Tag: Hampton Roads photographer

29 Sep

Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer | Radiant and Beautiful Portraits

As a Virginia Beach maternity photographer, I believe every expecting mother deserves to feel radiant, celebrated, and strong. Ms. J came to my studio to capture this incredible season of her life, and she absolutely glowed in front of the camera. From soft, dreamy portraits to bold and stylish looks, her maternity session showcased both elegance and joy.

Elegant Studio Maternity Portraits

We began Ms. J’s session with a stunning lace gown and natural window light. The soft glow highlighted her beautiful bump and the love shining through her smile. These images feel timeless and will be treasured long after her baby arrives.

Casual and Fun Moments

Maternity portraits don’t always have to be formal or glamorous. Ms. J rocked her favorite jeans and a simple top, letting her natural confidence shine. The playful, relaxed vibe captured her true personality while still celebrating the miracle of pregnancy. These candid maternity photos are such a beautiful reminder of what everyday pregnancy feels like.

Bold and Glamorous Gown Portraits

Next, Ms. J wore one of my NEW client closet favorites—the dramatic blush pink tulle gown. With its flowing train and layered ruffles, this look added drama and elegance. Against both light and dark studio backdrops, she looked like a goddess. These portraits capture the strength and beauty of motherhood in a bold way.

Why Maternity Sessions Matter

Pregnancy is a short season, but the memories last forever and you will want to remember your beautiful body as it carried your little one! That’s why I always recommend booking maternity photography between 30–34 weeks. During this time, your bump is beautifully round, but you’re usually still comfortable enough to enjoy your session. Maternity portraits are about more than photographs—they are about honoring your journey and celebrating the new life you’re carrying.

Booking Your Maternity Session

If you are searching for a maternity photographer in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, I would love to create timeless portraits that capture your story. Whether you dream of glamorous gowns, casual looks, or both—we’ll design a session that feels uniquely you.

✨ Don’t let this moment slip away—book your maternity consultation today and let’s create portraits that you and your family will cherish for generations.

26 Sep

Beautiful Baby E | Virginia Beach Newborn Photographer Creating Sweet Moments

Being a Virginia Beach newborn photographer means I get to meet so many incredible families and capture their first days with a brand-new baby. This session was extra sweet—introducing the world to Baby E. From his tiny features to the way he snuggled with his mama and big brother, every moment was filled with love and joy.

Sleepy and Sweet

Baby E gave us the perfect balance of portraits. He looked so peaceful in his cozy knit outfit and rustic basket setup, and I couldn’t resist capturing those tiny toes! Later, we swaddled him snug and safe, and he drifted off into dreamland—complete with the sweetest little smiles that melted everyone in the room.

Family Connection

One of my favorite parts of this session was photographing Baby E with his mama and big brother. The bond between them was beautiful—mama glowing with love, big brother proudly snuggling close, and Baby E curled up content in their arms. These are the kinds of portraits that tell a family’s story and will be treasured for years to come.

Why Age Matters for Newborn Portraits

Baby E was just 12 days old at his session—the perfect time for newborn photography. I always recommend scheduling newborn portraits between 6–18 days old whenever possible. During this window, babies are typically sleepier and more flexible, which makes it easier to capture those swaddled poses, tiny details, and adorable expressions.

Booking Your Newborn Session

If you are searching for a newborn photographer in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, I would be honored to capture your baby’s first portraits. The newborn stage is so fleeting—don’t miss the chance to preserve it forever.

Book your newborn consultation today and let’s create timeless portraits of your little one. Plus, for the rest of 2025, every newborn session comes with a FREE 11×14 print as my gift to you!

26 Sep

Virginia Beach Newborn Photographer | Baby J’s Beautiful First Pictures

One of my favorite parts of being a Virginia Beach newborn photographer is watching families grow in front of my camera. I first met this sweet couple when they welcomed their first child less than two years ago. Now they’re back in the studio with their newest little one—Baby J. These returning clients are why I love specializing in newborn photography as each session tells a new chapter of a family’s story, preserved in portraits you’ll treasure forever.

