Lifestyle Photo Sessions, Hampton Roads Photographer
Lifestyle Photo Sessions, Hampton Roads Photographer
Spring is here! Believe it or not, spring has officially graced the calendar and it won't be long before Mother Nature wakes up too. I know it feels like we are stuck in a perpetual limbo between the cold, gray winter and the soggy chill of early spring. But, without a doubt, the weather will soon be warming and the blossoms will soon unfold in the glorious golden sun. Now is the time to reserve an appointment for a lifestyle photo session at your favorite Hampton Roads location!
Get in touch and I'll help you plan the perfect session to suit your personality and lifestyle. Whether that's enjoying a sunset on the beach, wandering through the woods, sipping java at your favorite urban cafe, or even whipping up a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies at home with the kids - your session should reflect who YOU are and how you best relate to those you love.
If you have a special milestone to celebrate, or if you just want to collect those sweet, everyday memories, I'd love to show you how we can create something unique and meaningful just for you.
Let's make a date to document those little moments with big heart!
If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area, or plan to be, contact me to schedule your spring/summer lifestyle photo session!
Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer, Virginia & Travel
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographers, Sandbridge Beach Photographers, family photos, beach session, Norfolk photographers, Chesapeake photographers
Romantic Engagement Session, Virginia Beach Photographer
Romantic Engagement Session, Virginia Beach Photographer
I am sharing some beautiful sneak peeks from this recent Virginia Beach engagement session today! Bailey and Ethan were engaged last Friday, and we shot their engagement portraits on Saturday at First Landing State Park.
They are both from Texas and grew up together, so the connection with these two is deep. Ethan is currently stationed in Norfolk, and Bailey flew up to spend the week with him. He took her to the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Friday and popped the question among the flowering pink magnolia trees - romantic right?
We didn't find any magnolias in bloom at First Landing, but we did make good use of the one Bradford Pear tree we found. I just love how comfortably these two settle into each other - a perfect fit!
"You are my best friend, my human diary, my other half - you mean the world to me."
The more time we spent talking and shooting, the more evident it became that Bailey and Ethan have the kind of enduring bond that can weather any storm. The respect and love they share not only brings them happiness and comfort, but also sustains them and allows them the freedom to grow. I have no doubt that they will continue to grow together, and to lift each other up as they navigate life's trials and triumphs.
Bailey and Ethan, it was truly a pleasure to spend some time getting to know you! I am grateful that we were able to create some beautiful engagement photographs to celebrate your love story. I wish you much love and joy as you continue your journey together. XOXO - Melissa
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Here's what Bailey had to say about her MBP experience:
"Melissa was absolutely fantastic! She was kind and professional and funny. Working with her was easy and relaxing. I wasn’t stressed about looking perfect and she made us feel at ease."
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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February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA
February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA
If you popped in last month you may remember that I've taken on a new personal creative project and joined a fantastically talented group of photographers in a monthly 10 on 10 blog circle. On the 10th day of each month, we will each post 10 images and link to another member of the blog circle to create a loop of shared creativity. Sounds fun right?
Earlier this month I took my girls to Norfolk's NEON art district for a mini shoot. It was a warmish, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed exploring the local shops and murals. I love the long shadows the sun creates in the cityscape, and the bright pops of color everywhere.
There are tons of cool paintings and interesting spots to explore, all within just a few blocks. We wandered and shot for about 45 minutes, then grabbed a couple smoothies and a cappuccino at a local eatery. It was a fun little outing and I'm delighted with the unique images I was able to create in a short amount of time.
I always love shooting in the city. I don't know why I don't do it more often. I can't wait to go back and shoot some more. Now I'm wondering, if you could have a session anywhere, where would you love to go?
That's it for this month. I hope you will continue on with the circle and see what awesomeness my friend Brandi at Retro Angel Photography has created this month. Thanks for visiting! -Melissa
To schedule a photo session in Hampton Roads, VA, contact me today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com
Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
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January 10 on 10 - The Pursuit of Portraits
January 10 on 10 - A Personal Project & The Pursuit of Portraits
A New Year and a new project! As we dig into 2018, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. I am incredibly grateful for the continued growth of my business during 2017, and for the many marvelous clients who put their faith in me. I love what I do, and I am honored to be able to meet and serve so many truly wonderful couples and families. I have gotten to know some seriously awesome peeps that I probably would not have otherwise encountered. That just plain rocks.
I will admit though, that running a full time business requires a huge investment of time and energy, and I am guilty of letting my own personal agenda tumble down the priority ladder. This year, I'd like to get back to the fun and freedom of creating for no other reason than to feed my soul.
Taking time to experiment with new tools and techniques, or to simply pick up my camera and go wherever a whim takes me, is crucial to my growth as an artist and to my sanity. To that end, and for a bit of accountability, I have joined up with a group of insanely talented artists to participate in a 10 on 10 blog circle. (Seriously, these women blow my mind on the regular and inspire me to reach higher. I know they will inspire you too.) We will each be posting 10 images on the 10th of every month, and linking within that post to another member of the circle.
