The 10 Best Family Photographers in Virginia Beach

Searching for the best Virginia Beach family photographers to work with? We understand that desire! After all, Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly creative venue rentals. So what does that have to do with family photographers, you ask? Only that we work with photographers daily, helping them secure incredible, one-of-a-kind venues for their projects. And thanks to this, we have developed an eye for the best photographic talent out there and hope to pass that expertise on to you. That way, you can feel confident when you book one of the following immensely talented VB family photographers!

An oceanfront city with surf, sand, and infinite fun under the warm, bright sun — what more could you ask for from Virginia Beach? When we started our search for the top Virginia Beach family photographers, we ended up finding so much talent in the area that we decided to limit our radius to around 30 miles. Take a look at these shutterbugs’ impeccable portfolios, and we think you’ll agree that they all produce phenomenal work.

1. Mingying Carbone Photography

Talented photographer Mingying Carbone excels at producing natural and fun lifestyle photos of families, couples, and children. She takes candid shots and combines them with her minimal editing; as such, her portfolio feels inspired by film and full of nostalgia.

Collab with her when you want your days as a family documented, the days when you actually look authentically you — messy hair and shopping centers are optional. The beauty in her work is also the simplicity of it. In fact, she straightforwardly tells the stories of the people she photographs while making even casual moments unforgettable. 

2. Melissa Bliss Photography

Gifted portrait artist Melissa Bliss creates dreamy portraits of genuine human connections — and they are truly something special. She uses light, shadows, and silhouettes to create compelling imagery, allowing the subjects to be themselves. This also adds a much-appreciated emotional touch to her work. Invite Melissa into your family’s life for the day and allow her to capture the love she sees in her gorgeous approach to family photography.

3. Photography By Mj, LLC

With over a decade of experience as a newborn photographer, MJ has gained a repertoire of poses to make your newborn look adorable. She also boasts a ton of technical expertise, both behind the camera and in post-processing. In doing so, she creates an end product that radiates an enviable glow. She creates the sweetest snapshots of this fleeting time in life — the first few weeks of being in the world — and her whimsical styling just ups the awww factor. If your kiddos are a bit older, don’t worry, she makes breathtaking portraits of children of all ages! 

4. Lee Pettigrew Photography + Films

Lee Pettigrew creates some of the most beautiful and emotional images in her work as a birth photographer. In fact, many of them took our breath away. Capturing these raw moments of pain and tenderness is a task she takes seriously. Through her images, you can feel the gravity of the moment as well as the transcendental state of becoming a mother. Her storytelling ability, even in daily life, is unrivaled. So, the next time you want authentic portraits of your family life, give Lee a call. We think you’ll agree that her work is honest and honestly stunning. 

5. Tracy Reed Photography

Tracy Reed loves the beach, which is important to consider when looking for a Virginia Beach family photographer! She uses the neutral colors of the sand and sea, along with all of the glorious sunlight, to create free-spirited photos with a lifestyle vibe. Her photos also encompass the scent of the salty air, wind-blown grass, and most importantly, the bonds of a family. She even does in-home lifestyle sessions for newborns or those who want to remember daily routines and activities.

6. Laura Walter Photography

Laura Walter creates emotionally impactful and sunny images. Though based in the Outer Banks, she frequently travels to Virginia Beach to work with families. And we’re glad she does! She makes beautiful use of the area’s stunning outdoor elements. As part of a large family herself, Laura appreciates how quickly time passes and the importance of capturing fleeting moments that you will treasure forever. She also happens to be very good at this, luckily for us all!

It may not surprise you that Laura has tons of glowing testimonials from past clients. Here is just one as an example. “We had a newborn session with Laura and she was AMAZING and so patient. First-time momma here and she handled everything for me; making it a great experience. I am so in love with every single one of my pictures. I can’t wait to book another session with her.”

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7. Sami Roy Photography

Sami Roy is a talented portrait photographer who serves all of Virginia Beach, and we are grateful for that. In fact, we love how Sami’s documentary-style perfectly captures genuine family moments. Even the messy parts! She has a photojournalist’s eye for candid moments and framing that feels completely natural and unposed. If you want to remember how your life felt at a particular moment in time and capture its essence in a snapshot, work with Sami today. 

8. Emily Eileen Photography

Emily Paszczykowski has a bright, natural style, perfect for capturing the sweetness of childhood. Her use of natural light highlights her subjects in the most flattering way. Plus, her high-key editing makes for dreamy maternity and newborn shots. If you scroll through Instagram and desire the high-caliber lifestyle shots, the ones full of light and joy, you’re in luck — that’s just Emily’s style!

9. Annie Untalan of MojoFoto Co

Annie Untalan has some serious mojo, hence the name, we suppose! Her portraits are somewhere between fashion and lifestyle photography — natural feeling yet with an eye towards making her subjects look amazing. Free, playful, and real, with a heavy dose of cool, her work appears almost effortless, and we just can’t get enough of it. Work with Annie when you want to feel like an effortless goddess at the center of your family shoot because that’s how you will look!

10. Shawna Bielat Photography

To describe Shawna Bielat’s photography portfolio in a single word: ethereal. Her style is high-key — adding an angelic vibe to maternity portraits, enhancing that pregnancy glow! Her almost romantic style — creamy tones, soft flowing fabrics — all contribute to the goddess vibe of her portraits. It’s no wonder she’s among the top Virginia Beach family photographers. She makes motherhood appear absolutely sublime and dreamy.

Bonus: Griffon Photography

Griffon Photography is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Jason and Brandy Griffon. What really stands out about this duo’s family photography is the way the setting plays such a crucial role. (Something we at Peerspace understand completely!) In fact, look through their portfolio, and you will see happy families frolicking surfside or in a whimsical set the couple provides for the shoot. The Griffons not only capture fleeting moments in time. They also celebrate them with joyous photos.

Peerspace + Virginia Beach family photographers = magic

We hope you’ve enjoyed perusing this list of talented Virginia Beach family photographers as much as we’ve enjoyed making it! As you can see, there is tons of talent in this beachside oasis. Each has their own style that we think can suit just about every type of family out there. Once you choose your dream photographer, book a stunning Peerspace venue and capture your family in all its radiance!

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