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Which session style is best for my Senior Session? | Northern VA Senior Photographer
Which session style is best for my Senior Session? | Northern VA Senior Photographer
Portrait photographers can do Senior Portraits in a variety of portrait session styles. The most important one, however, is the one you and your parents select for YOU. Not only are there several style directions, being in the Sterling, VA area means we also have many location options as well!
Let’s take a look at four of the portrait session styles we offer to our Seniors.
Park Setting, Our Outdoor Portrait Park
Are you the outdoorsy-type who loves to be in park-like settings? Do you love your beautiful backyard or other tree-filled parks? We can offer you our private, outdoor portrait park for your Senior Portraits. It’s the perfect location of 2.5 acres and is custom designed as the ideal outdoor portrait venue.
You’ll be out among trees and can make use of any one of our props – including our two ponds, wooden bridge, wildflower meadow, barnwood, and farm fence!
Indoor Studio
Our Indoor Studio is fully equipped with a variety of backdrops to make your session your very own.
How about a vintage and super-glam sofa for your portraits for a unique look?
City Slickers
Being in the suburbs of Virginia doesn’t mean we can’t take things into the city for a more contemporary urban look! If you want an edgier, more modern look, then an urban setting might be the best way to go.
Keep in mind that a city-styled session can still give you a timeless look. Think of some classic films shot in a city where glamour and elegance defined the look. We can replicate that look for you in our nation’s capital!
Country Living
For a more rustic style, you can choose our outdoor portrait park or some other local rural location. We are blessed in Virginia with rolling hills and beautiful countryside which are ideally suited for portrait photography. We can take advantage of sunrise or sunset for a dramatic portrait further enhancing the landscape! Do you love horses or a particular farm? Those can be another great location for your pictures.
Whatever style you select, we work with you to customize your portrait session to be the best reflection of who you are and what you love! We are fortunate to have worked with many seniors on their portrait photography in and around Sterling, VA. We know we can produce Senior Portraits you will fall in love with and cherish for many years!
Family Portrait Photographer
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located in Sterling, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
How to Find the Right Vendors for Your Unforgettable Wedding | Northern VA Engagement Photographer
How to Find the Right Vendors for Your Unforgettable Wedding | Northern VA Engagement Photographer
Before you feel completely overwhelmed trying to find the best vendors to hire for your wedding, let us offer you a few important tips. As a former wedding photographer in the Dulles, VA area, we know the importance vendors can have on the success of your wedding.
We also know how stressful it can be to put a great team together. First of all, selecting vendors is not an easy task, and it’s totally normal for couples to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or confused. Wedding planning is probably new to you, so be patient with yourself.
Consider these questions before you begin
* How do you find the right match for you?
* How do you know whom to trust?
* Where do you go for advice?
First of all, STYLE, PERSONALITY, and PROFESSIONALISM are the most significant things when interviewing vendors. You want to hire someone with whom your guests will feel comfortable because the more comfortable your guests are, the more fun they will have. Each vendor should also match or understand the style and vision of your wedding.
To decide if a potential vendor is a good fit,
ask them these questions:
1. How many weddings do you do per year? How much experience do you have?
These are fundamental questions. Ideally, your wedding professional should have a lot of experience with weddings for two reasons: They will be better skilled in their craft, and they will be a valuable source of information. Those two things will help ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly.
2. How much do you cost?
Price can be relative, especially when you factor in experience, reputation, and expert skill; and paying more doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting something better. However, typically the most talented professionals have a higher price tag because they are worth it.
If you’re not sure what the going rate should be for vendors or you want to make sure you aren’t overpaying for a professional vendor, plug in the zip code of your reception venue at Cost of Wedding.
You should also ask about deposits, including how much they are, and what is included in their pricing (including deposit).
Keep in mind that photography pricing often varies according to the package offered, and it can be challenging to compare packages. You might need to go through a vendor’s pricing and compare details rather than overall costs to get a more accurate comparison.
