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Welcome

MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT

HEADSHOTS & PERSONAL BRANDING

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IS EVERYTHING IN A MEDIA-DRIVEN WORLD

Whether you're a creative professional, executive, entrepreneur, or medical expert, the right portrait builds trust, authority, and connection—before you ever say a word.

At Melody Smith Portrait, I specialize in magazine-style branding and headshot photography with your professional image and message at the center. Located in historic Old Town Petersburg and serving Richmond, the Tri-Cities, and beyond.

Whether your brand leans polished and powerful, warm and welcoming, artistic and edgy, or minimal and chic—I help you create a gallery of images that connect and convert.

ENJOY AT YOUR SESSION:

  • Complimentary professional hair & makeup

  • Expert wardrobe styling (using your wardrobe)

  • Fully guided posing that fosters collaboration, confidence, & authenticity

 

You’ll leave with a dynamic collection of scroll-stopping images perfect for LinkedIn, websites, social media, press features, and more.

Whether you're building your audience, launching a project, or updating your presence—these images ensure you always make the right impression.

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Each session is a fully personalized experience designed to reflect your brand’s identity with modern sophistication.

 

★Brand & Style Consultation
Before booking, we’ll discuss your industry, audience, goals, and current visual branding—reviewing colors, tones, and the message you want to send.

★Wardrobe Styling & Outfit Review
You’ll receive detailed guidance on what to wear so your wardrobe supports both your brand and the camera. Prior to the session, we’ll review outfit options together. Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to style boards to help sharpen your vision.

★ Hair & Makeup
From polished and powerful to fresh and natural, I provide expert, camera-ready styling tailored to your image.

★Expert Posing & Direction
With head-to-toe guidance, I ensure every detail—posture, expression, energy—supports your personal brand. You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.

★High-End Retouching
Every selected image is professionally retouched to enhance your natural features while preserving authenticity.

 

HIGH-END BRANDING PORTRAITS FOR EXECUTIVES, ENTREPRENEURS & CREATIVES

Planning a professional branding session can feel overwhelming: coordinating hair and makeup, wardrobe, styling, and posing—not to mention making sure it all looks top-tier.

At Melody Smith Portrait, I take care of everything for you. With decades of experience and a proven process, your session becomes effortless and empowering—so you can show up confident and focus on your goals.

You’ll enjoy a curated, luxury experience with high-impact results—saving you time, energy, and decision fatigue.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Before anyone reads your bio or hears you speak, your photo introduces you. Your headshot and branding portraits are the face of your digital identity—make sure it’s saying the right thing.

I work with professionals across industries who are ready to elevate their online presence with imagery that inspires trust, respect, and connection.

EXECUTIVES & CORPORATE LEADERS★

CEOs, consultants, & professionals featured in press, speaking events, or internal brand campaigns.


Your Message: "I am a leader. I inspire confidence. I mean business."

★ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS★

Coaches, consultants, & founders who need versatile imagery to support marketing, social media, & web presence.


Your Message: "I am my brand. My images should tell my story and attract my ideal client."

REATORS & SALES PROFESSIONALS★
Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and advisors who rely on relationship-based branding.


Your Message: "I am approachable, knowledgeable, & a trusted expert in my field."

CREATIVES, ARTIST, & PERFORMERS★
Designers, authors, speakers, & influencers building a visual brand that reflects their unique voice.


Your Message: "I am bold, original, and ready to make an impact."

HEALTHCARE & LEGAL PROFESSIONALS★

Doctors, surgeons, therapists, & attorneys whose presence must convey both warmth & authority.


Your Message: "I am experienced, trustworthy, & deeply committed to those I serve."

LINKEDIN & CAREER PROFESSIONALS★

Job seekers, industry changers--anyone updating their personal brand.


Your Message: "I am professional, confident, & ready for my next chapter."

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SESSION DAY

The experience is designed to be stress-free and empowering.