Awake and Adorable

Baby J was wide awake for most of his session, showing off the most adorable bright eyes. (Those curious looks melt me every time!) Once swaddled, he finally drifted off to sleep. That gave us the perfect mix of awake newborn portraits and peaceful, dreamy images every parent loves.

Parents’ Special Time

Big brother was at daycare during this session, so the focus stayed on mom, dad, and their new bundle of joy. Their smiles, their laughter, and the way they held Baby J close reminded me exactly why newborn portraits are so meaningful. These fleeting first days deserve to be captured and remembered.

Perfect Timing for Newborn Portraits

Baby J was just 12 days old at his session—the perfect age for newborn photography. (I loved including a special shot that showed off his age!) I recommend scheduling newborn portraits between 6–18 days old whenever possible. During this window, little ones are sleepier and more flexible, which makes it easier to capture cozy swaddled poses and all those tiny details parents adore.

Booking Your Session

If you are searching for a newborn photographer in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, I would love to create timeless portraits of your baby. The best time to schedule your newborn session is during pregnancy so your spot is reserved on my calendar.

✨ Don’t let this short window slip away—book your newborn consultation today and let’s create memories you’ll cherish for generations. For the rest of 2025, you’ll also receive a FREE 11×14 print with every newborn session booked!

12 May

“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 

29 Apr

Whats new in 2024 with Devon Shanor Photography

WOW.  We are already into the 5th month of the year!  It has been a whirlwind of a year so far!  And if you’ve noticed- blogging has definitely taken a back seat to everything and we haven’t been good at keeping this blog updated.  I apologize for how long everything has taken but we are finally settling in. 

 

So what is new?  We have renovated the studio and have a glamorous new black wall set, a beautiful white light wall, a boho neutral bedroom set, and LOTS of new newborn props and baskets.  It has been so much fun purging things, building things and putting together a studio that has something for everyone.  Take a look at some of the recent pictures we have done in the sets!

 We also have welcomed a new photographer to our studio. (If you’ve been with us for the past few years with Santa or our events, you have likely already met her.) Her name is Kelley and she’s been working with us for a few years and we are so happy to finally announce that she is officially joining the studio! She has a bit of a more moody, dark and warm style that I, so she is a great addition to offer a different look!  Here are a few images she has recently taken.  And be on the lookout for more blogs from her in the future.  

Read more

08 Oct

Family in the City | Norfolk Family Portraits

I have know this family since before the kids were even born!  They are some of my oldest friends and I was so happy to photograph them in the city. We literally STOPPED TRAFFIC!  I love all the personality and uniqueness of each of them.  We had such a great time.  

Mom and Dad needed some updated headshots too.  When you book with Devon Shanor Photography there is no need to book a separate session for that, we can just incorporate that right into our family session! 

07 Oct

Santa on the Beach | Virginia Beach VA

Santa is back at the beach.  So excited to have Santa Todd and Santa Randy back in Virginia Beach for our Santa on the beach portraits! Time slots will sell out quickly so don’t wait to book.  And keep checking back if you can’t make it, we are doing cookies with Santa in December! 

Bring the whole family as there is enough time in the session for a few family portraits and portraits with Santa.   Check out some of these amazing portraits from last year!

https://devonshanorphotography.studio-booking.com/booking/santaonthebeach2022/

 

07 Oct

18 Months Old | Virginia Beach Portraits

I had such a fun time exploring First Landing State Park with this adorable family as we celebrated 18 months with little M!  We got some fabulous portraits with mommy and daddy, some great family portraits and then we had a blast playing in the water!  We even took time to photograph mom and dad together, something I feel is some important to do.  Don’t forget to capture the ones who started it all! 

 

06 Oct

Look who’s FIVE | Birthday Portraits Virginia Beach

Little Q turned FIVE this year and we celebrated with cupcakes in the woods and splashing in the ocean! We had such a fun time taking her birthday portraits and had such beautiful Virginia Beach sunset. We even tried sparklers for the first time but she wasn’t quite sure what she thought about them!

First Landing State park is so beautiful and I love photographing portraits there!! 

02 Oct

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!!!

Copyright © 2025 Devon Shanor Photography