The lowest pricing isn’t necessarily the best deal. Some higher quotes include services that you have to pay extra for in less expensive packages. Make sure you take this into account.
3. What happens if I cancel? What happens if you, the vendor, cancels?
Ask if your deposit is refundable under any conditions or under what specific circumstances. Does the wedding professional have a backup plan if something happens to them?
4. Do you use a contract?
If the answer is “no,” RUN! A contract is designed to protect both you and the wedding professional. Never settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court!
5. Are there any additional fees?
Taxes, service charges, and travel fees can add up quickly. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in their pricing, and if there are any other fees for which you would be responsible. This should be clearly defined in your contract.
6. Do you carry liability insurance?
Work only with vendors who carry liability insurance! It protects you in case an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day. Carrying comprehensive coverage is the sign of a reputable business since most “fly by night” operations won’t invest in insurance.
Lastly, one final bit of advice:
Read the contract!
Make sure you understand everything that’s written, and ask questions if you do not.
There is no silly question…except the one you don’t ask. Make sure you know the price as well as their cancellation and refund policies.
Go with your gut! If something feels “off” about the vendor, you’re probably right. Walk away.
Remember: the right wedding vendors can offer expert help, guidance, and advice on every aspect of a wedding – that includes the wedding photographer in the Dulles, VA area!
Family Photographer, Engagement Photographer
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Dulles, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
14 Ideas to Make Your Wedding Uniquely “YOU” | Northern VA Engagement Photographer
14 Ideas to Make Your Wedding Uniquely “YOU” | Northern VA Engagement Photographer
Are you planning on getting married in the Sterling, VA or Northern Virginia area? As a portrait photography studio with years of experience shooting events, including weddings, we can offer you some of our favorite ideas on how to make your wedding unique and totally “you”! You can design your wedding so that it’s an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Why is having a unique wedding such a big deal?
We don’t believe ANYBODY’S wedding should be “cookie-cutter.” We’ve never met a bride who told us they want their wedding to be like everyone else’s! Your wedding is YOUR day, and it should feel like it’s a unique combination your personalities from start to finish.
What we know after seeing or working with hundreds of brides on their wedding day is that there is ONE thing which makes a wedding unique – and that’s you, the bride and groom! Before you say how obvious that is as an idea, you’d be surprised how many couples don’t consider this when planning their wedding.
What is the ONE thing that is totally original about any wedding day, that no other wedding day has ever seen or done before?
YOU: the bride and groom!
Your guests have never seen the two of you together in a wedding designed entirely around you. They have never been at a party celebrating YOUR love and relationship with your fiancé, now husband. They’ve never seen YOU in that gorgeous gown, walking down the aisle, partying on the dance floor.
The secret to having a beautiful and unique wedding that leaves a lasting impression is weaving as much of your personalities as possible into your wedding events. Your guests attend your wedding to honor and celebrate the two of you, your nuptials, and your future life together. Including special aspects and details your personalities and experiences, as well as the things you love, make everyone at the wedding feel special and included. It draws your guests into the meaning of the event. It is how guests will feel connected to you and your beautiful wedding event.
We’ve done so many weddings, engagement portraits (and family portraits) throughout the years that we’ve learned a lot about how to include unique touches in your wedding event.
Here are 14 ideas to making your wedding unique
1) Naming Your Tables
Don’t just use traditional table numbers. Name your tables after a particular interest or hobby that you share, such as favorite athletes, cities you have visited together, or types of wine you enjoy.
2) Newlywed Trivia
A great icebreaker for the reception is newlywed trivia! Create a list of fun questions about you and your fiancé for your guests to answer. Want to make it even more fun? Make it into a table competition and give the winning table something special.
3) Personalized Favors
Let your wedding favors reflect the wedding couple. Do you collect something or love something? We know one couple who gave Pez dispensers because the bride was a collector. Another gave bottles of
mead (honey wine) they had made themselves.
