norfolk photogrpaher

Two Less Fish in the Sea

Two Less Fish in the Sea

Two less fish in the sea. These two are o”fish”ally getting married. Madelyn and Par…

Now that you are Engaged: Finding Your Engagement Session Style

How to Find Your Engagement Style

This is one of those things you really don’t need to be stressed about. The key is to look inward and to consider your current life habits, hobbies and interests. From there, you’ll be able to find your engagement session style and incorporate it into your photographs seamlessly.


  1. Think about your respective, and shared, hobbies and passions. For example, do you both love music? Or is cooking every night something you always do together? Maybe you love to go swing dancing. 

  2. Your respective professions can definitely contribute to your e-session style. Is he a firefighter? A scientist? A farmer? Is she a chef? A kindergarten teacher? A geologist? Whatever the case may be, incorporate your professional lives into your photographs. Maybe it’s as simple as a chalkboard, a hay bale, or a chef’s hat. 

  3. Are you into sports? Show some team spirit in your photographs with jerseys, sports equipment or something similar. 

  4. What’s your favorite kind of music? Are you both country lovers? Maybe you’re more into the classical music scene. Don’t be afraid to dress the part.

  5. Where do you feel like you’re really in your element? Is it outdoors at your favorite park? In the museum perusing the art? Or maybe you love the buzz of a colorful city.

  6. What always makes you two laugh or have fun? Maybe it’s a board game, or a visit to the fair or circus.  

Before you Graduate: Let Us Capture Your Graduation!

Graduation Services Available

Did you know that SmartShot Photography offers graduation services? That’s right! We will come to your graduation and photograph the whole event for you! We’ll be there for the speeches, to watch you walk across the stage and capture that moment you reach for your well-deserved diploma. We’ll even stick around after and take photos of you with your friends and family members! We also offer a mini album for you to store all of these cherished memories in. 


You can purchase this service a la carte, or we can add it on to your senior package. For pricing and booking information, please contact us at smartshot757@gmail.com. 

Now that you are Engaged: The Importance of Timing your Engagement Session

Perfect Timing for Your Engagement Session

When planning your engagement session, you want to get the timing just right and there are many factors to consider during this process. We’re here to help! Here’s a list of things you need to take into consideration when picking a session date:

  1. If you are going to display your engagement photos at your wedding, and you are doing outside portraits, try to plan your engagement session in the season that you are having your wedding. This way, it matches your wedding décor. 

  2. Keep in mind that whenever you are planning your portraits is probably a busy season for photographers. Be sure to book early so you can get a good spot. You also need to remember that if you’re doing outdoor photos, you have to cater to the weather. Sometimes the weather is crazy and we have to reschedule. We’ve had clients have to reschedule four times before due to rain, etc. Be sure to book a backup date in case your first one gets rained out.

  3. Remember that you and/or your fiancé may need to take some time off of work for the session. We may not have any availability when you’re available because, even though we try to be accommodating, we don’t shoot every day or may already be booked on your day off. 

  4. Book early enough to use your photos for Save the Date cards, etc. Don’t forget about editing, printing, and mailing times. Allow enough time for the whole process and still have them to your guests on time.

  5. If you’re doing a slideshow at your wedding and want to use your engagement photos in it, don’t wait until a month before your wedding to take your engagement photos and then stress and worry as you try to hurry to get them back and into the presentation. You have to allow editing time in your schedule.

Senior Portrait Week Is Here From August 20-26

Senior Portrait Week Is Here From August 20-26

This is one of those posts I’ve been meaning to write for a good long while, and WELP, today’s the day! Today we’re kicking off an entire week celebrating SENIORS! Whether you’re graduating High School or University, look no further.

Senior Portrait Week

Senior Portrait Week

This is one of those posts I’ve been meaning to write for a good long while, and WELP, today’s the day! Today we’re kicking off an entire week celebrating SENIORS! Whether you’re graduating High School or University, look no further.

Fred + LaQuiesha: A Love to Last

Fred + LaQuiesha: A Love to Last

This love is one to last! Stephen, affectionately known by his friends and family as Fred, met LaQuiesha...

 

Lamar and Quanetra Wedding Blog Post

Lamar and Quanetra Wedding Blog Post

A truly elegant and unique union took place this weekend in the historic town of Suffolk, Virginia.  With all of their closest friends and family present, this couple said I do. There was not a dry eye in the house as the couple exchanged their handwritten and heartfelt vows.

Carey & Tiffeny Engagement Shoot

Carey & Tiffeny Engagement Shoot

Love was always cooking between these two from day one! Plenty of FISH brought them together. Carey professed Tiffeny as his RIB and he wasn't a CHICKEN about it.