Devon Shanor | Blog

Tag: virginia beach senior portraits

  • “Empty Nest, Full Schedule & Blogging Again!”

    “Empty Nest, Full Schedule & Blogging Again!”

    Hey friends!!!!

    Okay, let’s spill some tea—I know on HERE Ive been quiet but in real life I’ve been BUSY. Like, camera-in-hand, editing-into-the-night, running-a-full-time-photography-studio kind of busy. But you know what’s been missing? Talking about it. Sharing it. Blogging it. (And okay, marketing it too. )

    This past year has been one of the most beautiful and full seasons of my life. I officially became an empty nester when my youngest headed off to VCU in Richmond with his brother (cue the bittersweet feels.)  Since then, I’ve poured my heart into photographing everything from squishy newborns to confident seniors to frosting-covered one-year-olds. (Gosh, i love my job!)

    I just got back from The Mid-Atlantic Regional School of Photography, and let me tell you—my brain is bursting with inspiration and fresh ideas! 🎉 After finally catching my breath, I had a major realization: I’ve totally been neglecting my website and blog. 😬 But hey, that’s about to change! I’m making space to breathe life back into this little corner of the internet, and I promise to get better at sharing my portrait work—from maternity and newborn sessions to seniors, couples, and more. (Okay, maybe I’m not 100% confident yet… but I’m speaking it into existence! 😉)

    Here’s what you can expect as I start hitting “publish” more often:

     Newborn Portraits – There’s nothing sweeter than those squishy cheeks and sleepy snuggles.
     Maternity Sessions – Glowing mamas, soft light, and all the anticipation. YES, please!
     High School Senior Portraits – Bold, fun, and full of personality—these are always a blast.
     One-Year Cake Smashes – Because what’s cuter than a frosting-covered baby smashing their first cake?!
     Couples Portraits – Gosh, do I love capturing all your amazing “Love Stories” all around Hampton roads!
     Family Portraits – Don’t forget to let me “freeze time” with family pictures before the kids grow even more.

    For those new here: I’m a Virginia Beach based photographer (serving all areas of Hampton Roads) who’s all about capturing real connection and authentic joy—and whether you’re holding your baby or getting ready to send your baby off to college, I’d be honored to tell your story.

    So yes, I’ve been here all along—camera clicking, clients smiling, memories being made. Now it’s time to start sharing the magic with you, too. 

    If you’ve been waiting to book your session—this is your sign. Let’s make something beautiful, together.  Book a free consultation now! Click Here 

  • Baseball with Dad | Photography Virginia Beach

    One of my favorite things about my job is getting to stay connected with families and clients.  It makes my job seem less like a job and more like connecting with old friends! 

    I photographed this little guy while he was still in momma’s belly so getting to photograph him now, as a little baseball player, is so much fun.  I did his new sisters newborn portraits, but before them we took some time to photograph him and his dad (and coach,) in his baseball uniform! 

    Such a fun little session and I loved creating some amazing portraits for his family to remember his first years in the sport- who knows maybe the will be pitching in the majors one day!!!

  • Olivia and Shanyn Mermaid and Merman

    Ever since I started offering Mermaid portrait sessions my daughter, Olivia, has wanted to dress up as a mermaid. I was really happy to see that her boyfriend, Shanyn, decided to participate in the portrait session with her. She looked like a magical mermaid and it was a surreal reminder that my little girl is growing up. Stephanie Hall Fields was kind enough to do Olivia’s make up for her session and it helped make Olivia truly look the part and feel as if she really was a mermaid.

    I am so excited to share these photographs of Olivia and Shanyn. Aren’t they adorable?

    If you are interested in mermaids (or mermen!), message me and lets do it!

  • Ashley- College Grad 2020!

    I was blessed to photograph Ashley about 5 years ago when she was still in high school. Then, she called me with news of her COLLEGE graduation from Wesleyan.

    Covid-9 put a wrench in our plans and we had to reschedule a few times, but her portraits, taken at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens was nothing short of spectacular!! She STUNNED with perfect makeup and outfits and the scenery at the gardens was just amazing. There may or may not have been a wardrobe malfunction while changing but the rain held off until the last snap of my camera. So all in all… I’ll call her session a success!

    I can’t wait to continue my photography journey with Ashley! Who knows what comes next. But I know she will be amazing in her future endeavors. She’s such a sweet, fun and beautiful woman and will be a blessing wherever her degree takes her!!

  • Senior Class of 2020 | Emilee

    I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled and the class of 2020 was robbed of so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

    I think it’s so important to still show the class of 2020 some love right now. Learning that life isn’t always fair is HARD. And being stripped of so much WHILE having to stay home, leave your jobs, stop your athletics and programs and have no in person interaction with your friends really hurts. So, here’s how I’m going to try to help!

    I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

    The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Emilee. She attended Green Run High School and is an accomplished athlete. She participates in martial arts and softball and wanted to incorporate them into her session.