4) Share Your Childhood Photos
Make a collage of photos of the two of you either growing up or your time together as a couple and display them on the gift table or as a slideshow during your reception.
5) Display Your Parents’ and Grandparents’ Wedding Photos
A beautiful and romantic way to honor your family is to share their portraits – especially wedding photos of your parents and grandparents.
6) Love Letters
While a bit personal, and you may want to edit what you share, you can put together a scrapbook of letters you and your fiancé sent to each other.
7) A Groom’s Cake
Surprise your new hubby by having a specially designed Groom’s Cake honoring him or a hobby of his. Imagine having a fire truck cake for your fireman!
8) Personalize Your Vows
One of the most popular ways to personalize your wedding is to write your vows. Take it a step further by adding personal details like, “I promise to bake cookies with you” or “I vow to watch the game with you on Superbowl Sunday” to let your guests glimpse more of your relationship.
9) Tell Your Love Story
Share your love story! You can do it as part of your vows, through your officiant, or during your reception.
10) A Photo Montage
Play a montage of photos from your Engagement Session set to music during cocktails before the reception begins.
11) Invite Your Guests To Perform
Include friends or relatives who are musicians or dancers by asking them to perform at your ceremony or reception. (Just make sure they will still enjoy themselves and that they won’t feel put out by being asked to perform!)
12) Make Memories With Music
Don’t forget to personalize your music. Play your favorite songs and artists during your ceremony and, of course, reception. Include a few songs you know are special to close relatives or friends! They will feel included in the wedding and appreciate the thought.
13) Dedicate a Song
Another way to use music to personalize your event is to include a song that reminds you of one of your loved ones. You can have your entertainer dedicate it to them. It can be serious, sentimental, or silly.
14) Thank Your Guests
Lastly, never forget to take a moment around the cake cutting or just before the end of the evening to thank your guests! You can invite them to the dance floor to form a big circle and dance together to a song like “That’s What Friends Are For” or “Friends In Low Places.”
How to Find Your Unique Touches
Make a List
Make a list of all of your favorite hobbies, interests, and quirks both as individuals and as a couple.
Choose your Ideas
Looking at your list of hobbies and interests, write down some ideasfor how you can work them into your favors, decor, or music.
Do Them!
Finally, and most importantly, pick out your favorite unique ideas and DO THEM!
If you’d like more cool ideas on how to incorporate special things into your wedding, check out the wedding ideas at Brides.com.
However you decide to personalize your event, the key is to have the event reflect you as the bride and groom. Make the event special by having it truly be about the two of you.
As a portrait photography studio in Sterling VA, the most memorable events we’ve seen, photographed or attended were those that most closely reflected the wedding couple.
Family Photographer, Portrait Photography Studio
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located in Sterling, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
Senior Girls, What to Wear Do’s and Don’ts for your Session| Northern VA Senior Photographer
Senior Girls, What to Wear Do’s and Don’ts for your Session| Northern VA Senior Photographer
High school graduation is a significant milestone! Selecting fine art photography is a poignant and beautiful way to commemorate this important event. The first question we often hear as Sterling, VA photographers is “What do I wear?!”
As a professional photographer, we know what translates well from real life to photographs, so we thought we’d offer you young ladies some tips for your Senior Portrait Session.
We tell our seniors that they may not be too excited right now about doing Senior Portraits, but they will be thrilled when they see the results. Plus, someday they will genuinely appreciate their mother’s encouragement to do senior portraits!
Lastly, keep in mind that senior portraits are meant to be a visual commemoration of your final year of high school and graduation. They can be fun and reflect your personality while being tasteful and beautiful.
What NOT to wear for Senior Portraits
• Don’t wear anything wrinkled – even if it’s meant to look wrinkled. Sometimes, what looks good in person, won’t look good in pictures. Wrinkles are a case in point. Generally, we advise you to stay away from them for your portraits.
• No busy patterns because they also don’t look good in photographs and will distract from YOU.
• We suggest you stay away from bold stripes. They aren’t always flattering in portraits.
