VA Beach Oceanfront Family Photo Shoot
VA Beach Oceanfront Family Photo Shoot
It's summertime, and that means another beach session coming at ya! I had the best time with this gorgeous family who came to visit all the way from Missouri for our sunset beach session.
And what a fabulous evening it was! The beach was all aglow with that gorgeous hazy light I love so much. Swoon.
These girlies were ready for some free-spirited seaside shenanigans, so we wasted no time getting mom and dad on board.
These two adorable faces are pretty hard to resist, don't you think?
We danced and splashed along the shore until the sun set over the dunes.
And then Mother Nature gave us the perfect dramatic backdrop for some stunning silhouettes.
What a perfect way to end a fun-filled summer day!
Thank you, Hawkins Family, for an evening filled with terrific memories! You guys are tops in my book. Keep doing you. - XOXO Melissa
Contact Melissa Bliss Photography to schedule your lifestyle photo session today!
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Virginia Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
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Sandbridge Family Beach Photo Session, Virginia Beach
Sandbridge Family Beach Photos, Virginia Beach
Sunshine, sand and shenanigans - that pretty much sums up a perfect summer day to me. This Sandbridge family beach session had it all, with a heaping side of giggles too!
I had THE best time with this family of blonde-haired cuties! We danced in the sand, dug in the dunes, and jumped over wave after wave.
“ Let them be little because they are only that way for a little while -”
Mom and dad are my heroes by the way. Four kiddos under six to dress and wrangle for photos? While on vacation no less! They not only kept their cool, they were complete rock stars throughout the whole session!
Sandbridge beach is a unique place where many families come to make happy memories each summer. We only get about 216 weeks of summer with our kiddos before they leave the nest. Better make the most of them, right?!
I'm so thrilled that I got to capture some of those fun-filled memories for this beautiful family to look back on.
Thank you Ashley family, for an awesome summer beach session! I hope you enjoy these photos for many years to come. - XOXO, Melissa
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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
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
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
Virginia Beach Photographers, Beach Photo Session Tips, Sandbridge Beach Photographers, beach portraits, beach photo session ideas, beach photography, family vacation photos, Virginia Beach Family Photographer, inspiration family beach photos
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
Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Virginia Beach Session
Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Virginia Beach Session
Hi friends! This weeks I have some sneak peeks from another charming newborn session to share! I met the Joseph family for the first time back in the fall of 2016. They booked a fall family lifestyle session at Windsor Castle Park, and I fell in love with this awesome little family then.
After that first session, I shot a lifestyle family maternity session for them. Then, I was honored to photograph some of their first days at home with their beautiful new baby girl. Hang onto your heartstrings folks, because these images are SO sweet they are sure to tug at you.
I am so smitten by this adorable crew! I seriously could have shot them for days. Sadly, they told me that they will be moving away from Hampton Roads in the coming months. That news was such a sincere bummer. I am thankful I have had the chance to get to know them and share some memorable moments. They will always hold a special place in my heart!
Best wishes and much love Joseph family!! XOXO - Melissa
If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule a session, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com
Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer serving Hampton Roads, VA. Available for travel.
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
Virginia Beach Newborn Photographers, Norfolk Newborn Photographers, Chesapeake Newborn Photographer, Williamsburg Family Photographer, newborn lifestyle pictures