Chesapeake Photographer - Oak Grove Lake Park Family Session

This family session has to be one of my favorites to date! Even though this little guy wasn't sure he was up for a photo shoot, we managed to have a ton of fun and capture some fantastic memories for the whole family. 

When mom contacted me to book the session, she mentioned that they had recently transferred from San Diego to Hampton Roads. She wanted candid, relaxed family photos in a natural setting that showcased the changing leaves and fall color. We settled on Oak Grove Lake Park, as it was a short drive for them. I knew it would be gorgeous in October and that there were lots of opportunities to play, explore and keep their little man happy.

By the time we were done shooting, Mr. Man was having a grand old time and didn't want to leave! And with all that gorgeous light and stunning natural beauty, not to mention lots of leaves to play in, I can't say that I blame him. 

It was a joy getting to know this sweet little family of three. I certainly hope I get a chance to hang with them again 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

Holiday Mini Sessions - Virginia Beach - Norfolk Photographer

Holiday Mini Sessions - Virginia Beach - Norfolk Photographer

The fall whirlwind continues and I have lots of fun sessions to share with you! Many things inspire me: paintings, music, a great quote or poem, color, and of course nature. The way Mother Nature puts on a rich, warm tapestry of autumn hues this time of the year - well, it never fails to amaze me! The fall color in Hampton Roads has just started to peak and now is a gorgeous time of year to shoot! So, while it may be hectic, I am definitely loving all of these stunning sessions packing my weekends to the brim. 

These awesome families and couples now have their galleries in hand:

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

Hampton Roads Photographer - Photo Session Gift Certificates

Hampton Roads Photographer - Photo Session Gift Certificates

Searching for the perfect gift for that special someone? Why not give the gift of beautiful memories? We offer photography sessions for families, couples, seniors, maternity portraits, weddings, and newborn lifestyle sessions too! All of our session packages include a client consultation, wardrobe assistance, location scouting and digital images with a print release. We make it easy for your gift recipient to have a wonderful experience. 

Our gift certificates may be used toward session fees or print products and come in increments of $25 so you can chose the right amount to suit your budget. Contact us for more information today!

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

Hampton Roads Photographer - Wedding Photography Referral Bonus

Hampton Roads Photographer - Wedding Photography Referral Bonus

I would love to add a few more weddings to my schedule for 2017! If you know someone who was recently engaged, and who would enjoy my style of work, I would love to chat with them about their plans. If they decide to book a wedding package with me, you will receive referral bonus for sending them my way! 

For a limited time, I am offering a free 30 minute mini session, with 8 digital files and a print release for personal use, for any wedding referral through January 1, 2017. To be eligible for the bonus, a standard wedding package must be booked, with a signed contract and deposit paid, within 7 days of 1/1/17. 

To participate, just share my contact info and have the couple contact me via this form on my website,  by calling 757-646-7408, or by emailing melissablissphotography@gmail.com for available wedding dates and packages. Be sure to have them mention your name and email address, so that I can contact you to book your complimentary mini session!

I greatly appreciate your support of this small local business! Thank you!!

On location 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 find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads  Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer

Sandbridge Beach Wedding Photographer - Sharon + Allen

Sandbridge Beach Wedding Photographer - Sharon + Allen

Sharon and Allen were engaged to be married on August 23 on Sandbridge Beach. Sharon is a photography enthusiast and the groom's family knew that photography was very important to her. Still, the couple was planning only a small gathering for family, and they had decided against investing in a wedding photographer. The family decided it would be a wonderful gift to surprise the couple with a photographer for their wedding day! 

The elegant decor and florals were created and styled by Allen's sister, who is a talented wedding planner and florist in New York (Catskill Weddings).

I have shot a wedding where the guests were surprised by the couple, but not one where the couple was surprised by their guests! It was such a fun experience the bride was overjoyed. What an incredible gift!

Sharon and Allen were so warm and welcoming, as were all their family members. It was a beautiful beach ceremony, and the day was filled with so much joy and love. It was truly an honor to participate in this event. 

Congratulations and very best wishes for many happy years Mr. & Mrs. Fitzgerald!

Here's what the family had to say about their wedding gallery:  

"I've viewed the wedding photos and thought I'd let you know that I'm confident that I got my money's worth, and more. Professional, creative, and artistic work. Many glowing comments from the bride and groom and their guests. I'm glad we could help get their special moment 'on record.' I wish you well in your future professional endeavors." - Jim and Yoshie

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads  Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, 

Virginia Beach Photographer - First Landing Mini Session

Virginia Beach Photographer - First Landing Mini Session

First Landing State Park is SO gorgeous this time of year! I love shooting sessions with the changing leaves and Spanish moss as the backdrop. All that rich color makes me swoon! 

Alicia is a hard working medical professional at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. She contacted me about creating some portraits she could gift to her family for the holidays. Since she moved here she hasn't been able to see them as often as she used to, and she knew her mom and dad would appreciate some updated photos. As a mom, I have to say that I think that is a beautifully thoughtful gift and one that I would absolutely adore from my kids at any age. 

Alicia wanted to include her pup in her photo session and I was excited to meet them both. Furbabies are family too, and I love it when clients include them in sessions.  We decided on a fall mini session at First Landing State Park - an excellent shooting location for pets and people! 

I think her portraits came out perfectly and I hope her parents treasure them for years to come!

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

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A Lens on Love Winners - Sunset Theme

Sheryl Fish, of Oobaloos Photography, Jen Fredette of Mountain Pearl Photography, Kristi James of Kristi James Photography and I have joined forces to create a place that celebrates wedding photographers. We created a space for members of our industry to learn, grow, support each other and build relationships. A Lens on Love is dedicated to all things wedding photography with some of the top wedding photographers from around the world participating in weekly themes. We also have amazing guest judges sharing inspiring work and selecting the top images for each week. Our sunset theme was a big hit and we were amazed but your image submissions!

Drum roll please....

The winners for the Sunset theme are: 

1. First Light Wedding Photography - Love the composition and that warm light. Just gorgeous!

2. Chris Kemp Photography - Stunning shot and so well executed. Fantastic!

3.  PPD Studios Photography - Beautiful moment and such lovely light!

Congratulations winners! We applaud your work! We also couldn't help but feature a few of the other amazing images that were submitted below. You guys are SO talented! 

Special thanks to Jenna Salvagin of Jenna Salvagin Photography for being with us for this theme!

Here's what Jenna had to say about photographing love:

"As a photographer, I find the greatest joy in photographing love. To celebrate the intimacy of a relationship is so overwhelmingly humbling. Every couple is different, and finding ways to express them as the unique duo that they are is what makes my job particularly fun. Love is what makes life worth living; whether a newly engaged couple, two newlyweds on their wedding day, or even 30th anniversary portraits, capturing all stages of romance, partnership and intimacy is my life's work."

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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 Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Suffolk Wedding  Photographers, Chesapeake Wedding Photographers, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographers, Williamsburg Wedding Photographers