• Avoid short skirts as well. They too will distract from your beautiful face. Try the old and trusty rule of thumb to know if the length is acceptable: Your hemline should reach no higher than your fingertips when you hold your arms straight down at your sides. You most likely will not be standing during your entire portrait session; so make sure that when you are sitting, everything that should be is covered! (Let’s not shock Dad and show him something he doesn’t want to see, all right?!)
• Avoid revealing tops. Not only might they appear inappropriate but they can distract the viewer. You don’t want to constantly be pulling on your clothing during the session, either.
• Mismatched or visible undergarments are not a good idea for portraits as significant as Senior Portraits. Sheer tops or thin straps where your undergarments are visible aren’t advisable.
• Sneakers or athletic shoes are trendy these days, so we won’t discourage you too actively from wearing them. However, we would urge you to make sure they’re spotless and are appropriate to the outfit!
• Flip flops are usually a big no-no. Save them for the beach!
What you should WEAR:
• Nude-colored undergarments are always recommended for photographs – even more than white which will be more visible under tops.
• Classic outfits which fit you well but don’t appear as skin tight.
• Tasteful layers, regardless of the outfit, are a good idea, especially for outdoor portraits. For women, that can mean sweaters, vests, or light jackets. Layering is an easy way to create various looks. Keep layers light and simple. You shouldn’t wear parkas, heavy coats or bulky sweaters because they can make you look larger.
• If you wear jewelry, we strongly recommend keeping it simple and tasteful. If you have an heirloom piece from your mother or grandmother, wearing it can be a beautiful tribute to them.
• Coordinating your colors is key to a polished look which translates very well into photographs. That means coordinating (doesn’t have to be a perfect match) the color of your accessories. Tops and bottoms should definitely corridinate with each other, and nothing should clash.
Check out our Pinterest board full of clothing suggestions for the Senior Girl!
If you would like to do fine art senior photography in the Sterling, VA, call our studio. We’d be happy to work with you to commemorate this significant life milestone in a way you’ll love!
Family Photographer, Senior Photography
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located in Sterling, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
Join us in our WARM Studio for a Family Portrait Session in January! | Northern VA Family Photographer
Join us in our WARM Studio for a Family Portrait Session in January! | Northern VA Family Photographer
Once your children are college-aged, it can be challenging to coordinate any family outing let alone a professional family portrait. As a studio photographer working with families throughout Northern Virginia, including Oakton, VA and Vienna, VA, we understand the complexities of family schedules. We have lived it ourselves! It is why we are offering the entire month of January for family portraits in the studio!
If you weren’t able to schedule family portraits before the holidays, the days following the holidays are equally useful for professional pictures! College-aged kids are likely still home. Call our studios to take advantage of everyone being home (and maybe driving you a little crazy) to do fine art professional portraits!
We can do your portraits at our portrait photography studio – whether indoors or outdoors (weather permitting). Keep in mind that doing January portraits in the Northern Virginia area usually means taking them indoors. That’s not a bad thing, though!
Here are six reasons to do family portraits in January at our studio:
1. Doing indoor winter session portraits mean we can select the background.
2. We can easily manipulate the lighting conditions using our equipment.
3. All of our equipment is within arm’s reach, so there’s no need to pack up any gear and take it off-site.
4. The studio is climate controlled for your comfort. Ahhh, warmth!!
5. The holiday frenzy is over! Yes! Breathe!
6. Kids are home for the holidays – meaning you can do a portrait with the entire family represented!
So, if you’d like to work with an experienced studio photographer who understands family schedules and dynamics, contact us TODAY to schedule your portraits! You can find us working hard at our craft in Sterling, VA, not far from Oakton, VA and Vienna, VA.
