top of page

Melody Smith

PORTRAIT

see beyond the mirror

When was the last time you truly felt seen?

"I believe we all deserve to exist  where we aren’t just celebrated, we are honored.  It is my gift to hold space for everything you’ve ever wanted to be, but more importantly to see you exactly as you."

On the surface my work is about beauty, but hidden behind these doors is a space of personal transformation. Through out my 30 year career photographing thousands of clients, one thing has become evident: being truly seen is so much more important than how we look and when we are fully seen we are our at most  alive & beautiful. I’ve spent my life deep diving into both physical and personal transformation and my camera has allowed me to witness and document these moments for so many individuals from all walks of life.

This is an experience that doesn’t ask

“That’s me?”

It’s a proclamation:

“That’s me.”

My studio is a space where time disappears and you are gently kept grounded in the moment, guided through an embodied portrait session that leaves you with not only a collection of empowering portraits but a shift in how you show up for yourself and others in the world.

...as seen in...

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.

"you don't Find yourself, you create yourself."

-George Bernard Shaw

...how it works...

Consultation

First, we will set up a time to chat via FB or IG messenger.  These are text based chats where we can share images, videos, and logistics!  Text Consults are REQIRED to book any session in my studio.

portrait studio richmond virginia

Photoshoot

This is a fully guided experience.  During your session I will gently flow you through a variety of embodied poses & facial expressions as we explore a variety of wardrobe changes, lighting styles & backdrops. 

NO EXPERIENCE REQIRED!

melody smith photography studio virginia

REVEAL

After your session, we will schedule your Zoom Reveal & Ordering appointment where I will show you 45-50 unique images. You can choose to buy your portraits either a-la-carte or in collections.

best photographer in virginia

...how it works...

1. Consultation

First, we will set up a time to chat via FB or IG messenger.  These are text based chats where we can share images, videos, and logistics!  Text Consults are REQIRED to book any session in my studio.

2. Photoshoot

This is a fully guided experience.  During your session I will gently flow you through a variety of embodied poses & facial expressions as we explore a variety of wardrobe changes, lighting styles & backdrops. 

NO EXPERIENCE REQIRED!

3. REVEAL

After your session, we will schedule your Zoom Reveal & Ordering appointment where I will show you 45-50 unique images. You can choose to purchase your photographs either a-la-carte or in collections.

STYLING

Your session is styled based on a collection of information I will gather from you during our Online Consultation as well as completing my Style Survey.

(Collaboration is REQUIRED for all sessions)

From casual to formal, my studio houses hundreds (if not thousands) of garments in sizes 00-22! 

YOUR STYLE MATTERS

I encourage you to:

-Look through your own closet for meaningful pieces

-Bring outfits you LOVE or want an excuse to wear

-Shop for special items you've always wanted to wear/try

Your session is most powerful when it blends your essence with my styling. Let’s create something that's truly you.

While I don't officially provide wardrobe for Children/Men, I do keep a small client closet.

Your session includes use of my Standard* Client Wardrobe.  

$389

WHATS INCLUDED

  • Online Design Consultation

  • A fully directed  photoshoot with 3 wardrobe changes​

  • Hair & Make Up Styling

  • Use of my Client Wardrobe 

  • Use of my Studio Accessories 

  • Live styling during your session

  • Multiple backdrops & lighting

  • Private, gorgeous studio

  • Full retouching included

  • Reveal & Ordering session

          (all photographs are purchased separately)

additional

styles

$100

& up

EXPLORE MORE...

Want to elevate your session even further? In addition to my three signature looks—Black on Black, a casual ensemble, & a stunning Vanity Fair style gown—you can personalize your experience by adding extra looks for $100 each. Whether you envision yourself in a power suit, ethereal boho layers, sultry lingerie-like styles, or another breathtaking gown, the possibilities are endless. 

Each additional look is a chance to explore a new creative facet of yourself. 

...Become more

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.

International Award Winning Photography

the latest

from the lab

a-la-carte

purchase portraits as individual digital files for $389 per image.

folio collections

purchase your digital files in collections of

10, 15, or 20 starting at $2250.

the Complete Collection

purchase all of your digital files for

$4850.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

all pricing is subject to 5% sales tax 

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are"

-Carl Jung

watch more

behind
Scenes

the

Want to know what to expect during your photo shoot with me?  Take a look at these Behind the Scenes videos where you can  get a glimpse of what it's like working with me as your stylist & photographer!

top videos

Miss K.
Happy 11th Birthday!

Christina
Headshots + Glam

Julia
30 & Thriving

Heidi
40 and Fabulous

High End Stylist
Classy Boudoir Photography
Richmond Area Photographer
Vintage Style Portrait Photography
Full Service Portrait Studio
Raw Portrait Photography
Make Over and Photo Shoot
High End Portrait Photography
Classic Portraiture
Full Service Styling
60 and Fabulous Photoshoot
High End Fashion Photography
Fashion Photography
40 and Fabulous Photo Shoot
High End Boudoir Photography
Makeover and Photoshoot
Tasteful Boudoir Photography
High End Headshots
Fine Art Portrait Photography

TRENDING

now

VIEW FULL SESSIONS

01

Crystal P.
"I saw myself, confident, creative...ALIVE!"

DSC_0525size.jpg

02

Megan M.
"I felt so much more POWERFUL than I expected!"

DSC_0734.jpg

03

Miss S.
"I saw my daughter BLOOM before my eyes!"

DSC_1298.jpg

04

Toinette C.
"I hadn't seen THIS woman in years! "

DSC_1011.jpg

"What you see
is only
half the story"

FOLLOW ME HERE

take a look, stick around, send a message

Facebook

Follow along

Instagram

Lets Chat

TikTok

Have fun

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
IMG_6972_edited.jpg

Headshots - Personal branding - Boudoir - contemporary portrait - children - teens - Maternity

bottom of page