Kira is one of the coolest chicks I’ve met since I’ve lived in Virginia Beach. She knew my husband from way back when, and once I started taking photography more seriously, he suggested I meet up with her because he knew we both loved taking photos! For these portraits, we had two separate sessions. The first session (featured last here) took place at my home. The use of lighting was definitely something different for me. But, I have to say, I love the final product!! For the second session, we explored the ViBe district, and ViBrant it was. I’m honestly not sure which session was my favorite. What do you guys think?
Kira, I can’t wait to shoot with you again! Thanks for hanging out!
Despite living in the same state, my dad and I don’t get to see each other as much as we would like. So, as you can imagine, I was super excited when he told me he was coming to visit!
My dad and bonus mom, Melinda, spent the hottest weekend of the entire summer hanging out with us in Virginia Beach. They honestly could not have picked a better time to come. We had a blast just spending time together and playing in the waves all day, which is something I haven’t done in FOREVER! One of my favorite childhood memories is actually boogie boarding in the ocean with my dad. Virginia Beach was always our vacation spot when I was a kid, so spending time on the oceanfront together brought back such happy memories. We also had a great time at Top Golf and playing Scattegories before they had to head back home. Of course, I made sure to squeeze in some time for a quick little photo session. For two people who swore they were not photogenic, I think the photos turned out pretty darn good!!!
Thank you guys so much for coming to visit! Jordan and I had such a wonderful time. I hope you enjoy the photos!
Now booking oceanfront sunset mini sessions for August 26th!
Want a few professional photos but not ready to invest in a full session? Mini sessions are the perfect compromise!
What are ‘mini sessions?’
A mini session is a photo shoot that occurs back-to-back with other sessions in a set location. Sessions last for approximately 30 minutes. Mini sessions are intended for up to three individuals at a time.
What’s included?
As with all packages, you will receive a styling guide, one-on-one consultation (if desired), a print release, and a digital image gallery to select and download your favorite images. You will receive 5 retouched high resolution digital images with additional images available for purchase at a discounted rate if desired! You should receive your gallery within two weeks of the session date.
Where will these mini sessions be held?
Sessions will be held on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Specific location will be emailed to you upon booking.
How do I reserve my spot?!
Email me at: (mandalyn@mandalynrenee.com) and include the following information:
– time preference
– names of individuals to be included in photos
– address and phone number
To secure your time slot, a $75 retainer and signed contract is required. Total cost for the session is $125 + tax (this price includes the $75 retainer).
Available Times:
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
These sessions are so much fun! Email me to snag your spot before they are all gone!!
mandalyn@mandalynrenee.com
If you read my blog post about my very first photoshoot ever, you may remember two of these gorgeous faces – Becca and William! At the time, Becca was pregnant with baby Everly and we were all anxiously waiting to meet her!! Because Jordan and I live in Virginia, we weren’t able to travel to Oklahoma for a few months after her birth. I think the long wait made meeting her that much sweeter!
During our visit, we just had to squeeze in a few minutes for Everly’s first official photo shoot!! She has the cutest rockstar hair, sweetest smile, and her laugh is sooooo heartwarming! For a little while, I even got to hold her while she slept. I can’t wait to see how much she has grown by our next visit!
Here’s a peek at a few of my favorite shots from the mini shoot. Aren’ they the cutest little family??
I’ve been friends with Christina on social media for years now, but never actually had the opportunity to meet her in person until a couple of weeks ago! Through the power of social media, I’ve seen her get engaged, get married, and have a beautiful baby girl. So, naturally I was very excited to finally get to meet her in person!! When I started my photography business, Christina asked me if I would consider doing a shoot with her little family on my next trip to Oklahoma. Just a few weeks later, it was happening!! Christina and Ryan were kind enough to invite me into their gorgeous home to capture some lifestyle portraits of their beautiful little family of three. And when I say beautiful family, I mean STUNNING!! Christina and I hit it off immediately and the photo session was tons of fun! I’m so honored to have been able to capture the first portraits of this family of three in their gorgeous home. Thank you so much for having me!
