Creative Senior Portraits, Norfolk's NEON Arts District

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist

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

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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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Family Lifestyle Photo Shoot, Virginia Beach Photographer

Family Lifestyle Photo Shoot, Virginia Beach Photographer

Hey friends! Today I have the sweetest little family photo shoot to share with you! This gorgeous family of 3 contacted me over a year ago to book a family lifestyle session. Unfortunately, mom and little man came down with a virus, and we had to reschedule. Because of their work schedules, travel plans, and various other life events, it took us a while to find a date that worked.

But I’m so glad we made it happen because we had the best session!! First off, they are absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE the rich jewel tones they chose for their wardrobe.

Plus, they are So adorable together! I had the best time with them.

And this little guy was full of personality - what a cutie!

All the love this family shares just warmed my heart.

Little ones grow up so fast! (I know from first-hand experience since my first “baby” can now look down from 7” above me!) I’m so happy we made time to capture these sweet moments for them.

Thank you, Sathia family, for trusting me with your family memories! It was a joy to spend time with you. I hope you keep these moments close to your hearts. - XOXOX, Melissa

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography session, contact Melissa Bliss Photography today!

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Pleasure House Point Family Maternity Photo Session - Virginia Beach

Pleasure House Point Family Maternity Photo Session - Virginia Beach

It is always super exciting when families come back to see me again and again. I absolutely adore watching them grow and change over the years, and the connection we make is priceless.

And, when one of my favorite families come back for a session and tells me they are expecting a new baby? Well, that just melts my heart into a giant puddle.

I have had the honor of photographing the lovely Groy family for several years now, and I just love them more and more each time I see them!

I met them when their first babe was just a tiny peanut, and now they are expecting baby #3!

Mom and Dad are the absolute coolest, and they certainly make crazy adorable kiddos!

I can’t wait to meet their newest addition!

Brother and Sister are pretty excited too.

Even though it was super chilly when we had our photo session at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, this crew made the best of it. Their love and light just shine through in all of their images.

This has to be one of my absolute favorite family sessions to date. And that’s saying something, after 6 years and hundreds of families in front of my lens.

They are so adorable! Ha ha. I love it!

Thank you, thank you, Groy family! You guys are the bee’s knees. I can’t wait to see you again! - XOXO, Melissa

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Creative Lifestyle Maternity and Family Portrait Photographer

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

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Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer - First Landing State Park Photos

First Landing State Park Engagement Session Portraits

Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer - First Landing State Park Photos

I know I’ve been promising for weeks to catch up on blogging, and I have tried, really I have. The past month or so has been the perfect storm of stress and chaos. Since November, I have lost a beloved pet to cancer, and been mostly unwell after first coming down with a virus, and then fighting a sinus infection and severe fatigue for several weeks. All of this came about during the peak of my busiest wedding and portrait season to date. So, it has been a struggle to say the least.

I have managed to keep up with client commitments, appointments, and galleries, but unfortunately, blogging and social media have fallen off my radar for the past couple of months. I do apologize, but sometimes life throws you a few curve balls, you know? I am sincerely grateful for the support of my wonderful family and my kick-ass clients, who have helped me to see all the good that I am blessed with, even on very bad days.

Now on to happier news! I have Alex & Ali’s beautiful Virginia Beach engagement session portraits to share today - yay!! This adorable couple has been a ray of sunshine in my schedule this season. They are so full of life and love. They really know how to focus on and celebrate what matters most.

We shot their engagement session only days before their destination Virginia Beach wedding. The forecast was looking gloomy all week, but we ended up with a warm fall evening, and an amazing colorful sunset at First Landing State Park.

I always recommend that couples schedule an engagement session with their wedding photographer before the wedding, if at all possible. It really helps to quell any nerves, and get comfortable with each other, so that the wedding day photos are relaxed and natural. Alex and Ali were a little concerned about posing after a less than stellar experience with their proposal photographer, but we really hit a rhythm together right away. I think maybe I put them at east with my natural clumsiness, ha ha!

We had a great time together, and by the time we finished up, I knew their wedding day would be spectacular! Stay tuned because I have their MOCA Virginia Beach wedding to share too!

I absolutely love how happy and content they look together.

And I love that amazing sky!!

Thank you Alex & Ali for choosing me to capture your engagement photos! I loved getting to know you both, and I am SO excited for all your future happiness together. - XOXO, Melissa

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

Contact Melissa Bliss Photography to schedule your lifestyle photo session 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

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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