a foot taller. You never know when that piggyback ride to the car will be last one, or that late afternoon snuggle on your lap will be the farewell performance. It just happens one day and then it doesn't happen anymore.  I want to document as many of those treasured everyday moments as I can. And when I shoot just for me, I enjoy taking full poetic license to capture the moment as I feel it. There is no right or wrong. There is only my lens, my heart and the pieces of it that walk this earth outside my body. Here are a few faves from our afternoon at the shore:

It was a glorious day. The freedom to explore under the sun, to dig in the earth, to let all of life's worries blow away with the salt breeze and to just be in the moment - those memories are priceless. And I will enjoy revisiting them for years to come. 

I am currently booking Summer 2017 sessions, as well as 2017-2018 weddings. 

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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