    She also wanted to pay tribute to her late big brother in her session. He has her inspired so much, especially in her work in the martial arts. She asked for me to include him in a few images. The final products are beautiful portraits that show the bond between siblings that not even death could break.

    Emilee was a trooper for her session as we dealt with some crazy technical difficulties. She, and her mom, were patient and understanding with me as we worked through some crazy times. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase her amazing portraits. She’s has been through so much in her life but still finds the joy life offers. It was such a pleasure getting to know her. Enjoy and don’t gorget to send her some love through cash app at $EmileeKinney to tell her you support her during this crazy senior year of quarantine and lockdown.

    If you know a high school senior who hasn’t taken their senior portraits, it’s not too late! There is SO much that the class of 2020 is missing this year, don’t let Senior Portraits be one of them. I am gifting the class of 2020 with FREE Portraits. Contact me today to discuss Portraits for your 2020 Senior!

    Fine Print: The session is free. There is a $29 cost to book your session but that amount is given back as a credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. You’ll also be given (on whichever session your choose) an additional $99 credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. Dates for sessions are from May 1st until July 30th 2020. 

  • Senior Class of 2020 | Chyanne

    I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled and the class of 2020 was robbed of so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

    I think it’s so important to still show the class of 2020 some love right now. Learning that life isn’t always fair is HARD. And being stripped of so much WHILE having to stay home, leave your jobs, stop your athletics and programs and have no in person interaction with your friends really hurts. So, here’s how I’m going to try to help!

    I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

    The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Chyanne. She is graduating from Ocean Lakes High School. She’s a laid back, beautiful young lady who’s favorite hobbies are horseback riding and sleeping. (I love that hobby myself- every chance I get to participate I do!) We didn’t incorporate the horse in this session, but it’s possible for her cap and gown session!

    We had a fun session at The Narrows in Virginia Beach. Why wanted to make sure that the fall season was represented in her session. We had to reschedule a few times but the weather finally cooperated! Mom and dad tagged along and we captured some great family portraits as well. (Chyanne is an only child so I think there might be some major empty nesting when she moves out!)

    Chyanne is best friends with another of my senior clients and I can’t wait to photograph these two amazing ladies together. We’re planning on doing their cap and gown session at the same time. Capturing your senior year with your BFF and “ride or die” friend is such a fun idea. If you can’t remember many Senior moments without them by your side, why not include them in your senior portraits too?

    Please join me as I congratulate Chyanne on her Senior Year. Show her your support as she deals with the loss of so many Senior moments. Her cash app is $chyannew if you can send her a looking something to help lift her spirits!

    Thanks Chyanne for trusting me with your senior portraits. I had such a good time getting to know you and your parents better. Everyone else, enjoy some of our favorites from her session!

    Awe- look at little Chyanne!

    If you know a high school senior who hasn’t taken their senior portraits, it’s not too late! There is SO much that the class of 2020 is missing this year, don’t let Senior Portraits be one of them. I am gifting the class of 2020 with FREE Portraits. Contact me today to discuss Portraits for your 2020 Senior!

    Fine Print: The session is free. There is a $29 cost to book your session but that amount is given back as a credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. You’ll also be given (on whichever session your choose) an additional $99 credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. Dates for sessions are from May 1st until July 30th 2020. 

  • Senior Class of 2020 | Ian

    I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled and the class of 2020 was robbed of so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

    I think it’s so important to still show the class of 2020 some love right now. Learning that life isn’t always fair is HARD. And being stripped of so much WHILE having to stay home, leave your jobs, stop your athletics and programs and have no in person interaction with your friends really hurts. So, here’s how I’m going to try to help!

    I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

    The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Ian. He attended Cox High. I’ve had the please of watching him since middle school as he has wrestled with my son since 6th grade. It’s hard to believe he’s a Senior!

    Like many Senior guys, he wasn’t thrilled about Senior portraits. But he loves his momma and did them for her. He’s more a city guy so we skipped the woods and beach and headed to the Neon district in Norfolk. We found some amazing murals and artwork and created some pretty phenomenal senior portraits.

    Ian is heading to college next year and is planning to continue wrestling. It’s a HUGE commitment to commit to a sport in college and I’m incredibly proud of him. Senior year was tough for him in more ways than just the coronavirus quarantine, but he’s shown that with perseverance and patience you can still make your dreams come true! His Cashtag is $ianbalik if you can send him a little something. Remember to include “Congrats graduate of 2020!”

    Now, enjoy Ian’s Senior Portraits!

    If you know a high school senior who hasn’t taken their senior portraits, it’s not too late! There is SO much that the class of 2020 is missing this year, don’t let Senior Portraits be one of them. I am gifting the class of 2020 with FREE Portraits. Contact me today to discuss Portraits for your 2020 Senior!

    Fine Print: The session is free. There is a $29 cost to book your session but that amount is given back as a credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. You’ll also be given (on whichever session your choose) an additional $99 credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. Dates for sessions are from May 1st until July 30th 2020. 

