MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT
Men's Portrait Photographer Serving Richmond, Petersburg & Central Virginia
GENTLEMEN'S PORTRAITS
Editorial Studio Portraits for Men of All Ages
- from Senior Year to Every Chapter After -
Portraits that are not stiff, overly staged, or borrowed
from someone else's idea of how you should look.
Whether you're a professional building your personal brand,
marking a milestone, or stepping into the next chapter of your life,
this session is built around who you actually are.
Your presence, energy, and character.
Not a costume.
Not a performance.
Just you.
Editorial-Style Studio Photography
Every session takes place in my private indoor studio
using intentional lighting, carefully considered wardrobe,
and direction that feels natural and never forced.
Whether you want something sharp and polished,
casual and modern, or bold and expressive,
we build your looks together
before you ever walk through the door.
Built for Comfort, Confidence, and Clarity
Most men & young men walk in
not loving the idea of being photographed.
That's totally expected and it's exactly
why the session is designed the way it is.
From the moment you arrive, everything is directed.
You will never be left standing in front of a camera
wondering what to do with your hands or your face.
Every movement, every expression, every detail is guided.
By the end, most men are surprised not only by how easy
the entire session was, but how natural everything felt!
Portrait Studio for Men & Boys | Serving Richmond, VA and the Tri‑Cities
Melody Smith Portrait is located in Petersburg, VA —
just 25 minutes from Richmond and easily accessible from Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Colonial Heights
and across Central Virginia.
Sessions are by appointment only and every experience is completely private.
Creative Fee
$389
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Each session is a fully personalized experience designed to reflect your identity with modern sophistication.
★ Online Design Consultation
Before your session we'll connect on Facebook or Instagram Messenger to talk through how you want to be photographed, review pricing and products in full, and begin planning your looks.
★ Personal Style Assessment
You'll complete my Style Questionnaire so I can build your session around what you actually own and wear every day and not a costume.
We'll plan up to 3 looks together before your session day.
★ Expert Posing & Direction
Every detail from posture, expression, to energy is guided from start to finish. You don't need to know how to pose. That's my job.
★ Light Refreshments
Water, Soda, and light snacks are available throughout your session.
★ High-End Magazine Retouching
Every image presented at your reveal is professionally retouched enhancing your natural features while keeping everything authentic. I am a huge fan of "invisible retouching."
★ ZOOM Reveal & Ordering Appointment
One to two weeks after your session we'll meet via Zoom to view your fully retouched portraits and place your order.
This is the only time photographs are available for purchase.
Photographs are not included in the session fee
and are purchased separately — either individually or in collections.
Individual digital files from $389
Portrait collections from $2,250
In-house interest-free financing available on all collections
Session Fee: $389
Photographs are NOT INCLUDED with the session fee and are purchased separately either a-la-carte or in collections.
You ONLY buy what you LOVE!
MSP offers in house interest free financing on all collection purchases.
*all prices subject to 5% processing fee
Who is this for?
Men's portrait sessions at
Melody Smith Portrait are designed for:
— The Professional or Entrepreneur —
who needs images that go beyond a
standard headshot and actually communicate who he is
— The Man Marking a Milestone —
a significant birthday, a major life transition,
a chapter worth documenting
— The Young Man Stepping Forward —
senior portraits, graduation,
the moment before everything changes
— The Man Who Has Never Done This —
and is skeptical, maybe even resistant
but knows it's time
You don't have to want to be photographed.
You just have to be willing to show up.
I'll handle everything else.
Why choose Melody Smith Portrait?
Melody Smith is a Triple Master Photographer with over 30 years of experience and more than 100 international awards
including recognition from WPPI, the ICON Awards,
and Gold & Platinum Photographer of the Year
from Professional Photographers of America.
Men and young men respond well to this studio because
the environment is direct, private, and completely judgment-free.
There is no audience, no pressure, and no guesswork.
You'll be told exactly what to do, how to stand, and where to look
and you will leave saying "wow, that was fun AND easy!".
Every session is personally directed by
Melody from start to finish.
This is not a volume studio.
It is a private, intentional experience
with one photographer who is fully focused on you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience in front of a camera?
Not at all. Most men who book a session have never done anything like this before. Every pose, expression and movement is directed and you
will never be left guessing.
How long does a session take?
Men's sessions are shorter than women's sessions since hair and makeup are not included. Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours
depending on the number of looks.
What should I wear?
We plan your wardrobe together before your session using my Style Questionnaire. You'll bring pieces from your own closet and nothing needs to be purchased specially unless you want to. I'll guide you on what photographs well and what to avoid.
Is hair and makeup included?
Hair and makeup services are not standard for men's sessions. If you'd like grooming assistance, mention it during your consultation
and we can discuss options.
Where is the studio located?
Melody Smith Portrait is located at 3 N. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia — serving men across Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and Central Virginia.
How do I get started?
Click the button below to reach out. We'll connect via Facebook or Instagram Messenger to talk through the full experience,
pricing and how you want to be seen.
Serving men across Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Central Virginia.