Art Provides Meaning - Share Joy Campaign

Art Provides Meaning - Share Joy Campaign

Hello friends! Like so many other small businesses, my lifestyle and wedding photography income, which provides a large portion of our family income, has come to a screeching halt in recent weeks. We are all feeling the pinch and concerned about what the coming days and months might bring. But worrying over what might be won’t make it different. And with all of our new found free time, it just might make us a little crazy. To shift my focus to something more positive, I have been looking for ways that I can help others through this journey.

As Covid-19 continues to spread, the world is changing day by day. We are all experiencing anxiety and fear. Being stuck at home can be isolating, depressing, and let’s face it, sometimes down right maddening! Especially if you have kids to juggle as well. There is no doubt that the world will be different when this is all over, but it can be better if we choose to make it so.

As a global community, we have the power to recognize our shared responsibility for humanity. Though we can’t be together right now, we can rise in solidarity.

Feeling helpless is awful and leads to despair, but feeling helpful is empowering and leads to hope.

I am kicking off a kindness campaign and I’d LOVE for you to join me in spreading a little joy around the globe. I will be sharing ideas on how to do just that, even if you are stuck at home. My hope is that these small acts will have a ripple effect, sparking joy and creating positive energy that empowers us all to find new ways to thrive in this new reality.

Join in and share your experience online with the campaign hashtag #sharejOy

First up: share some joy by creating art at home and sending it to a retirement community.

Our elderly are at great risk of contracting and suffering from the worst of the Coronavirus. Most retirement communities are on lock down and many residents are unable to visit with loved ones, or even visit in common areas. At the same time, children all over the country are home from school and missing regular activities. Why not encourage our kids to draw, paint, write and create, and then share that creativity with our elderly neighbors by sending this art in the mail. We’re encouraging our kids to express themselves in healthy ways, while also connecting with the elderly so they know they have not been forgotten. It is a small gesture, but sometimes that’s all it takes to brighten someone’s outlook.

To participate, just create cards, pictures, poems, or whatever you feel moved to do, and mail them to the address below, or you could contact your local retirement center to see if they’d like to participate as well. (Make sure you ask permission first, in case the staff is not prepared for the influx of mail).

Be sure to take a photo of your art and post it online with the hashtag so that we can encourage each other along the way!

Please help spread the word and we can all make a difference together! This would be a great project to share with scout groups, homeschool communities or art classes that are currently unable to meet regularly. If you need help getting started, I’m listing a few resources below. Adults are more than welcome to join in too! Thank you for caring and for helping to #sharejOy

I love to support local businesses and artists whenever possible. Virginia Beach muralist OnieTonie is offering a free download of his custom coloring pages. Check out his joy-filled art, guaranteed to put a smile on your face! :) Mo Willems is offering free daily lunch doodles online as well. And Mark Kistler is offering free daily art lessons at noon CST on Facebook and YouTube. Or, check out these drawing lessons for kids from Jerry’s Artarama.

Please do NOT go out shopping for supplies. Stay home and get creative with what you have on hand, or order online if you must. As always, use common sense in protecting yourself and others. If you are unwell or quarantined, you are welcome to snap a photo of your art and share it online to encourage others.

Mail your art to:

Anna Little, Atlantic Shores, 1200 Atlantic Shores Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

By the way, I’ve been homeschooling for 12 years, if you are looking for educational ideas for keeping kids busy at home, I created a post on my personal blog with lots of resources grouped by grade levels. Be sure to check that out! Be well friends! - XOXOX, Melissa

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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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

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