Denisse is one of the most kind and empathetic people that I know. She devotes so much of her time to caring for students that I was not the least bit surprised when she contacted me about a photo shoot for someone else. That someone else is a very special person in her life: her daughter Anyssa. As Anyssa’s birthday was fast approaching, Denisse wanted to preserve memories of her daughter’s growth, as well as surprise her with a fun gift she would love! The more we discussed her vision and goals for the shoot, the more it became apparent that we needed to incorporate Denisse into the shoot as well. Thus, a mother-daughter shoot was born!
We discussed potential outfits ahead of time, but I was definitely blown away when they stepped out of the car. Total model status!!! To say they were natural at modeling is an understatement. Denisse and Anyssa have both brains and beauty and I honestly do not think this oceanfront shoot could have turned out any better. I’m so glad Denisse decided to join in on the fun! Now they will have memories of these moments together for a lifetime.
Ashley has been my nearest and dearest friend for practically my entire life. We met when we were two, grew up together, and still talk every. single. day. After high school, we decided to attend different colleges (to everyone’s surprise), but we never lost our bond. When Ashley moved to Blacksburg, I visited. When I moved to Harrisonburg, she visited. When Ashley moved to NYC, I visited. When I moved to Virginia Beach, she visited. When Ashley came back home to Farmville to open her own law firm, I visited. Needless to say, there have been a plethora of moves and many life changes along the way, but one thing that has remained is our best friend bond!
When Ashley told me she was planning to open her own law firm and needed some professional headshots, I was SO EXCITED and so honored she asked me to be her photographer!!! Ashley is one of the smartest and hardest working people I know – and I know A LOT of people. I just know she is going to have an incredibly successful business, because she’s already an amazing lawyer!! If you’re in Prince Edward or the surrounding counties, check out Sterling Legal, PLLC for all of your legal needs.
Jeff and I grew up in the same small town. I’m pretty sure we attended preschool together. Needless to say, we’ve known each other for awhile! Kaitlyn and my sister met each other in college and are still great friends. I honestly have no idea how Kaitlyn and Jeff met, but I am SO glad that they did because they are PERFECT for each other!! They are some of the most honest and pure people that I know. They are also SO much fun!! When we started talking about the possibility of an engagement session, I was excited just to get to hang out with them. And when we actually had the session, I’m pretty sure we laughed the entire time. Jeff is hilarious and watching him interact with Kaitlyn is all heart eyes for me!!
Kaitlyn and Jeff’s vision for their engagement session was to combine their love of country and ocean. I think we were able to do just that! We met at a beautiful horse farm in Virginia Beach and spent some time wondering around before we drove to the beach. I honestly cannot decide which setting I like better – or which shots were my favorites because I honestly LOVED THEM ALLLLLL. So, here are my top 50 or so faves from their shoot.
“They grow up too fast!” is probably the number one thing parents say to me about their children. The idea of being able to provide someone with images that make such precious time stand still is such a good feeling.
I met the Smiths at the Chesapeake Arboretum for a session with their ADORABLE little family. When I talked with Amory about her vision for the session with her husband and two children, I was ecstatic to find out that she was also expecting! What a perfect moment to freeze time. Throughout the session, I could tell how important family is to them and what amazing parents they both are. I’m honestly not sure I’ve met a family with a stronger bond (or one that was better coordinated…I mean just look at those outfits!!!)
I had so much fun capturing the love of the Smiths! Happy Father’s Day, Jason!
Okay, seriously. I am in love with this session!!! Originally, we planned to shoot in downtown Norfolk, but at the last minute we discovered this little spot in Virginia Beach that we nicknamed the “Serengeti.” I’m so glad we decided to change locations because the setting turned out to be so lovely. What was even more lovely than this whimsical little area was my model, Dana! Not only is Dana lovely, but she is one of the hardest working women that I know. She’s a full time student, holds multiple jobs, and somehow finds the time and energy to eat healthy and work out. I honestly have no idea how she holds it all down, but needless to say, I’m impressed! We had such a blast taking photos; I’m so glad she was able to make time in her busy schedule for me to capture some killer portraits. And, I’m not kidding either… they are KILLER. Just scroll down and see for yourself!! I hope you enjoy my favorite shots of Dana as much as I do!!
