January Head Shot Special - Norfolk Lifestyle Photographer

January Head Shot Special - Norfolk Lifestyle Photographer

To kick off the New Year, I’m offering a limited time special on head shot sessions!

Have you been putting off a new set of professional portraits? Is it time for an updated and polished profile pic?

Why not head into 2020 with a fresh start? Book by January 31st to take advantage of this special offer and check those updated portraits off your to-do list.

Head shot sessions are 20 minutes and include an online proofing gallery, and a download of your 5 favorite images.

These sessions are short and sweet, but offer a nice variety of looks to suit your professional needs. They are perfect for social media profiles, business cards, and website bios.

I make it easy and fun, so that you can relax and feel confident in presenting your best self to the world.

I know not everyone likes to hop in front of the camera (me included!) - it can be nerve-wracking. But, I promise to make it painless. And when you have some beautiful updated photos, you’ll be so glad you did it!

Here are a few tips for having a great head shot session:

1. Communicate clearly the look and style you are going for. It will be helpful for your photographer to know how you plan to use the photos, and if there are any guidelines or size requirements for specific uses.

2. Wear something you feel great in! That confidence will shine through in your photos. It is a good idea to bring 2-3 choices in dark and light neutrals or earth tones. Layers work great to vary up your style by mixing and matching jackets or scarves with different tops.

3. Spring for professional hair and make up. You’ll feel much more confident for those closeup shots.

4. Have fun and trust your photographer! I love to chat with my clients and move from location to location - not only does it offer more variety, but they also don’t have time to get bored or nervous.

Contact me for available dates and times, and book your head shot session before January 31st, 2020.

Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

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Creative Senior Portraits, Norfolk's NEON Arts District

Creative Senior Portraits, Norfolk's NEON Arts District

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist

Fair warning, this will be a long post! I had SO much fun with Peyton at her senior portrait session in Norfolk’s NEON arts district, and there are tons of photos to share. I loved so many of them, I just couldn’t weed many out.

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist

Peyton is a creative soul who is headed off to college next year to study art and music. She’s smart, spunky and fun to have around!

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We had blast exploring the streets in the NEON district and shooting around the amazing painted murals in the area. There is some awesome talent on display.

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

Peyton brought her sweet pooch and best bud Orbi to our session to star in a few photos. Orbi is a super hero rescue pup. Peyton has been through the certification training process with Orbi, who is a full-fledged therapy dog. <3

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We Can Create What We Can Imagine, Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We Can Create What We Can Imagine, Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

Peyton plays the ukulele and sings, in addition to many other talents, so we incorporated a nod to her musical abilities into our session as well.

These shots below are probably my favorites from the day - the stunning artwork by Nils Westergard is so dramatic and memorable. I just love it!

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Peyton has a great sense of style too, and we were able to incorporate a lot of variety in her gallery between the wardrobe changes, and the fun, unique architecture downtown.

Painting by @onietonie, Troy Summerell

Transparent Seas artwork by Jason Levesque of Norfolk

Artwork: The Nature of Unity by Ivan Roque, Miami based artist

Thank you Peyton (and Peyton’s awesome mama!) for an amazing and unique session. I had THE best time getting creative with you!! - XOXO, Melissa

I also want to express my deep gratitude for the incredibly talented artists who have shared their gifts with the city of Norfolk. If you have not been to the NEON district to see these beautiful paintings, I highly recommend that you check them out! There are many more murals, sculptures, and unique pieces to see, but the artists whose work appears in the background of these images are listed here:

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist; We Can Create What We Can Imagine by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers; Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard; Painting by @onietonie, Troy Summerell; Transparent Seas artwork by Jason Levesque of Norfolk; The Nature of Unity by Ivan Roque, Miami based artist.

Sadly, just weeks after our session, Orbi was diagnosed with cancer and has since passed. I am so heartbroken that he is gone, but also so grateful that I was able to meet and photograph this sweet soul. Rest in peace Orbi. You are dearly missed and will not be forgotten.

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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

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First Year Photos at Regent University - Norfolk, VA Child Photographer

First Year Photos at Regent University - Norfolk, VA Child Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing this little cutie when she was just a few week old. And what fun it was to see how much she’s grown! We shot her one year old portraits at the lovely Regent University Campus.

Mom brought this sweet girlie to me in her darling first year photo shoot tutu. And this little gem brought all of her fabulous personality to the shoot! I could just eat her up, she’s so cute!!

I mean, those cheeks!!! How could I not fall in love with this doll face?

I also heard a little rumor that this little beauty is going to become a big sister before too long - yay!

We managed to squeeze all of that adorable into just one mini session. Can you believe it?

Thank you, Miss T,. for bringing such joy to our session! It was such a treat to see you again. - XOXO, Melissa

Creative Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA + Travel

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule a lifestyle session, contact me today!

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Hampton Roads Lifestyle Photographer - Holiday Gift Certificate Sale!

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Photographer - Holiday Gift Certificate Sale!

Give the gift of beautiful memories this year! It is a thoughtful and lasting gift for family and friends. Or, you could even reward yourself! Purchase a gift certificate of $250 or more, and receive an additional $50 credit FREE. But hurry! Sale ends at midnight on 12/01/18!

GRAB YOURS NOW!

 Gift Certificates may be used toward session packages, digital files, prints and products. They may be purchased in increments of $25. 

Forget the shopping traffic and long lines. Simply make your purchase online today. Gift certificates will be sent as a digital file, or can be mailed to your recipient upon request.

Please spread the word and share this post if you know someone who might be interested in this deal! 

Wishing you and yours the Happiest of Holidays!! 🎁

 Creative Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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Hampton Roads Photographer, Lifestyle Mini Sessions

Hampton Roads Photographer, Lifestyle Mini Sessions

Freemason District, Norfolk Waterfront Family Mini Session

So I am up to my eyeballs in wedding season, which now coincides with the fall family portrait madness - I love it! It’s like a mad burst of creative energy each fall. But, it does make keeping up with blogging quite a challenge.

Sandbridge Beach, VA Family Lifestyle Photos

Sleepy Hole Park, Suffolk, Family Mini Session

I am SO behind on sharing sessions and I apologize. Since I simply don’t have the bandwidth to share them all at the moment, I thought I would compile a few recent sessions into one post so you could see a peek of some of the lovely families I have been photographing.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Family Mini Session

There are many more to come, so hang tight if your peeks aren’t here, I promise to get them up soon. I have a couple of weddings, an elopement, two engagement sessions and several more families in queue!

Downtown Norfolk Child Portrait Session

If you are in the coastal, VA or NC area and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography session, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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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

See more Norfolk Engagement Photography here. Thanks for visiting! Your support is greatly appreciated.

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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

VA Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer - Destination Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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