WW - Dreamy Dogwoods

I often avoid shooting in my yard because of the clutter - swing set, shed, hammock, neighbors, etc. But there is a spot in the back corner where two dogwoods bloom in the spring. Behind the trees is a row of tall hedges, and in the morning, the sun filters through just right. It's my favorite spot for shooting at home. A telephoto lens removes the distractions and just a few feet is all that's needed for a pretty backdrop.  What's your favorite place to shoot at home?

Shot with a D800 and Nikkor 105 mm 2.0 DC lens. 

Thanks for visiting!

Friday Photo Journal Link Up - April 25, 2014

Just a quick post today then I have editing and client correspondence to finish up before I prepare for 3 sessions this weekend. Busy season is ramping up! My calendar is nearly full until July. Oy!

This week we enjoyed the outdoors at Girl Scouts and in the neighborhood. They boys played a pick up game of baseball and Little Miss explored her world under the watchful eye of my iPhone. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from last week:

What have you been up to? Share your link below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thank you so much for stopping in! Have a terrific weekend! :)

Little Things - And a Pop of Yellow

Had a sweet little session with my girls yesterday to prepare for a Gymboree review. This so of this angelic creature was taken just moments before a meltdown. Fortunately, the meltdown was short-lived and blowing a few bubbles saved the day. ;)

 Shot with a D610 and 105 mm lens at f/2.8, ISO320, SS 1/800

SOOC:

Linking up with Kim for:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

WW - Portsmouth Photographer - Maternity Portraits

My little sister is having a baby! I'm so thrilled for her and her husband, and for me (ha ha!). I can't wait to get my baby fix again. I love these two soooo much! They had a bit of a struggle conceiving, and I know she was filled with worry that she might not be able to have the family she so dearly wanted. Thankfully, she has enjoyed a healthy pregnancy this year and is expecting a sweet baby girl this July. We planned a maternity session for this spring, and when we saw the cherry trees begging to bloom, we jumped on the chance to take advantage of them. Here are a few photos from our Virginia Beach maternity session among the cherry blossoms.

Thanks for visiting! Have a great week.

Friday Photo Journal - April 18, 2014

Happy Friday friends! Last week was a fun one. We enjoyed some balmy spring temps (though that has quickly changed - brrrr!) Saturday, the kids had a blast at the fair to raise awareness and funds for Autism. They rode ponies, pet goats and bunnies, played games and Little Miss even won the cake walk! Last week we also got back into our after-dinner-family-bike-ride routine, which I love.
We played dodge ball at PE and enjoyed the dogwood blooms too. It was a great week!

Today I'm off to shoot the homecoming of the USS Truman. Should be an exciting day!
What have you been up to? Share your link below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thank you so much for stopping in! Have a fantastic Easter weekend! :)

Little Things Thursday - Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy

Linking up with Kim for:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

WW- Cherry Blossoms

Dandelion Wishes - Spring Photography

Most of the time I love a photo either black and white, or color. 

It usually seems the light and the emotion call for one or the other. 

But sometimes, I just can't decide. 

Which do you prefer?

Shot with a D800 & 105 2.0 DC at 2.0 ISO 400 SS 1/3200 in mid-morning shade with a patch of sun.

Hampton Roads, VA Fundraiser for Mea'Alofa Autism Support Center April 12, 2014

One of my goal this year for my business was to give more back to the community. One of the way I am doing that is by participating in a local fundraiser to benefit the Mea'Alofa Autism Support Center. MASC is a non-profit organization providing ABA Therapy services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Hampton Roads, VA area.  I hope all my local friends will come out for some games, good food and lots of fun! I have donated a portrait session to be auctioned off and I will be on site Saturday morning - April 12th at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Portsmouth. Stop by and say hi! I'd love to see you!! :)

Friday Photo Journal - April 11, 2014

It's that time again - time to share your favorite images of the week! We had a busy one - I shot 4 portrait session last weekend, we celebrated my oldest's 12th birthday, we admired the spring blooms and relished the warmer temps. We have been on walks, to visit the park,  and the kids have had a great time enjoying the longer daylight hours with neighborhood friends. 

I am so glad spring is finally here. :)

What have you been up to? Share your link below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thank you so much for stopping in! Have a fun weekend! :)

Little Things Thursday - Spring Portraits

Here's a peek at what I'm working on today - spring portraits among the cherry blossoms!

Shot with a 70-200 @ ISO320 1/400 f/4.5

Has spring arrived in your neck of the woods?

Linking up with Kim for:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

WW - Virginia Beach Tween Portrait Session

I finished the first gallery from the sessions I had last weekend. Miss Elise was a doll! She's 13 and will be heading to High School next year. I had a great time shooting her portraits. Here's a sampling from her gallery:

Now, back to more editing. ;)  Have a great Wednesday!!

Virginia Beach Portraits and What's Coming Up

Hi friends! I hope your week is off to a great start. I wanted to check in here and post a quick update.

I had a busy weekend shooting 4 portrait sessions so I will spend most of this week editing. I will, however, soon have a review of the new Gymboree spring line, just released yesterday. So many cute styles for this season! Many are perfect for spring portraits or Easter festivities. They are also having a great sale. Check them out!

Here's a peek at what was doing all weekend:

If you'd like to see more sneak peeks from Melissa Bliss Photography, you can follow my Facebook business page, or find me on Google+


Thanks and have a great week!

Friday Photo Journal Photography Linky - April 4, 2014

This week we enjoyed some warmer days - intermittent, but I'll take it. We met daddy downtown for a picnic lunch and also visited the park. The kids enjoyed their homeschool PE classes in a brand new gym space. We also saw the first cherry blossoms. I can't wait for more of what spring has in store!

What have you been up to? Share your link below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thank you so much for stopping in! Have a fun weekend! :)

Little Things Thursday - Glimpse of Spring

Winter seems reluctant to relax it's grip on us. We've had a few gorgeous days interspersed with cold, wet, gray. Today started out sunny and bright, then slowly descended into a chilly, drab countenance. Still, the buds are beginning to appear and I'm hopeful spring will decide to stick around one of these days.
I whisked the girls up to the church park the other day to play and snap a few photos. It was a little too early in the day for soft light, but I couldn't resist shooting wide open in the little patch of purple weeds, despite the full sun. The girls really only had a few moments' patience with me, but I got a shot or two that were keepers. Here's one I captured of Little Miss just before a bumble bee frightened her away.

Linking up with Kim for:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

WW- Loving Spring Portrait Weather

Spring Blossoms

"Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!" -Sitting Bull