Melissa Bliss Photography

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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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