  • Senior Class of 2020 | Bethany

    I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled and the class of 2020 was robbed of so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

    I think it’s so important to still show the class of 2020 some love right now. Learning that life isn’t always fair is HARD. And being stripped of so much WHILE having to stay home, leave your jobs, stop your athletics and programs and have no in person interaction with your friends really hurts. So, here’s how I’m going to try to help!

    I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “It’s no fun learning the lesson that life’s not fair, so here’s a little something to show I care! Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

    The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Bethany. She attended Salem High school and we did her portraits in the fall. The colors she chose for her outfits, her hair color, it all worked so well with the beautiful fall colors we had. She is a talented musician and we had a great time incorporating that into her session. Her family jumped in for a few portraits too and it was wonderful having her big sister, Kendall, home from college to celebrate Bethany’s Senior Year!

    I’ve been photographing Bethany for years. She kind, silly, compassionate, talented and has grown up to be an extraordinary young lady. She’s headed off to college after graduation and I can’t wait to see her transform even more. Her Cashtag is $BethanyRFarnsworth if you can send her a little something. Remember to include “It’s no fun learning the lesson that life’s not fair, so here’s a little something to show I care! Congrats graduate of 2020!”

    Now, enjoy the beautiful Bethany’s Senior Portraits!

    If you know a high school senior who hasn’t taken their senior portraits, it’s not too late! There is SO much that the class of 2020 is missing this year, don’t let Senior Portraits be one of them. I am gifting the class of 2020 with FREE Portraits. Contact me today to discuss Portraits for your 2020 Senior!

    Fine Print: The session is free. There is a $29 cost to book your session but that amount is given back as a credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. You’ll also be given (on whichever session your choose) an additional $99 credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. Dates for sessions are from May 1st until July 30th 2020. 

  • Senior Portrait Sessions

    Before you know it, your precious baby has grown up right before your very own eyes. One day you’re chasing after them as they embark on their first run with those little feet and then the next you are receiving information about graduation caps and gowns. I’m currently trying to navigate my own feelings as my daughter, Olivia, is an upcoming Senior! While I am very excited for her, I find myself asking, “How did it all happen so fast?!”.

    One of my favorite sessions to photograph are Senior Portraits because I get the opportunity to capture the cusp between childhood and adulthood that these talented young people experience. I am rewarded once more when I get the family together for their viewing and display the photographs – because the expressions of surprise, love and admiration are the greatest bonus I could receive.

    I love seeing how each Senior chooses to express themselves during their session with their body language, the locations we go to, their clothing, and any props or important items they choose to add into their session. It gives me a glimpse into who they are and an idea of the kind of incredible future they will have. I have had students bring their baseball bats, footballs, guitars, skateboards, art supplies and surfboards to incorporate into their portraits and we always find fun and interesting ways to utilize their prized possessions to make their portrait unique. I am so thankful for the moment when they let their guard down and I capture the portrait where they are completely relaxed and comfortable because, that ends up being the one they love the most.

    Senior Portraits are also a great opportunity to capture the family as it stands at that moment before they go off to college. There is so much that can happen in a year that it’s important to take photographs of everyone together before internships, relationships, and other life events pull people in different directions. I offer FREE family portrait sessions to every family that books a senior portrait session.

    As the school year comes to a close, I am so proud of the Graduating Class of 2018. I know that you have an incredible future waiting for you and I am excited to see all that you will accomplish over the next four years. If you haven’t had your portraits done already, it isn’t too late to get some portraits done to commemorate this incredible moment in your life.

    Looking ahead to the Graduating Class of 2019, I am excited to capture this year’s moments with Seniors and their families. I am currently offering a Senior Summer Session deal that is CRAZY and I know you won’t want to miss it.

    senior flyer'18

  • 2017 Graduate Kendall | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

    Twelve long years of school finally come to and end!!! I have watched this young lady grow up over the past 10 years and I am so excited to see how she has blossomed and grown into this beautiful woman.  She will be starting her schooling all over next year at Liberty University, her parents Alma Mater, and couldn’t be more excited.  

    We had a great session, even if we did get attacked by gnats and bugs.  🙂  Kendal rocked every minute of her session and her portraits turned out amazing.  

    I am so very glad that we did a few family portraits at the end as well.  It’s important to do family portraits before your kids go off to college, who knows what the next few years may bring. 🙂  There might be additional family members, people may move away and spending time together as a whole family may come less and less.  It’s so important to take family portraits when you have the chance to capture your family, as your kids are born and your family is growing, as they are growing up and toothless and all legs and arms, and as they are embarking on adulthood and about to go spread their wings.   It’s moments and milestones that we remember, but havign portraits to show us those moments is such a treasure!

    So, thank you Kendal and the Farnsworth clan for allowing me to capture these moments or your family and this amazing milestone.  Kendall, I am so proud of the woman you have become.  <3 <3 

    photography_052photography_047 photography_048 photography_049 photography_050 photography_051photography_054 photography_053 photography_055 photography_056photography_058photography_046 photography_057