MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT
see beyond the mirror
When was the last time you truly felt seen?
I specialize in editorial-inspired portrait photography for women who are evolving, emerging, and reclaiming their presence. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, entering a new chapter, or simply honoring who you are—you deserve to be seen in photographs that capture more than your appearance.
This is not
Glamour.
This is NOT
Fantasy.
This is
Presence.
Each session is fully guided, styled, and art-directed to translate your personal style - no matter what that is - into evocative, lasting imagery.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to show up. Many of the women I photograph are still finding their confidence, refining their style, or simply learning how to see themselves in a new light.
We’ll build the vision together.
My clients are collaborators—curious, intentional women who want to feel grounded in their own skin, not styled into someone else’s fantasy. They come not to hide behind a makeover, but to express who they’ve become with honesty and presence.
...as seen in...
These are portraits that feel like legacy—of who you were, who you are, and who you're becoming.
The Studio
Located in Petersburg, Virginia—serving Richmond, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas—Melody Smith Portrait is where children 10+, teens, and women of all ages come to mark a threshold, refine their image, and finally see themselves, clearly.
"You don't find yourself, you create yourself."
-George Bernard Shaw-
CREATIVE FEE
$489
WHATS INCLUDED
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Online Design Consultation
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Hair & Make Up Styling
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Multiple Wardrobe Variations
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Use of my Studio Wardrobe
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Use of my Studio Accessories
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Fully Directed Photoshoot
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Live styling during your session
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Multiple backdrops & lighting
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Private, gorgeous studio
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Full retouching included
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Reveal & Ordering session
(all photographs are purchased separately)
HAVE QUESTIONS?
THE CONSULTATION
It all begins with a personal consultation. We’ll meet online to chat through the full experience, walk through pricing, and discuss how you’d like to be seen. Whether you have a clear vision or just a feeling you want to express, this is where we begin shaping the session around you. Consultations are TEXT BASED only through Facebook or Instagram Messenger!
THOUGHTFUL COLLABORATION
form - character - mood - personality - connection
This is where the story starts to take form. Together, we’ll explore wardrobe options from your own closet and my studio collection. You’ll complete a PERSONALIZED STYLE SURVEY, and we’ll exchange inspiration images to guide the tone, mood, and styling of your session. This process is collaborative but effortless—I’ll guide you every step of the way.
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are"
-Carl Jung-
Preparing for Your Day
Before your session, you'll receive my SECRETS TO THE PERFECT PHOTOSHOOT that covers everything—from skin and nail prep and what to bring. You’ll know exactly how to arrive, and how to feel prepared for the experience ahead.
Think of this as your reset day, a moment set aside for yourself.
Wardrobe & Styling
Included with your session is access to my in house studio wardrobe that holds a variety of blazers, coats, bodysuits, bustiers, relaxed trousers, and a small curated collection of formal gowns. Together, we will create multiple looks using both my in house wardrobe AND items you already own or consider purchasing.
I stopped hiding...my kids deserved memories of me."
Denise J.
"This was the first time I had ever referred to myself as FIERCE, STUNNING, or even a GODDESSS."
Sarah G.
"I left feeling powerful, confident and truly seen!"
Megan M.
"At 42, I claimed my power....and I LOVED it!"
Erin R.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
Your session takes place in my Petersburg Studio and begins with PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKE UP. From there, I’ll direct you through a fully styled, fully guided portrait experience featuring MULTIPLE WARDROBE VARIATIONS, lighting styles, and backdrops.
Every movement, expression, and detail is shaped with care—it’s as easy as showing up and trusting the process.
Sessions Start: 10:00 am Sessions Wrap: 3:00/4:00pm
$
The Reveal & Ordering Appointment
Two to three weeks after your session, we’ll meet via ZOOM for your
IMAGE REVEAL & ORDERING APPOINTMENT.
You’ll view 45–55 fully retouched portraits and choose your favorites.
Images are available to purchase a la carte starting at $389 per digital file or in collection sets starting at $2,250.
You’ll only BUY what you LOVE.
about Melody Smith
Melody Smith is an internationally acclaimed Triple Master Photographer with over 30 years of experience in art & photography. Throughout her distinguished career, she has earned more than 100 awards, including accolades from WPPI & the ICON Awards. She has been honored as both Gold & Platinum Photographer of the Year by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Imaging Competition.
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FINE ART & COUTURE
"These images represent my most personal and artistic work, where styling, concept, and execution are entirely driven by my creative vision. Unlike my signature portrait sessions, these pieces often feature elaborate couture styling, intricate details, and a fine art approach. While I no longer offer these sessions to the public, you’re welcome to join the waitlist for future opportunities."
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International Award Winning Photography
"What you see
is only
half the story"
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Black and white maternity portrait taken at Melody Smith Portrait in Petersburg VA
Black and white calvin klien inspired 90's denim centric fashion portrait of a woman in her 40's
fashion forward editorial portrait of teen girl wearing glasses an oversized blazer and jeans
editorial studio portrait of a woman wearing a free people skirt hermes shoes photographed in Petersburg VA at Melody Smith Portrait Studio
editorial style black and white portrait of a teen girl wearing denim sitting on a stool photographed at Melody Smith Portrait in Richmond VA
editorial moody black and white portrait of a girl in movement with the wind blowing barefoot in a dress photographed at Melody Smith Portrait in Richmond VA
woman in her 50's with curly hair sitting on a stool photographed at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Petersburg VA
woman in her 60's with face cancer photographed naturally at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Richmond VA
black and white portrait of a pregnant woman wearing a white button up shirt with the wind blowing in her hair photographed at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Chesterfield VA