Family Photographer, Studio Photographer
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Oakton, VA and Vienna, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Why Should I Hire a Fine Art Photographer instead of a Shoot and Burner? | Northern VA Family Photographer
Why Should I Hire a Fine Art Photographer instead of a Shoot and Burner? | Northern VA Family Photographer
At our Northern Virginia studio not far from Oakton, VA, we create fine art portraiture. Occasionally, a current or potential client will ask us if there is a difference between fine art portrait photography and that of a big box photographer. That’s a great question, so let’s talk about those differences.
Fine art photography is an artistic and powerful form of portrait photography. It is not ordinary, and not an everyday form of photography. It is the result of years of training, and a carefully cultivated skill.
If you want a “shoot and burn to a DVD” photographer who ushers you into your session as quickly as they usher you out, you might not want to schedule with our studio. That’s not what we do.
Creating Excellence:
We create art for those who believe in the power of photography to tell their story in a beautiful, elegant, and authentic manner. Our portraits are an investment of time and treasure on our part as well as yours. We prepare meticulously for each portrait session, and no two are alike — just as no two clients are alike. Our fine art portraits are for the discerning clients interested in a tangible memory through fine art portraiture.
Commissioning Art:
There are so many ways to demonstrate your love for your family, but commissioning a fine art portrait with a skilled family photographer is one way. It shows your family how much you love and value them because fine art is more than a photograph. It is an elevated art form of photography.
We don’t give you a DVD and send you on your way to figure out what to do with those files. Your portraits are made into art for your walls, moments you can proudly display and which your children will see every day.
Our Clients:
Our clients come to us because they don’t want a big box photographer. They want a fine art photographer who will take their time before, during, and after a client’s session. Our clients don’t want an ordinary experience or ordinary portraits. They don’t want a cookie-cutter studio or an inexperienced photographer. They want a reputable portrait studio and a highly skilled family photographer who goes the extra mile for their clients.
If you would like to commission fine art portrait photography from an Oakton, VA area studio, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss our work with you!
Family Photographer, Portrait Photography
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Oakton, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
Photography Tips & Tricks: How to Shoot Great Cell Phone Pictures | Northern VA Family Photographer
Photography Tips & Tricks: How to Shoot Great Cell Phone Pictures | Northern VA Family Photographer
Cell phone cameras are better and easier to use than ever. Whether you are taking family pictures in Oakton, VA or anywhere in the Northern Virginia area, you can snap some high-quality photos using your cell phone. Here are a few tips on how to take better cell phone pictures!
Lighting: Make sure there’s enough light so you can see your subject. If there isn’t enough light, turn on some lights or head outdoors to make use of natural light. Remember that if you’re outside and you’re shooting into the sun, your subject’s face might appear dark in the shadow. Turn on your flash to add light.
Distance: As a family photographer, we see it time and again: People shoot from too far away. The result is a miniaturized subject. Avoid this issue by moving physically closer to the person rather than zooming in. Keep in mind that the more you zoom in, the more you decrease the resolution of the image. You’re sacrificing quality at that point, so, if at all possible, avoid zooming.
Don’t move! As with any camera, be sure to maintain a steady hand or you risk blurring the picture. A steady camera is especially crucial in lower lighting conditions. If necessary, you can use a cell phone tripod or improvise by steadying your arm on a stable surface such as a table.
Think out of the box: Photography doesn’t have to be about all the rules! Use your cell phone to have some fun, think and shoot out of the box. Play with perspective and angles. Remember that with digital photography, there’s no expensive film to waste! Lastly, we recommend not deleting your “bad” pictures immediately. Wait until your back at your computer to view them. You might find they worked out quite nicely, after all!
We hope you enjoy creating some fabulous memories with your cell phone and some quick-snap family pictures. If we can assist you with professional photography in the Oakton, VA or Northern Virginia areas, contact us. We’d love to help!
Other posts in this series:
Photography Tips & Tricks: Lighting tips for family snapshots
Photography Tips & Tricks: Get natural smiles from your kids!
Photography Tips & Tricks: Underwater Pictures
Photography Tips & Tricks: Pets
Photography Tips & Tricks: Confidence is key
Photography Tips & Tricks: 6 Tips for Taking Memorable Disney Park Photos
Photography Tips & Tricks: 5 Tips for Photographing Special Occasions
Photography Tips & Tricks: Creative Angles!
