Hampton Roads, Virginia Documentary Photographer | Jess Nicole Photography
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A Day in the Life on the Eastern Shore, Virginia | Jess Nicole Photography | Family Photographer

10/3/2021

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A few weeks ago, I had the absolute honor of traveling up to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to document an afternoon in the life of this sweet family. Every year, they gift a photo session to the grandmother/mother/mother-in-love and I honestly couldn't think of a more perfect gift to give someone I love.
And even better, when I got there, I was instantly welcomed into their lives. 
family walking on sandbar on the eastern shore of virginia
What greater blessing to give thanks for at a family gathering than the family and the gathering. -Robert Brault
girl asleep in grandfather's arms while riding the boat
I love looking at an ordinary scene and making art out of what I see. Our ordinary moments are so beautiful, we only need to look a little closer. 
I immediately was ushered onto a boat for a ride to one of their family's favorite destinations, lovingly named Crab Beach. We searched for crabs and mermaid treasures. 
They enjoyed an afternoon of swimming, playing, riding dirt bikes, and eating delicious food. 

outdoor shower with loofah and bathing suits hung over the side
black and white portrait of little girl cuddling her father
I couldn't help but to be reminded of my own childhood and thinking of my own past experiences (you can read more about what I have to say about on this topic in this blog) . These familial places that hold deep meaning to our families help to shape our life and our memories.  When they think back on their childhood, they will remember the people and the setting- and when these together are combined...it feels a lot like home. 
I hope these images are something this family will treasure. 
girls going into the family home on the eastern shore of virginia
little boy riding dirt bike on the eastern shore of virginia
To schedule your own Day in the Life Session, please contact me here or by using the Contact tab above. I would love to talk with you about how best to preserve your memories and how I can serve your family. 
Wondering what a Day in the Life Session with me is like? Read this blog post to find some helpful information and maybe answer some of your ponderings. 
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Sundays are for Fun | Day in the Life Session | Norfolk, Virginia Photographer

5/20/2021

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Some say that Friday is for fun, but this family goes all out on Sunday. Due to work schedules, Sunday is their day to be together with nothing on the agenda except what they want to do.  Sometimes that means Dad makes pancakes from scratch and they hang around the house, but more times than not it means that they pack in the fun with their daughter and squeeze a week's worth of fun into a single day. 
This session captured one of the activity filled Sundays.  I've worked with this family several times in the past and I was so over-the -moon thrilled that they decided on a Day in the Life Session!
Mom and daughter outside of The Cure Coffee in Norfolk, Virginia
When I arrived, everyone was finishing up getting dressed and we were headed out the door for fresh, gourmet coffee (and the best cup of Earl Grey for me!) at The Cure in downtown Norfolk. Then we strolled down the streets of this charming district, took in the beautiful water views, watched sailboats, and ended up at the "Pirate Park" to play. 
orange peels on kitchen table in norfolk, virginia home
As lunchtime neared, we headed to Taste for the best sandwiches and salads in all of Hampton Roads. (Seriously, if you're coming to visit the area- this is the place you want to go!) They decided to dine at home because friends were stopping by to say hi and for a quick play date. And of course, we don't want to miss that, do we? 
portrait of a girl in front of shop window in norfolk, virginia
toddler leaping off slide in norfolk, virginia park
They played, enjoyed the day to it's fullest, fed the birds, made brownies, and even had time to throw together an amazing lasagna before bath and bed time. 
I have to say, sessions like these are my absolute favorite. I'm with you for your whole day and I love the freedom it gives me to truly capture your family. It gives me ample opportunity to see the heart of your family and to understand your "why". There's no pressure. There's no posing or saying cheese. You don't have to be "on". You just have to be. I try to blend right into the family and just enjoy the day right along with you. 
If you're on the fence about booking a session, just do it. You won't regret it. You'll love the memories captured and you'll treasure them for years to come.  Even your ordinary days are really magical, you've just got to see it. 
Click here to inquire about booking your session or click the contact tab above.  I can't wait to talk to you about your memories. 
toddler filling bird feeder with seeds
toddler getting ready for bed with blanket over head
sliver of light onto toys in norfolk, virginia home
environmental portrait of mom on bed in norfolk, virginia home
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What to Expect on Your Day in the Life Session | Hampton Roads Photographer | Jess Nicole Photography

