MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT
Children and Teen Portrait Photographer in Petersburg ServingRichmond, and Central Virginia
Children's and Teen's Portrait Photography
in Petersburg, Richmond, and Central Virginia
A guided studio portrait experience for children and teens ages 10 and up
Seeing Them Clearly.
Capturing Who They’re Becoming.
There is a fleeting window between childhood and adolescence,
a moment where identity begins to shift and we catch glimpses
of who they are becoming.
These portrait sessions at our
Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia studio are crafted for that in-between: when they are no longer little,
but not yet grown.
It is a time when confidence is tender, expression is changing, and the way they see themselves matters more than ever.
My job is to make sure they feel seen, to capture this moment with subtlety, sophistication, and care.
How Your Child's Portrait Session
Works At Melody Smith Portrait
in Petersburg, VA
✦ Planning and Styling Consultation Your first step is to set up an online consultation. This is where we go over details, logistics, and begin the early planning stages of your
child's portrait session together.
✦ Fully Guided Children's and Teen's Portrait Sessions
Sessions are held in my private studio in Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia. Your child will be gently guided through posing, expression, and movement. No modeling experience required. My sessions are calm, encouraging, and adapted to each child's comfort level. We keep things light, warm,
and quietly confident.
✦ Zoom Reveal and Ordering Appointment
After your child's session we will schedule a Zoom Reveal and Ordering Appointment where you will have a chance to view and purchase your child's portraits either
individually or in collections.
Who Are Children's and Teen's Portrait Sessions For?
✦ The tween or teen who is stepping into themselves.
They are curious, expressive, and ready to be seen on their own terms.
✦ The child who has never loved having their photo taken.
They have parents who want to change that with an experience that's actually fun and empowering.
✦ The young person marking a milestone.
They are celebrating a birthday, a transition, or any moment worth documenting before it disappears.
✦ The parent who wants portraits that actually look like their child and not a posed, stiff version of them.
They want to see character and personality. The REAL them.
✦ The family who understands that childhood goes faster than anyone warns you and wants something
lasting to show for it.
Sessions are for
individuals ages 10 through 17.
High school senior portraits are a separate specialized experience.
Please visit the
page for more information.
"I booked a session for Chloe's tenth birthday to celebrate this milestone, and Melody captured her perfectly. Chloe started out a little nervous, but quickly grew confident and had so much fun exploring her style in new ways. When we saw the portraits, we were blown away. They reflected not only her beauty but her vibrant personality. She proudly displays her favorites in her room, a constant reminder of the amazing young woman she is becoming."
Tori M.,
Chester, VA
"For my daughter's tenth birthday, I wanted to give her something meaningful she could cherish forever. From the moment we arrived, her nerves disappeared, and I watched her confidence and beauty shine through as Melody guided her with such care.
The reveal was emotional, seeing my little girl growing into herself, captured so beautifully, was unforgettable.
These portraits will be treasured reminders of her strength and confidence for years to come."
Blakely C.
Prince George, VA
"I booked a session for my daughter's 13th birthday to help her feel confident, valued, and celebrated during such a tender age. She started out nervous, but Melody's warmth quickly put her at ease, and I watched her bloom with laughter and confidence. Her favorite outfit made her feel like a fairy tale character, and the portraits captured not just her beauty but her sweet soul. She now has them hanging in her room as a daily reminder of her strength."
Brenda G.,
Richmond, VA
What's Included in Your Child's
Portrait Session
at Melody Smith Portrait
Girls Session Fee: $489
Boys Session Fee: $389
Pre-Session Styling Assistance
Professional Hair and Makeup
3 Wardrobe Changes
Access to Studio Wardrobe
Fully Guided Children and Teen Portrait Session
Zoom Reveal and Ordering Appointment
Full Retouching Included
Session fee does not include photographs. Photographs are purchased separately during your Zoom Reveal and Ordering Appointment starting at $389 per digital file or in portrait collections from $2,250.
In house financing available for all collection purchases. Ask during your consultation.
