Cole and Fam | Virginia Beach Child and Family Photography

When a Mom says that her son is drop-dead adorable, one can either think she has Mom Goggles on or, in fact, it truly is very evident her son is.

Vicki has been a friend to my husband and me since we moved into our apartment when we got married. She's the manager of our complex and has been a Godsend to us. I met her son and husband (Tim) long before our session since they all used to live here at one time, too. So nothing was really new EXCEPT I got to meet the Shelties.

Petey and Bella, the cutest dogs around, won me over. And for the first time ever, my husband was begging to see one of my session's photos. (This is from the man who proclaims he will have a mini-Lassie one day.) I told Vicki that if Bella is missing one day, don't come looking at our place...... ;)

So back to those Mom Goggles. No Mom Goggles here. Not only was Cole a natural in front of the camera, but he has such a loving temperment. You could tell he loved his Momma, his Dad, and his dogs. And if Rusty and I are blessed with a son one day, I hope he would be just like him.

This is just one of those families that you know are "good peoples." And after reading the review Tim wrote on the Facebook page, I couldn't help but keep my high opinion. It made my day!

We had some beautiful light at the Little Island Park in Sandbridge, so I had a field day when I got the photos on the computer to bring out those colors I saw. :)















- Chelsea :)

John-Coleman - A Virginia Zoo Portrait.

When Lora (my friend and colleague) came to me and asked me about doing a portrait session for her son, John-Coleman, I was really excited because he is about to go into second grade. (I will always have a soft spot for that age group! It's a flashback to my second grade teacher days. :) )

We brainstormed different places to go, and she decided on the Virginia Zoo because it's a favorite of John-Coleman. And we know my intense love for any quality zoo, so of course, I was pumped.

Before I show some of my favorites, let me tell you about this boy's amazing talent for being at ease in front of the camera. He practically read my mind every shot and did it perfectly! I told him I needed to hire him to help out other kids when they get their pictures taken with me. :)

... oh, and the best part, he's an avid reader of the Magic Tree House series. He's a true winner in my eyes! ;)


















- Chelsea :)

Chase - A Brotherly Photo Session.

It all started with my getting a new prime lens (the kind that doesn't have zooming capabilities... which is the ideal portrait lens). My family came over to my house so we could celebrate my Dad's and my father-in-law's birthdays. I made lunch, and we had a good time... AND of course, I figured this was the perfect time to get some photos. A new lens needs a willing subject to test it out on. (You can only make your husband to succumb to so many shots. :) ) Since I have no children or pets, I asked my little brother to be my little model. He's such a good patient kiddo. :)













To see more from this session, check out the website or Facebook.

- Chelsea :)

Baby M. and her soulful eyes.

Last Sunday, I was honored with capturing Brent and Timille's beautiful newborn in photos, and it was a ton of fun because they were really laid back and up for anything. We really were fortunate because the weather was warm for November... and the best most natural lighting at their home was to be found outside. We set up a table with a deep espresso brown basket with fluffy blankets that I brought... and we were able to get some amazing shots!

Baby M. had such brilliantly soulful eyes, and I wanted to really focus on that feature of hers. We had very few "sleepy baby" pictures... she loved the camera!

It's always so special to see the new parents' expressions... and when Brent put the Green Bay Packers onesie on his daughter, it was there. I know because I am not a mother yet, it's unfathomable to truly comprehend the feeling of falling in love instantly with someone you helped create. But what a beautiful miracle.

Congratulations again, Brent and Timille! You're going to make wonderful parents. :)

-- Chelsea :)

Angels, bugs, and mice, oh my!

Yesterday, I volunteered as a photographer for my church's big fall community event (Hallelujah Harvest). It was absolutely adorable! There were so many different costumes-- homemade, store-bought, and put together. It reminds me of what it was like to be a kid again. The joy on their faces were too precious; they were so proud of their outfits.

Up next... wedding on Wednesday. :)
-- Chelsea :)

Lions, tigers, and bears (without the lions, tigers, and bears).

My husband-to-be and I recently went to the Virginia Zoo (formerly the Norfolk Zoo). Even though I've called Hampton Roads my home for 15 years, I had never gone before! For someone who is spoiled by the San Diego Zoo's awesomeness, the Virginia Zoo is really nice.

The animals were in adequate enclosures (not too constricting at all), and there was plenty of space for visitors to move about. The water fountains are right there at the entrance (as you can see below)... there were a ton of kids just playing and squealing. It was pretty adorable.

I couldn't help but think that it'd be a perfect spot for senior or engagement portraits (if they didn't mind getting a little wet, of course!). :)

Norfolk, Virginia

-- Chelsea :)

Dance, magic, dance.

I had a blast photographing an academic camp's final dance. These kids were very fun... as well as the staff! It was pretty neat that the DJ played an excellent Michael Jackson tribute mix at the very end. Overall, good times, good times. Thank you, SIG, for sharing your memories with me! :)

Austin, Texas

-- Chelsea :)

Fun with Sasa and Nana.

While here in Texas, I was asked to do an impromptu photo session of my director friend's two adorable girls. :) I love it! Nana and Sasa were a bundle of energy that I wished I could bottle up and drink! Nana was ALL over the place, and Sasa had her sassy "high heels" on. It was a very fun shoot. Here are just some of my personal favorites...

Austin, Texas

-- Chelsea :)

And away we go!

What's a photography website without constantly updated photos? I actually love blogging. It's a great way to make your mark on the world of cyberspace even if only a handful of people ever see it... which I hope there will be more than handfuls. :)

To start off, I'll post some most recent shots from a field trip my class just went on a month ago.

Jamestown Settlement, Virginia

I'm excited to get this photography thing started! Keep checking back for more updates in the coming days.

-- Chelsea :)