I decided to start my blog series with some portraits for a few reasons: First, I am looooong over due for portraits of my kiddos - they are each at least 2 feet taller then the last time I did this! And while I prefer documentary style images most of the time, my mama heart does love a great portrait of those young faces every once in a while. I also find myself drawn to the portraiture of artists like Annie Leibovitz, Yousef Karsh and Helmut Newton. I've often pondered taking my work more in that direction, so it's worth exploring, right? Even if I fail, or never decide take my business down that path, I am certain to learn a few things along the way! And with this project - anything goes, so I won't hold myself to rules about lighting ratios, posing, or post processing a particular way. Freedom reigns!
So, these images of my children aren't particularly imaginative. I know. Like most kids with photographer's child syndrome, none of them are especially enamored with being photographed. They didn't dress up for the occasion and they gave me just a few minutes each. I try to be respectful of their limits and their privacy. My goal was to produce something that was unaffected and undeniably them.
Simple portraits yes, but I love them. And truth be told, I think my kids enjoyed the extra attention. ;) Maybe next month I will delve deeper into portraits and see where I end up.
Here are a few favorite portraits I have made in recent years. I'm curious, what's your favorite type of photography?
Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check out the amazing images of my talented friends by continuing on with the circle. Up next, Shannon Kathleen Photography shares her artistry with you!
Virginia Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
Interested in scheduling your own creative photo session? I'd love to chat. Contact me today!
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Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement in Hampton Roads
Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement
On a cold and snowy day, Tia and Eric exchanged vows in a quiet little ceremony in Virginia Beach. Though the atmosphere outside was cold and brisk, the warmth these two radiate was as big as the sun. It was an honor to witness their marriage ceremony, and to be able to record these special memories for them.
They traveled from North Carolina, to be married close to family. The ceremony took place at a quaint Virginia Beach home.
After the elopement ceremony, we headed to nearby Regent University for some outdoor wedding portraits. The snowy white landscape was a gorgeous backdrop for our session! I just love that clean, crisp snow blanketing the cool evergreens.
Don't they look amazing?!
We shot outside around the snowy campus, until our noses and toes were numb. Then we popped indoors for a few quick shots, and a little dramatic window light, until we warmed up again.
What a beautiful and memorable day it was! Congratulations Tia and Eric!! May your hearts always be warm with love. - XOXO Melissa
Virginia & Destination Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer
Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs
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If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Also available for travel destinations worldwide.
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Williamsburg Photographer, One Year Old Portraits
Williamsburg Photographer, One Year Old Portraits
Hey there friends - I've got something fun to share with you today! This one year old portrait session was pretty much the greatest thing ever. I mean, adorable doesn't even begin to cover it.
This little cutie's dad is an air-traffic controller at the Newport News/Williamsburg airport. Mom and Dad both wanted an extra special first birthday session for their handsome little man, and a vintage airplane theme was top priority. We scheduled a session for early fall, near Little Man's first birthday.
Luckily, Dad was to able to arrange some time with a local pilot at his hangar - and with a PT19 no less! How cool is that?! Mom and Dad did all of the session styling and prop creation on their own. I think it is safe to say they nailed it!
Even though I was sick as a dog on the morning we shot, I was excited to see it all come together. Despite the early hour and morning chill, Little Man was a great sport. I had to work quickly so he didn't get too cold, and that hat only stayed on for about 45 seconds, but it was all so worth it! I love how their gallery turned out and they are thrilled.
After the airplane session, we headed over to The Mariner's Museum Park for a few quick family photos before nap time.
By the time we wrapped things up I was ready for a nap too, ha ha. It was such a fun morning though and I'm so happy it all worked out so well.
Thank you Pepin family for such an amazing session! I can't wait to see you all again soon!
-XO 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 a session, contact me today!
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Norfolk Child Photographer - Fort Monroe Portrait Mini Session
Norfolk Child Photographer, Fort Monroe Portrait Session
One of the best things about my job, aside from getting to meet so many interesting people, is being able watch families grown and change over the years. I love seeing the same clients year after year, and learning all about how their interests, hobbies and family dynamic have changed.
This beautiful family has been with me almost from the beginning of my business and it's a treat to see them each year!
Mom plans a session each year to document Jack's growth. We've done some fun shoots! We started with superheroes and moved onto a bookworm phase, a new puppy and this year, we headed to Fort Monroe for some slightly more mature portraits. (Want more? See a previous child portrait session at Red Wing Park.)
Jack has such a great smile and a kind heart. He is a good kid with an awesome mama. He enjoys school, soccer, books, hanging out with friends, and playing with his Great Dane. I know he'll do great things with his life. I can't wait to see what next year brings!
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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