Wardrobe and Styling for
Your Child's Portrait Session
in Petersburg, Virginia
WHAT WILL MY CHILD WEAR TO THEIR PORTRAIT SESSION?
What your child wears has a powerful effect on the tone and timelessness
of their portraits, but it
does not have to be complicated.
During the planning stage of your child's portrait session, you will both be asked to complete a Style Survey that helps set the mood and character that both you see in your child and how your child wants to see themselves. You will be guided on what to look for in your
child's own closet and given s
uggestions for items that photograph well and hold up over time.
Your child will also have
access to my studio wardrobe for layering pieces and accessories.
This session is not about how many outfits. It is about creating personality, mood, and character through layering, accessorizing, expression, and lighting.
Together we will style three base looks, simple pieces that can be built and layered throughout the session.
Why Children and Teen Portrait Photography Matters at This Age
This is not a kid's photo shoot.
It’s a thoughtful portrait of who your child is right now as thoughtful, unsure, expressive, strong and anything
else they bring to the table.
I’m not here to turn children into miniature adults or dolls.
I’m here to create space for them to feel
grounded, confident,
and completely themselves
My approach to children and teen portrait photography
in Petersburg, Virginia is rooted in elegance, and restraint.
They’re a gift for you and for them
andsomething they’ll carry
into adulthood with pride.
Boys are absolutely welcome at Melody Smith Portrait and every session is built around who they actually are, not a forced smile or a stiff pose.
Boys Session Fee: $389
Includes:
Online Style and Design Consultation Three Base Looks
Light Hair Adjustments
(arrive with hair already styled)
Fully Guided Portrait Session Zoom Reveal and Ordering Appointment
Full Retouching Included
Children and Teen Boy Portrait Photography
in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia
Why Choose Melody Smith Portrait for Children's and Teen's Photography in Richmond and Central Virginia
Melody Smith is a Triple Master Photographer based in Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia, with over 30 years of experience and more than 100 international awards, including recognition from WPPI, the ICON Awards, and Gold and Platinum Photographer
of the Year from
Professional Photographers of America.
She has spent decades learning how to make people of all ages, including children and teens who would rather be anywhere else, feel completely at ease in front of a camera.
That skill does not come from credentials.
It comes from years of quiet, patient, intentional work with real people.
Every children's and teen's portrait session is personally directed by Melody from start to finish at our private studio in Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia.
There is no assistant,
no second shooter,
no one between your child and the work.
Melody lives in Prince George, Virginia, where she grew up, with her husband Mike,
her son Perrin, and their mischievous Siamese, Mr. Tumnus.
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"You don't find yourself
you create yourself."
-George Bernard Shaw-
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's and Teen's Portrait Photography in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia
What is the age range for children and teen portrait sessions?
Children and teen portrait sessions at our Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia studio are for ages 10 through 17. High school senior portraits are a separate specialized experience.
Visit the
page to learn more.
Is hair and makeup included? Professional hair and makeup are included for girls at every children and teen portrait session. Boys arrive with their hair already styled and light adjustments are made during the session as needed.
Will my child be comfortable?
Most children and teens walk in feeling a little unsure but leave surprised by how natural it felt. Every session is adapted to your child's personality and comfort level. There is no pressure, no rushing, and no expectation that they perform. The session is designed to give them space to relax and just be themselves.
Can siblings be
photographed together?
Melody Smith Portrait specializes in individual portrait sessions. Each child is photographed individually in their own dedicated session.
Sibling and family group sessions are not offered at this time.
Please note that only one parent or guardian may be present
during the session.
What should my child wear?
We plan wardrobe together during your design consultation. You and your child will complete a Style Survey before the session so we can build looks around their personality, your vision, and what photographs beautifully.
The studio wardrobe is available for layering pieces and accessories.
Where is the studio located?
Melody Smith Portrait is located at 3 N. Sycamore Street, Historic Old Town Petersburg, Virginia, serving families across Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Henrico, and Central Virginia.
How do I get started?
Reach out using the button below. We will connect via Facebook or Instagram Messenger to talk through the full children and teen portrait session experience and pricing before anything is booked or paid.
