Minis are always $250 ($50 deposit, remaining balance due the day of). Outdoor sets are available Tuesday-Friday except for select weekend dates. Mini dates are listed below!!
November 12th & 19th: Studio Minis in Virginia Beach
December 3rd & 10th: Greenbrier Farm Minis, in the morning
December 3rd: Cindy's Produce Minis, evening time
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Investment: $50 deposit to hold your time, $200 due the day of your session
Time Alotted: 20-30 minute sessions
Studio Sessions: receive a gift handpicked from a local vendor (and they're gorgeous!) that your children will gift you during your session! You'll also get to pick your favorite 10 edited images from your full gallery to download with print release and the option to purchase additional!
Outdoor Sessions: receive a goody bag you and your children get to bring home to make memories with! You'll also pick your favorite 10 edited images from your full gallery to download with print release and the option to purchase additional!
Each of these sessions are catered to Mom! There will be cuddles and playing, walking and joking.. anything I can do to get a couple good photos of everyone looking at me saying "cheese," but more importantly, I want to get real feelings! YOU are IMPORTANT! I just want to get you in front of the camera with your children! They'll appreciate it so much!!
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My family certainly does! Every Fall, we LIVE at all of the local pumpkin patches! Here is a little list of our favorites and why :)
Cullipher Farm:
This little gem is open on weekends in the fall season and they have everything! They have corn and sunflower mazes, u-pick pumpkins (on the vine!), the BEST kids' play area (including hay slides, peddle cars, water wars, houses, and more!), some of the best cider (and omg the donuts!!) you'll ever have, and all of the normal things at a good pumpkin patch! It does cost (the largest package price I saw was $12/person) but you don't have to get the all inclusive wrist band! Totally worth it! Pack a lunch and make a day of it!
772 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Taylor Farm:
This is another little secret of ours from the last 6+ years, but they've slowly gained some more recognition for their awesomeness (it's a word... sometimes). For just $7/person (2 and under are free), you get a hay ride through the horses, access to the little pumpkin patch to get a complementary small pie pumpkin (including the baby! what?!), a large kid's play area (SO much to climb!!), you can pain the pumpkins there!, goats to feed, pony rides (an additional fee per person), chickens running around, pizza you can buy.. and it's a real Farm Feel! We have already gone twice this year, even if they're only open on weekends lol. They're pretty great! We usually make an afternoon of it :)
2599 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Hunt Club Farm:
Everyone who lives in HR has heard the Hunt Club Farm commercials on the radio, so it's not a "hidden gem," but they're pretty great! On weekends in October, they offer a Harvest Festival! Little carnival rides, petting farm, loads of vendors (shout-out to a few awesome ones I know that frequent them! woo!), pony rides for an additional fee, free hay ride.. and I didn't see a ticket that's more than $9/person! It *does* get a bit crowded, but it's definitely a must-see with the kids! The staff are super friendly and don't miss their awesome Haunted Hay Ride! Not exactly kid-friendly, but hello date night!
2388 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Mount Pleasant Farms:
We usually love coming here for the u-pick peaches in the summer, but their pumpkin patch is AMAZING! No entrance fee is more than $10/person (children are cheaper) and their play area is pretty awesome! The pumpkins aren't on the vine, but you do get to pick them from a great selection, a hay ride, lots of stuff going on at all times, and.. the best part.. not as crowded as most of the farms we go to lol. We are a bit on the hermit side and prefer not bumping elbows, so this farm is pretty high on the spectacular-scale for us!
2201 Mount Pleasant Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Hickory Ridge Farm:
Oh this farm.. our family frequents here for our strawberry-picking every single spring, and we have gone here 3 years now with our co-op for our field trips! They're SO child-friendly, the pumpkins you pick off of the vine, the play area is super sweet, there's goats (we love goats lol) and chickens to amuse yourself with, a hay ride, a train ride, bounce house, and entrance is only $13/person! I want to shout-out that their pumpkin bread is AMAZING! Worth it!
2928 Battlefield Blvd S, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Was this helpful? Would you like more posts with local things to do?
Please comment below or send me an email and we will keep giving shout-outs to our favorite places to go in Hampton Roads!
In an effort to fight against irrationally angry 1 year olds (who, might I add, are more than likely teething and already a bit resentful of their gums), introducing... PIE SMASHES!
Nope, we don't need to just use pie! BUT, pie is so diverse! We can literally cater to what your child already likes, and that'll mean some really great facial expressions from your little one.. and a whole lot less tears!!
Here are just a few of the flavors we have done so far! …. and guess what?! Not. One. Single. Tear!
Do you see those smiles?! Maybe you've been thinking about your little one's first birthday (or 2nd? or 3rd?) and you've been stumped... let me help! For a limited time, I have a few more sets I would love to get done! You receive 50% off a Smash Session for choosing the pie theme instead of cake!
