richmond portrait photographer

Historic Polegreen Church Maternity Pictures | Josiah + Megan

Historic Polegreen Church Maternity Pictures | Josiah + Megan

It’s been a strange season of life for a lot of people, but when I think about handling the unexpected, those who are pregnant and giving birth right now always come to my mind. Of course, this is probably because my little sister Megan is expecting a baby boy at the end of August, and this pregnancy has come with far more ups and downs than is usual to say the least! She and Josiah, her husband of just over two years, have handled the changes with grace and hope. They have been understandably disappointed in some areas without denying their feelings, and yet their faith in God and their unity in marriage has never been more evident, either.

Monument Avenue Engagement Session | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Josh + Kayla

Monument Avenue Engagement Session | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Josh + Kayla

Josh and Kayla are amazing because more than anyone I know they are true to themselves - no matter how crazy or awkward or hilarious they may be. They bonded over their mutual love for cats, developed a shared favorite hockey team in the Pittsburg Penguins, and grew closer each day since. When we spent the evening going all over Richmond in the hunt for murals, ending at the beautiful Monument Avenue, I couldn't help but wish over and again that I could record what they were saying to make each other laugh - because Nathan and I could not stop cracking up, either!

The part I loved most as we spent time together, though, was seeing the little in-between moments the two shared. They may have joked about pretending to like each other or made goofy faces to lighten the moment, but underneath all the laughter and fun it was so obvious that Josh and Kayla are made for each other. She is chatty and ridiculous, and he is steady and caring. And as parents to three cats (with more to come I'm sure) with many years behind them, they know what commitment looks and live it out each day...

Justin & Mary Lighting Intensive // Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

I have had the absolute privilege of being able to learn from Justin and Mary twice in the last few months! I first attended their posing workshop back in October (you can read about that here), and last week I made it up to Richmond for their lighting intensive.

Let me tell you, this was an absolute game changer for me! I feel 100 times more confidence using both on and off-camera flash, which is so important whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors. Something can always go wrong, and I needed to be completely confident in any situation. Now I feel like I am!

This workshop stretched me a ton. You're about to see a lot of pictures that are outside my normal style, and I'm ok with that. I love natural light and sunrise/sunset shoots, but there's something extra magical about being able to completely control where your light is coming from and how strong it is. I really hope to incorporate both natural and artificial light this coming year in my weddings and portraits.

I'm so thankful that I'm able to learn from people like Justin & Mary, and grow in ways I never could have by myself. HUGE shout out to the models, Ryan & Ahren and Abby. I can't wait to use everything I learned this year on my amazing brides & grooms!

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Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Abby...a photographer and model ;)

Abby...a photographer and model ;)

Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Abby Grace Photography, Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Abby Grace Photography, Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Abby Grace Photography, Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Abby Grace Photography, Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Abby Grace Photography, Hampton Roads portrait photographer
Isn't she gorgeous? She's got that Old Hollywood glamour look going on!

Isn't she gorgeous? She's got that Old Hollywood glamour look going on!

Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
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Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Hampton Roads black and white portrait photographer
Maria Grace Photography Maria Grace Photography