Family Photographer, Family Pictures
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Oakton, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
What is Fine Art Photography and Why is Your Family Worth It? | Northern VA Family Photographer
What is Fine Art Photography and Why is Your Family Worth It? | Northern VA Family Photographer
Your family is priceless to you. It’s that love of family that drives so many of our clients to come to us for their fine art photography. But, why “fine art” instead of “retail” photography like you might find anywhere in Northern Virginia, including Oakton, VA? The answer is simple: Your family is worth the beauty and excellence of a fine art portrait. And, unlike snapshots or retail images, fine art photography will last for generations to come, carrying on your family’s story.
Defining Fine Art Photography
If you looked up the definition of “fine art,” it would say: A fine art portrait is a cut above and begins with artistic vision as expressed in the creative choice of the portrait artist; it is technically excellent and provides the viewer with the enjoyment of the artwork that expresses emotion.
The process of taking pictures has become extremely easy. We think you understand that few pictures today are considered fine art. Fewer are worthy of prominent display in your home.
To be regarded as fine art photography, an image has to transcend ordinary photography, rising well above a snapshot. It needs to be something that stops the passerby and draws them in as viewers.
What Fine Art Photography Means to Us
We create portraits of the highest caliber for our clients and those they love. We don’t believe in creating portraits that are just technically proficient in how they are printed and then displayed in your home. We believe in creating portraiture that captures emotion and is compelling. We have dedicated our career to fine art photography because we genuinely think it is an important medium for the families we serve.
Fine Art Photography vs. Retail Photography
There are significant differences between what is known as retail or big-box photography and fine art photography. As we have said, fine art is an elevated and artistic photography genre. Typically, it is poignant and subject-authentic and subject-centric, meaning it is an accurate reflection of its subject.
Fine art portraits don’t have to be stiff and formal. They can be informal, indoors or outdoors. It should evoke emotion and offer insight into the subject, even to a stranger, but certainly to those with a personal connection to the subject.
With a big-box retail photo session, you make an appointment, and you show up to have your pictures taken. It tends to be more of a professional snapshot. That’s typically all there is to it. It might sound easier and quicker, but it’s not going to give you the same depth and reflection you receive from fine art portraits.
While big-box retail photography can be good pictures, they’re not at a level of poignancy, emotion, and reflection that they could be. The conditions in which they’re shot make them something entirely different than fine art photography. As an example, we would cite annual school pictures taken on a school day versus fine art senior photography. The quality and difference is immediately apparent!
Ever After as a Fine Art Photographer
As a fine art studio photographer, we invest a great deal of time into every portrait session, even before the client arrives. It is vital to our process and to the portraits that we know something about each client before they come. For example, we want to know their vision for their portraits – if they have one. At the very least, we like to know what styles they like (candid or formal) and what ideas they might have for their portraits.
We also like to know where they hope to display their portraits because that provides insight and guidance for us as their photographers. We ask them about their family and/or those who will be in the portrait. With all this information in hand, we can carefully plan for each session before it takes place.
We aren’t just a point-and-shoot photographer. We are highly-trained and experienced photographers who understand the value of getting to know our clients. We don’t just invest time to plan a session; we take our time during each session to engage with the client or clients. Our attention is focused entirely on that family because that level of personal engagement goes a long way toward creating excellent portraiture. It is what allows us to honestly reflect their personalities in their portraits.
Is Fine Art Photography Ordinary or Extraordinary?
We like to say that fine art photography is not ordinary photography or portraiture. It is extraordinary, something that exceeds everyday photography and imagery. It’s something so very worthy of your family’s time and money because family is worth the quality and memories created by fine art photography.
The emotions you feel when you look at a fine art portrait is what truly makes it “fine art.” It is what makes it worthy of being displayed prominently in your home or office.