~ PEACH ~ APPLE ~ PECAN ~ BLUEBERRY ~ CHERRY ~
Choose one, email [email protected], and boom! Done! We customize the session to our liking, you don't worry about a single thing beyond bringing baby! I even have the outfits!
Do they love climbing trees, splashing in ponds, and digging for earth worms??
Welcome to BLP Photography's 1st Annual Summer Adventure Series!!
This is a chance to capture the beauty of childhood! Lifestyle sessions done on-location (in-home is especially encouraged) and can be as wild as your child's imagination! I can follow them on an adventure on your favorite trail.. capture smiles as they build sand castles.. get those precious moments your infant wants to allow you to feed them.. let your toddler go crazy with their spaghetti..
The possibilities are only as few as you want to allow them to be!
So if your family has something you know you'll want to remember forever.. contact BLP Photography *today* to schedule your Summer Adventure!
~ these lifestyle sessions may be booked Monday-Thursday during the summer months and are discounted to $250! regularly $320! ~
** Disclaimer: sessions do not HAVE to be in black & white!! **
A unicorn?
Any fantastical being that has graced our presence?
Whimsical Wonderhaven and BLP Photography are teaming up to make your dreams come true!
Use one of BLP Photography's gowns in the Client Closet, and let Whimsical Wonderhaven style you up! From makeup to head dresses; glitter and jewelry! We're working on SO Much More!
Want a sneak peek into what it can entail?!
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Well, apparently, this little lady has! So much so, her momma planner her entire first birthday around these delicious little fried pieces of dough!
Miss Lucy gave us some of the BEST facial expressions!! So many, in fact, I couldn't just post up a couple on social media to share... no... I had to write a blog about the little beauty :) Enjoy some donut love below!
All Full Smash Sessions with BLP start with family photos... and we progress from there!
Does your little one have a favorite food??? Message me TODAY to discuss how we can work this into an awesome session that's completely unique to you and your child!! If your idea is "out of the box," you may qualify for my limited time 20% discount!! It never hurts to ask!!
Remember, Miss Lucy... Donut Grow Up!!!
]]>Seriously though, this year's minis were AMAZING! Not only did we sell out in less than a week, but I had to open up a 2nd day of them just to accommodate everyone! I try to make the experience as enjoyable and painless as possible. No two sessions were exactly the same.. and I wouldn't have it any other way! Here's a look at the fun that we had!
... and Just because she's super amazing, check out all of the goodies Mrs. Cindy had for us down at the stand!
Be sure to sign up for this year's minis!! I'll be hosting Spring Minis on the last weekend of April, and Holiday Card Minis the first week of December! Once the spots are filled, they're gone for good! Don't miss out!
]]>We started the year celebrating these two having an intimate ceremony...
...followed by this ADORABLE beach house wedding... that almost didn't happen due to a tropical storm lol...
... then we played at the golf course for this quaint wedding on the green! ...
... did I mention elopement ceremonies are my absolute FAVORITE? ...
... these two had the PERFECT cotton candy sky!! ...
... this entire group of people for my final wedding of the year was fantastic! ...
... Did I mention we helped quite a few guys PROPOSE this year?! Yep.. these were all taken after/during proposals! ...
... lets not forget all of the love birds I got to photograph :) ...
So for 2017, if you're looking for your photographer, keep me in mind!
I'm not "just" a baby milestone photographer: I'm a LIFE Milestone Photographer!!
"What does that mean?!"
It means from the initial *click* of my website... to the email or text correspondence... to the lawyer-written booking forms... to the confirmation correspondence 1-3 days prior to your session... to the person behind the camera, making you laugh with the corny jokes... to the culling, editing, and uploading... to the equipment maintenance... to the studio laboring... to the set designs... to the vendor contacting... to the book layouts... to the ordering... to the product quality control... to the financial book keeping... to the tax filing................
All. Of. That. Is. Me.
That means; when you're hiring a small business owner, you're hiring a real, live person without a couple million in an account untouchable due to tax loopholes.
A real, live mom who, also, has 2 children at home full time. One of which, is home schooled.
A real, live woman who's husband is military affiliated so his schedule means hiring a babysitter is absolutely required and has to be factored into cost.
Being all of these things means juggling all of the tasks of a full time job, while handling everything that you have to do as a mother, wife, and woman, as well.
Sometimes, "working from home" can mean staring at your work on your computer screen while being distracted by: the laundry piling up, dishes needing washing, children getting into the playdoh box, a dog chewing on something that use to be a toy.
All of this... and I still wouldn't trade my profession for a single profession in the world. Why? Because I absolutely LOVE photographing your life's milestones. I LOVE photography. I LOVE the process. I LOVE the freedom it can bring.
