Virginia Beach Family Photography at First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach Family Photography at First Landing State Park

I can't tell you how happy it makes me that my amazing clients have little ones that I get to play with. My youngest is almost 7 now, and I miss those little giggles, squishy baby legs, and drooly chins. It's true, kiddos grow up waaaaay too fast. That's why I know I am incredibly fortunate to be able to photograph so many beautiful growing families! 

This little beauty and her mom and dad met me at First Landing State Park for some outdoor family fun. We explored the trails, listened to the birds, and watched the sun sparkle through the leaves. Baby girl LOVED the outdoors! She flashed that adorable smile over and over. Isn't she gorgeous?!

She is clearly adored by her mama and daddy. I can't blame them. It's so easy to get lost in those big, brown eyes! She had me wrapped around her finger too. 

“The best moments of your life will be the small nameless moments you spend smiling with someone you love. ”

— Ritu Ghatourey

Thank you, Gegick family, for sharing your sweet family moments with me! I can't wait to see you again soon!  - Melissa 

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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 creative portrait session, contact us today!

Norfolk Family Photographers, Virginia Beach Family Photographers, Suffolk Family Photographers, Chesapeake Family Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Williamsburg Photographers, fall pictures

Family Photo Session at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Family Photo Session at Norfolk Botanical Garden

I met the beautiful Carbonell family for a fun little session at Norfolk Botanical Gardens recently. They were passing through Hampton Roads in between duty stations and on their way to Japan. What a family adventure! 

I'm so glad I had a chance to meet them to create some lifestyle family photos while they were here. We chose the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for their session. I love shooting at NBG because it's always gorgeous year-round! Even though we had a humid, overcast day...and a few sprinkles too...their session still turned out beautifully! Here are a few favorites from our afternoon at the garden:

Check out the cheeks on their little man! Does it get any cuter?!

Thank you Carbonnel family, for spending time with me! It was a joy to meet you all and I wish you wonderful happy memories in your new home!  - Melissa 

On location 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, Williamsburg, VA Photographers, fall sessions

Virginia Beach Family Photos - Hampton Roads Family Sessions

Virginia Beach Family Photos - Hampton Roads Family Sessions

In true summer fashion, this month has been insanely busy with family sessions, engagement portraits, beach sessions and weddings! I have loved seeing so many favorites clients and meeting new families visiting the area. I'm working like mad to keep up with all of the editing. Today I'm sharing some sneak peeks from some recent sessions. 

It's hard to believe that summer is half over already! It has been great fun making memories with all of these beautiful souls. I'm looking forward to more beach sessions and some wedding travel over the next month or so. Stay tuned...

I am currently booking August-October 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!

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

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

Lifestyle Photographer, Hampton Roads Photo Sessions

Lifestyle Photographer, Hampton Roads Photo Sessions

Sessions are picking up and I have several sneak peeks to share today! Now that spring seems to be here for good, my calendar is filling up faster than ever. Last week I booked three weddings and several beach sessions, so the season is officially in full swing!

I have already shot at the beach a few times this year. Even though I froze my toes off, it was totally worth it.  I just love the open water and wide horizon against the sunset sky. It's hard to beat!

But then again, I also love the depth and shadows of a woodsy trail, or the distinct character offered only in Colonial Williamsburg. I have enjoyed all of these locations in recent days and I'm sharing my favorite shots from those sessions today.

From engagement photos to 2nd birthday portraits to families celebrating big milestones, each of these sessions was uniquely beautiful, just like the people in them.  Planning the perfect session for each individual client is one of the things I love most about my work. What type of location appeals to you? Where would you love to have your session?

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

Professional Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer in Hampton Roads

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

Norfolk Photographer Lifestyle Family Photo Sessions

Norfolk Photographer Lifestyle Family Photo Sessions

The season is changing, the weather is warming, the flowers are blooming and now is the time to book your lifestyle portrait session! Reserve your appointment to capture your connection with those you hold most dear during a relaxed and fun lifestyle photo session at your favorite Hampton Roads location.

Now booking engagement, maternity, newborn, family, child and senior lifestyle portrait sessions for Spring & Summer 2017.

Get in touch and we'll plan the perfect session to suit your personality and lifestyle - whether that's enjoying the beach, wandering through the woods, sipping java at your favorite urban cafe, relaxing over beverages at a local microbrewery, or whipping up a batch of your famous chocolate chip cookies at home - your session doesn't have to be the same old thing, and it absolutely should reflect who YOU are! I love collecting joyful memories for my clients. Let's make a date to document the moments and people you love the most.

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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

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Norfolk Virginia Beach Photographer - Family, Engagement & Maternity Sessions

Norfolk Virginia Beach Photographer

 Family, Engagement & Maternity Sessions

Busy season continues and my of my, this fall has been gorgeous! I have met so many amazing families and couples this year! It has been a challenge to keep up the pace, but I am overwhelmed   with gratitude for such and amazing year of success! I greatly appreciate your support and am honored to be able to collect these memories for so many beautiful souls! 

Here are a few more peeks at some of the sessions that have kept me busy this month. I am working night and day to finish up holiday sessions and wedding galleries! There is much more to come, so check back soon.

Your support of this small business is greatly appreciated! If you enjoyed this post, please share it. And be sure to check out our Wedding Referral Bonus offered for a limited time.

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

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Photographer, Virginia Beach Photographer, Suffolk Photographer, Chesapeake Photographer, Portsmouth Photographer, Williamsburg, VA Photographer, mini session