Fine art photography is something clients take the time to do because they love their families and they treasure the opportunity to capture that moment of their lives in print. They understand that what they are capturing isn’t just for today, but for tomorrow’s generations as well.
With almost two decades of creating fine art photography at our studios (both indoor and outdoor) near Oakton, VA, our work remains completely client-centered. Without that focus, our work would be anything but fine art. We hope you will take the time to browse and enjoy our Gallery of work!
Family Photographer, Fine Art Photography
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Oakton, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
Cool Photography Sites and Blogs | Northern VA Family Photographer
Cool Photography Sites and Blogs | Northern VA Family Photographer
After almost two decades working in the South Riding, VA area in childrens photography, we can tell you that the Internet has been our friend! The amount of information available to hobby, serious, and professional photographers is astounding. As we’ve said in the past, we don’t have a lot of personal time, but we admit to spending time online doing research for our photography or reading about what interests us.
Here are a few photography-related blogs or sites we think you might enjoy! Send us a few of yours. We’re always looking for new and exciting readings!
• Peta Pixel is more for the serious or professional photographer. Even so, it has great photographs to browse, comprehensive tutorials, and reviews on equipment.
• See what photographers around the world are doing on National Geographic’s Your Shot.
• Expert Photography: Don’t let the name dissuade you if you’re just starting out in photography. There’s a good beginner’s guide.
• Time Magazine’s 50 Instagram photographers to follow. Some great photographers from all 50 states!
• DPS (Digital Photography School) offers great tutorials and you can sign up for their email list. There’s also information on equipment and post production. It’s more for the advanced photographer.
• Digital Trends has something for everyone including info on using that camera on your smart phone!
• The Photo Stack Exchange offers a great forum and discussion platform for photographers at any level. http://photo.stackexchange.com/
• For an interesting list of photography blogs to follow, Resource Magazine offers a list of 18 bloggers.
Contact us if you would like to discuss beautiful portraiture for you or your family. Family and childrens photography in the South Riding, VA and Northern Virginia areas is our specialty! (We also provide professional pictures including headshots.)
Family Photographer, Childrens Photography
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near South Riding, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
Professional Photographer
A Session with the Grandparents! | Northern VA Family Photographer
A Session with the Grandparents! | Northern VA Family Photographer
On a cold day, we had this wonderful portrait session inside our portrait photography studio. Tucked warmly indoors, not far from the Oakton, VA area, this loving, multi-generational session touched our hearts. We centered the portraits around the love and bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.
Liz and Travis wanted to have fine art portraits of their children with their maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather. They knew that the day would come for the children when these portraits would serve as a poignant legacy. Kathleen, Liz’s mother, and Floyd, Travis’ father, valued the opportunity to do this session with their beloved grandchildren. It didn’t take much to capture their joy in these portraits!
Multi-generational Photographs:
As a studio photographer, we urge you to consider multi-generational portraits. Not all grandchildren will remember their grandparents. Even when they do, not many will have beautiful, professional portraits to treasure for a lifetime.
Inevitably, the day will come when portraits will fill in the gaps of our fading memories. While the emotions of feeling loved by, and loving, someone will remain tucked deep within us, our mental portraits of them will begin to blur. Were it not for photographs, and painted portraits before photography, we’d struggle with our memories.
Multi-generational portraits are an extraordinary legacy you create for your children, and a gift you offer the older generation. Liz and Travis understood this which explains their investment in fine art portraiture of the oldest and youngest in their family. One day, Gabby and Christopher will be so grateful their parents ordered these portraits! We urge you to do the same for your parents and children.
Please contact our portrait photography studio near Oakton, VA to schedule your multi-generational portraits. Your family will cherish their grandparent and grandchildren portraits.
Family Photographer, Portrait Photography Studio
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy Belcher and Joriana Belcher Anderson, a mother-daughter portrait photography team located near Oakton, VA in Northern Virginia. We specialize in timeless and emotive fine art family portraits.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!