Next time you see a Mom Boss: buy the woman a coffee and tell her she's doing amazing! Sometimes, they need to hear it ;)
Photo Credit: Little Miss Reds Photography www.littlemissreds.com
Has it been a pretty rough search, given that you know 99.9% of photographers only share their "best" or "favorite" images from any given session??
It's hard to really know what you're getting when it comes to photographers and their *real* work these days! So, as a little incentive to work with me, I'd like to present you with a Full Cake Smash Session (minus "family photos" that are normally done in the beginning) of Mr.N! This handsome little dude has been coming to see me every 3 months since he was born! I absolutely can not believe he is ONE already!! I hope you enjoy! :)
Now that you've seen this handsome little guy, please leave a comment below if you would like to see additional Start-to-Finish Sessions!! I'm sure I can find a client or two that wouldn't mind sharing :)
]]>I can't tell you how many times I've heard the following:
​"Oh, I just gotta lose a few pounds! I'll get in the photos next time!"
"Ha! I haven't taken a photo with my kid since the day they were born.."
​"Sorry guys, granny doesn't feel pretty today, I'll get in photos next time!"
​"Ah! Don't take a pic of me! I look horrible!"
​"I haven't even done my makeup. That's ok!"
​"Only if you can photoshop a new face and body on me! Haha!"
Seriously?!
When did it become ok to put ourselves down to such a low level that we're perfectly ok degrading ourselves and our self worth in front of a relative stranger?
When did "normal" become something to be embarrassed about?!
When did we stop taking photographs with our children because someone, somewhere, will judge us?!
I'm telling you now, this has got to STOP.
Your children do not care about the couple little pounds you've put on since your High School days. It just makes you softer to lay on!
​Your children do not care about the grey hairs coming in. It just proves you've grown as a human being.
Your children do not care about the spider veins. Seriously. You're the only one staring at them.
​Your children do not care that you have no make up on. In fact, they probably only think makeup is for mommy and daddy date-nights anyway!
Your Grand Children do not care that you look like a grand mother/father. Because guess what? You. Are.
These children are going to look back at their childhood and say, "man, we sure had some great times!" Not, "wow, Mom! Look at your butt!"
If you do nothing else today, get your camera phone (something you're probably reading this on, anyway!), and take a selfie with your child. Now repeat that process every day. Now look at yourself. There is NOTHING wrong with you. Your child sees a GODDESS. Start acting like it!
And the next time you come to see me, don't hide. Flaunt your Goddess Self!!
​​**and yes, this means taking photos with your significant other as well! Your children will LOVE seeing you two happy!**
Here's some Goddesses I've come to adore over the years :)
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Mrs.C has been a client of mine for a few years now. Back when her twins were just little munchkins running around. Now, they're big kids with an enormous imaginations and intelligence beyond their years! The last time they were in Virginia, momma was pregnant with peanut #3. They moved across the country, but, as usual, made their way back to good ol' Virginia ;)
We had spoken briefly about the possibility of me photographing baby #4's birth, and I must say, I was so excited! Not only would I get to be a part of something so amazing, but I was being trusted to be in a mother's space for this rather intimate moment in life!
On the evening of December 15th, my family and I were at church when I received back-to-back phone calls from Mrs.C's cell phone. After listening to a hushed voicemail from Mr.C explaining that baby was on its way, we clearly had to get our belongings and head on home! I arrived at their home at 8:22, adjusted my camera settings, managed to get a few shots of momma laboring... and a couple pushes later, Baby C was here!!
**side note: I'm SO glad I didn't stop for that cup of coffee I was thinking about!!**
This beautiful baby boy came into the world absolutely surrounded by love! I'm sure Momma and Papa wouldn't have it any other way :)
Once again, thank you, Mrs.C, for allowing me into your birth space to witness something so beautiful!
Without further delay, Happy Birthday Micah!!
This year, I changed things up a bit. I finally valued myself a bit more. In doing so, more of you amazing people noticed! I finally found my style of editing. I finally set boundaries for myself. It was quite a year over here!
I couldn't be more thankful for those clients who have stuck around even though my prices have almost quadrupled in the past few years! You've been absolutely amazing and inspiring! I really do try to show my gratitude as much as I can. Whether it be over delivering on your images or getting them to you in half the time I say I will! I promise, I try!
With all of this being said, I've had one amazing year as a small business owner. This year, I actually made, what the government would define as, a "living wage!" No joke! I never started this business to become a millionaire but I never thought I would actually "live" off of it! We were feeling SO incredibly blessed, that we REALLY wanted to show our gratitude in more ways than just being good at this business....
For Thanksgiving, all through funds provided from YOU (you amazing clients), we were able to give THREE local families food for a full Thanksgiving meal!
...now it's close to Christmas.