3/31/2021

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see your daily life through someone else's eyes? It can be a really amazing experience. I offer Day in the Life Sessions in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area (and beyond!). This allows me to spend 8 hours- or more- with a family and to artfully document their daily life.  This allows me the time to get to know you, figure out what's important to you, and to gain your trust. I'm not there to judge you or your house or your parenting style or lifestyle. I'm there to tell the story that is unfolding in front of me. 
Why would you want this type of session? Well, I'm glad you asked because...
child napping on couch in norfolk, virginia home
  • It gives a true, authentic look into this season of your life. I'm a big believer that we are right where we are supposed to be. Sometimes that season of life is messy, sometimes it's a little chaotic- but that doesn't make it any less worthy of documenting. These are the moments that make up our life, these are the memories that we will hold dear to our hearts in years to come. 
  • Sunset sessions in a field with everyone in coordinating outfits are beautiful, no one can deny that. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, they are worthy too! But if you're here, in my little space of the internet, then you're looking for something a bit more than generic fields. You're looking for something real, something heartfelt. Something that will tug at your heartstrings and make you "remember the days when..." You're here looking for meaning. 
  • You want no stress. I come to you and I take you as you are. I'm not there to judge you, I'm not there to make assumptions about your family or how you parent. I'm there to tell your story and to give voice to your family's experience and your daily life. You don't have to clean up or do anything special for me. This is life...and to me, that's beautiful. 
dad and sons laying on the couch in chesapeake, virginia home
What can you expect from your session?
  1. A day in the life session is typically 8 hours, so you need to choose which parts of the day you'd like to capture. The most popular time blocks are 8am-3pm to capture morning and afternoon/naptime routines, usually with an outing thrown in the mid morning area. Another popular time block is 11am-7pm. This give us an opportunity to document the after noon and evening routines, playing outside, etc. There's an option to add on extra hours of course, up to 12. 
  2. You can expect a pre-consulation. I love to hop on Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime to do these. They last about 30 minutes and are very low key. I just want to chat with you about your vision and ask questions about your family.
  3. I'm doing all the things with you that your family does. If we are going to the beach, I'm along for the ride. Need to run to the store? Make room for me (seriously have room for me in the car because I'm riding as a passenger)! Are you planting flowers and mowing the lawn? I'm there for that too. Whatever your daily life looks like, that's what I'm doing. Whether you plan activities or have a quiet day at home is up to you- think about what story you want to tell. Don't forget, I'm here to help! I am happy to listen to your ideas and chat with you about them. 
  4. You can expect me to come into your home like an old family friend you haven't seen in a while. I want your kids to think of me as "the cool Aunt"! It won't be awkward (well, I'm awkward, but I like to think it's endearing and adorable) and I won't take a fly on the wall approach unless that's what you ask of me- but I won't manipulate a scene or tell anyone what to do or what not to do. Which leads me to my next point...
  5. I am not a babysitter. If you step out of the room your child is in while I'm still in there and they do something they aren't supposed to do, like color on the wall, I am not stopping them. I'm shooting through that moment and also through the moment you see the coloring on the wall. It may seem a little weird, but I promise that in years to come, you will love having these pictures. I will only intervene in situations where the child could harm themselves. 
  6. You can expect your gallery to be completed in 2-4 weeks after your session. You will receive an online, password protected gallery with your images for you to download. You can also expect a hardcover 8x8 keepsake photo book with images from your day about 6 weeks after your session. (Due to COVID, I can't guarantee production or shipping times, but I do promise to keep you informed!) 
Picture
girls looking out the window in chesapeake home
family framed by doorway in newport news home
family eating in backyard camping chesapeake, virginia
kids flipping and jumping on trampoline chesapeake, virginia
kid looking into hollow pumpkin in backyard chesapeake, virginia
Does this sound like something you would love to be a part of?  I am happy to talk to you about it and answer any questions you may have. Just send me a message here or you can reach me on any of my social medias- Instagram here and Facebook here. 
If I've learned anything in the past year, it's been this: life is too short and too precious to miss out on documenting these memories. Invest in them. 
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    Jess is a photographer serving families located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She specializes in documentary and storytelling photography.

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" Jess came into our home and captured beautiful memories for us that we will cherish forever. She made us feel at ease and just captured us as we are- you could actually see everyone's true character in the shots. These are the moments that make up the good stuff of life. It's what's real. It's what matters."

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family photographer Jessica Hubbard located in Chesapeake, Virginia
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