Romantic Beach Elopement Session, Virginia Beach Photographer

Romantic Beach Elopement Session, Virginia Beach Photographer

I have the loveliest beach elopement session to share with you today! Rahee & Kyosik wanted some beautiful, romantic images to celebrate their marriage. For the best variety in their final album, we decided to split their session package between two locations. We ended up scheduling a mini beach session, plus another full hour at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Today, I’m sharing a few shots from our romantic sunset beach shoot.

While they claimed to be a bit nervous about being in front the camera, they were in fact, absolute naturals. It’s hard to fake true love, and their connection and ease with one another, is what shines through in all of their images.

They let me know ahead of our session that they were totally game for getting wet! So we headed into the waves toward the end of our shoot.

I love these fun, carefree shots we grabbed at sunset!

Thank you Rahee & Kyosik for an amazing session! It was truly a pleasure to get to know you both. - XOXO, Melissa

If you enjoyed this session, check back soon for more from images our Norfolk Botanical Garden wedding shoot - they were stunning in their official Korean wedding handbok.

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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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Lifestyle Family Beach Session, Virginia Beach, VA

Lifestyle Family Beach Session, Virginia Beach, VA

Beach season is back! I know it’s still a little chilly for a swim, but the temps are warming and the beach is beautiful!

Every summer there are families that I really look forward to photographing, and the Brumfields are definitely one of those.

I’ve shot for them for 3 years now, and every session is such a blast! They love to have a documentary feel to their images, which I adore. It allows me to get some of the most creative shots for their family.

They are big time beach lovers, and have the cutest, most active, young kiddos. They sure keep me running from start to finish, but they keep me giggling too!

I love that mom and dad let their kids just be themselves, which means they have tons of fun, and their personalities shine.

I also love that their grandparents are included in each session, and that they are game for full on beach shenanigans too!

I mean, what better summer family memories could a kid have than frolicking freely on the beach with their entire family crew of several generations?!

These memories they will carry with them for a lifetime. They are memories that will help to keep them rooted in that family togetherness and acceptance.

Clearly they felt safe, and loved, and happy!

It truly is an honor to be able to do what I do. And when it’s this much fun, it is an absolute joy too!

Thank you, Brumfield family, for entrusting me with your amazing summer vacation memories! I can’t wait to see you again next time! - XOXO, Melissa

Let's make a date to document those little moments with big heart for your family!

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area, or plan to be, contact me to schedule your spring/summer lifestyle photo session!

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First Anniversary Session - North End Virginia Beach

First Anniversary Session - North End Virginia Beach

I'm sharing a lovely little first anniversary session today. These two came to Virginia Beach to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in August. They booked a mini session to take advantage of some sunset beach portraits while they were in town. 

We enjoyed a really gorgeous evening on the beach, and I had a great time shooting with them! 

Congrats and best wishes Mr. & Mrs. D! I hope you have many more happy years together. Come back and visit soon! - XOXO, Melissa 

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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. 

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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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Virginia Beach Child Photographers - Sunset Beach Session

Virginia Beach Child Photographers - Sunset Beach Session

I can hardly begin to tell you how much fun I had at Miss Hannah's sunset beach session! Her mom wanted portraits to celebrate her birthday, and since Hannah loves the beach, their vacation in Virginia Beach was the perfect opportunity! We planned a mini session for the week they were in town. I had a total blast with Hannah exploring the shore and playing in the waves. What a beautiful free spirit! The amazing clouds and golden sunset made for some stunning images from her first visit to Virginia Beach!

Here are some of my favorites from her child portrait session on the beach: 

I could tell by the giggles and natural smiles that Hannah was having a great time too!

Here's what Hannah's mom had to say about her experience: 

"My family went to Virginia Beach for vacation and we wanted birthday pictures made of our daughter since it was her first time being at the beach. Melissa did such an amazing job capturing so many beautiful pictures of my daughter that it was so hard to pick my favorites. Amazing work!!" - H. Pauley

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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!

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