Again, through funds completely provided by YOU, I just dropped off "Christmas" for two families (necessities as well as gifts), as well as SEVEN additional children received gifts that their parents will say is from them.. I hope!
Nope, these are not my children, nor my friends' children! These are complete strangers that I've never met in my life. Their friends or families members informed me of what was going on, so we filled the need. Isn't that what the holidays are about? Filling the needs of others who are having one of "those" years?!
This was what my vehicle looked like in the morning.. it's empty now :)
I also sent some amazing clients a little holiday cheer :)
I'm hoping next year will be even BETTER! Just remember: I do weekly drop offs as a local food bank. No matter what time of year, there are still those who are hungry. If you are a couponer with extra to give, or just someone who has cleaned out the pantry. If we have a session coming up or if you're just in the neighborhood, you're more than welcome to drop off your items with me and we'll bring it on over!
My children and I will be making goody bags for the homeless the Sunday before Christmas if anyone is interested in coming by and helping out! :)
Again, thank you for being absolutely amazing individuals and for giving hiring a small business. I just wanted to let you know that your dime is going somewhere it needs to be!
This year, I had a lot of people asking if I would be doing Christmas or Holiday Minis! Sadly, I was far too booked with regular sessions (apparently, it's baby season!) to set up a day of mini's. So, in my fifth year of business, I had to forego doing any holiday mini sessions! *tear*
Fast forward a bit... I had some amazing news in my personal life one day in November! I was so excited, that I decided to take one of the days in December that I didn't have any sessions planned, and planned last-minute minis! These were so last minute, the above photo of the props was taken that morning in the studio, even though the sessions were going to be at a tree lot lol!
I only announced these mini's to my closed group on FaceBook ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/412041665659330/ ) and within only a couple short hours, it was completely filled! I became even more excited!
((please join the group so you never miss another exclusive deal like this!!))
So... I called up my baker and ordered 4 dozen cookies. Gathered every holiday themed blanket / pillow / box / plate / cup / hat, purchased a gallon of milk and put on my elf hat :) Here are the results from a long but really fun day at the tree lot!!
I can't wait to go back to Cindy's next year! Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!!
So, again, thank you so much, Tiffany, for the absolutely wonderful photos!
...and I had to throw in one of my amazing husband and I!
Please check out Little Miss Red's Photography on FaceBook or visit her at www.littlemissreds.com
"What should we wear for our family photos?"
Although the question may seem simple, I actually have enough information on this subject to start a three part series!! Yes! For the first post, lets just cover colors and patterns!
((I have some clients that definitely know how to style their families!))
Having just one color (most popular: blue), is incredibly boring! It also makes your final product relatively one toned, heavy and gives it no real "pop!" Gone are the days of "ok, everyone wear white shirts and blue jeans!" It's time to add some spunk to your walls (where, ultimately, I'm hoping they end up!).
Rule of thumb: keep to color families. Look in your closets. Do you lean towards cooler colors (blues, greens, whites)? Well there you go! Here's a sample of some cooler colors in family form:
(this Pinterest example is spot-on!)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204069426840850401/
Ok.. well what about if you're a family who prefers neutral colors in your wardrobe?? Neutral does NOT have to be boring! Neutral means you can do SO much!!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27514247699294486/
Now, another important point is to not get overzealous with the patterns. Having a couple patterned material in the photos adds a bit of pop and interest. However, when the boys are wearing plaid and the girls are wearing stripes, it gets dizzy! Try to stay away from too much pattern and keep it relatively simple :)
A client of mine sent me this post and I absolutely had to share! It's from Marleen James and it's pretty much spot on!!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/95771929552538017/
Stay tuned for parts Two and Three of this series for even more information!
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As many of you know, I'm the owner of BLP Photography in Virginia Beach. I've had this business since 2010 and this is my first ever blog! (I know, craziness!!) Since it's pouring down raining and I'm all caught up on editing, now would be a good time to catch you up on the last 5 years!
I started photography as a hobby in high school (yes, cliché and annoying as it is, that's how most of us started!). I started out with my little rebel my first year and learned quite a bit about photography, being a "people person," and owning your own business, as opposed to just working under another owner. Talk about a learning curve!
I wish I could say I were tech-savvy and loved working with technology. Truth be told, I want to bash my forehead into my key board 90% of the time!
I think that's why I'll endorse Adobe LightRoom, my little MarkII, my wonderful HP desk top and shooting in RAW ANY DAY of the week! You have no idea how much time I wasted in Photoshop fixing my JPEG images on my horrible little Dell laptop. Highly annoying and took up SO much of my time that I could have spent with my family! "Work smarter, not harder." I learned this the hard way!
Here are a few of my favorite photos taken over the past few weeks to put a smile on your face! I have a giant cup of pumpkin spice coffee calling my name so I think I'll take my leave :) Have a great weekend, despite the nasty weather, everyone!