 

Here’s how your day will unfold:

★10:00 AM – Arrival & Wardrobe Styling
You’ll be greeted in the studio, & together we’ll review your wardrobe to finalize looks that align with your goals.

★Hair & Makeup Styling
Relax & get camera-ready with professional beauty services that highlight your features while staying true to your personal style.

★Your Guided Branding Session
We’ll move through each look with full direction—adjusting lighting, backdrop, & pose to align with your brand personality.

★Leave Empowered
By the end of the session, you'll feel confident, proud, & ready to show up in your business in a whole new way.

★Image Reveal – 1–2 Weeks Later
About two weeks after your shoot, we’ll meet via Zoom for your Reveal & Ordering Session.

PRICING

Session Fee – $389
Includes:

  • Online brand analysis & wardrobe consultation

  • Professional Hair & Make Up

  • Fully guided session

  • 2–3 outfit changes (client-provided)

  • Multiple Studio backdrops

  • Retouching included

Images sold separately

Digital Image Packages:

 

5 Images – $1200

10 Images – $2100

20 Images – $2900
Additional bundles of 5 for $900

HOW TO PREPARE

Getting ready should feel exciting, not stressful.

Wardrobe: Choose outfits that reflect your industry and personality. Need help? I’ll guide you through every step.


Grooming: Hydrated skin, clean nails, and styled hair go a long way.
 

Mindset: You don’t have to be “photogenic.” My job is to bring out the best in you.

Once you book, you’ll receive a detailed prep guide with tips, visuals, and everything you need to arrive feeling confident.

WHY CHOOSE MELODY SMITH?

★A Transformative Experience, Not Just a Photoshoot
You might walk in nervous—but you’ll leave grounded, & confident.

★Uplifting Energy & Relaxed Environment
This is a safe, welcoming space designed to help you shine. Expect connection, warmth, and guidance from start to finish.

★Expertise That Shows
With 30+ years photographing people and 20 running a full-time studio, I deliver modern, high-impact imagery grounded in technical mastery and emotional presence.

★Hair & Makeup Built for the Camera
With a “less is more” approach, I specialize in refined, natural finishes that suit your face, brand, & profession!

Hi, I'm Melody Smith.  

I've spent the last several decades of my career developing an incredibly powerful online brand and presense.  I know what it is like to struggle to not only put your face front and center of your business, but also not wanting to over complicate your life with making that happen in a strong, impact-driven, way.

I would love to help you create images that represent you in a clean, polished, cohesive, and approachable way.  

FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you provide wardrobe for personal branding sessions?

A: Personal branding is highly individual—your wardrobe should reflect your industry, personality, & professional identity. Whether you're a corporate executive in high-end suiting, a creative professional in jeans & statement jewelry, or a realtor blending casual professionalism, your clothing plays a key role in telling your story.

Not sure what your professional style identity looks like? Don’t worry—I’ll guide you in selecting wardrobe choices that photograph beautifully, flatter your body type, and align with your brand. After booking, you’ll also receive exclusive access to my inspiration boards to help refine your vision.

Q: Why do I need professional hair and makeup?

A: Even if you prefer a minimalist approach in your daily routine, professional hair and makeup are essential for photography. The camera can flatten features, wash out skin tones, and create unwanted shine. My job is to ensure you look polished, fresh, and camera-ready—without making you feel overdone or unlike yourself.

This service isn’t about changing your look—it’s about enhancing your best features. Your eyes will appear brighter, your complexion more even, and your hairstyle perfectly tailored to complement your professional presence.

Q: Is professional styling guidance really that important?

A: Absolutely. Styling is more than just wearing nice clothes—it’s about creating harmony between your wardrobe, body type, coloring, and brand message.

With over 20 years of experience in professional portraiture, I know:

  • What photographs well—and what doesn’t

  • How to create impactful, cohesive imagery

  • Which colors, fits, and silhouettes elevate your personal brand

From wardrobe to final image selection, every detail is intentionally curated to showcase your strength, credibility, and individuality.

READY TO BOOK?

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