MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT
Editorial and Fine Art Portrait Photography Studio Servicing Richmond VA & Surrounding Areas
CLIENT EXPERIENCES
PATTI - "A friend of mine had seen a post from Melody and shared it with me and encouraged me to book a session. I was hesitant, I have shied away from having my photo taken for years but I gave in and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever!!! I was shocked at how comfortable Melody made me feel in front of the camera. Melody and Madison created a space for me to feel open, honest, and my best self. This shoot was LIBERATING!"
MOLLIE - "After struggling through health issues and a tragic family loss, Melody captured the depth of my soul from behind her lens. Her creativity knows no bounds! This shoot showed me countless possibilities both personally and professionally. This shoot inspired me to change my life! "
JENN - "As a photographer myself, I am picky. I do not trust just ANY photographer to create a beautiful image of me. My husband and I flew from Wisconsin to have our portraits taken by Melody. I was guided and encouraged through every single step of the process. Melody is an expert in posing and direction! I haven't even mentioned the service! Melody and her team cater to ever need! I felt so loved and cared for that I did not want the day to end. If I could have stayed there for the rest of my life in that moment, I would have said YES. "
MARGAUX - "I was so nervous to book this shoot! I was worried that I would not look as beautiful as the other women Melody has photographed. EVERYONE SHOULD DO THIS AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME!!! I was flat out shocked seeing my portraits for the first time. This shoot has changed the way I see myself. Did I mention I was TOTALLY SHOCKED???"
DEBBIE - "Melody, you know how much I admire you and your amazing talent--to bring to life the essence of every woman you photograph. From the moment I first met you, through all of our sessions (4 total right?) you have always made me feel like I am the most beautiful woman in the world. Thank you for sharing your gifts with me and the world!"
McKenzie - I booked a session with Melody for new headshots for my interior design business, and the experience was incredible from start to finish. She’s so intentional with every detail—wardrobe, makeup, posing—while making it all feel effortless. When I left the studio, I felt more confident than I had in years, and when I saw my portraits my first thought was, ‘WOW! That’s me?!’ Melody has a gift for bringing out your best and showing you just how powerful you really are."
Crystal - "Celebrating my 50th birthday with a session from Melody was about more than photos—it was about honoring my journey as a survivor. From the moment I arrived, she put me at ease, and every detail felt perfectly me. When I saw my portraits, I was blown away—WOWZA! I loved every single image. They capture confidence, beauty, and gratitude in a way I’ll treasure forever."
Chloe (her mothers words) - "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."
Sandra - "For years I wondered what the women before me on our family farm looked like, and I wanted to leave that legacy for future generations. At first, I almost talked myself out of it—too old, not worth the money, too nervous. But Melody immediately put me at ease, and the experience was pure joy. When I saw my portraits, I didn’t just see wife, mama, or Nana—I saw me. Confident, strong, and proud. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself."
Janina - "I booked this session to capture my first pregnancy, even though I’ve always struggled with anxiety in front of the camera. From the moment Melody started on my hair and makeup, I felt completely at ease. She chose gorgeous dresses, guided me through every pose, and made the experience effortless. When I saw the portraits, I was in awe—they captured not just how I looked, but how beautiful and empowered I felt. These images will forever remind me of this special season in my life."
Sara - "I’ve admired Melody’s work for years because she has a gift for revealing the person we often bury under stress and self-doubt. In her portraits, flaws and insecurities fall away until all that remains is your truest self. My session wasn’t just about photos—it lit a spark of confidence in me. Once you see yourself through her lens, you’re never quite the same."
Ilaria - "This session was a birthday gift from my mother-in-law, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received. Wearing my grandmother’s handmade wedding dress was such a powerful moment, and the portraits made me feel beautiful, strong, and feminine all at once. Melody is a true artist—she helped me see myself in a whole new way, and I left the studio feeling uplifted and proud."
Erika - "I booked my session after a season of deep loss, hoping to feel that same beauty I’d seen in others. Walking into the studio heavier and nervous, Melody’s kindness and attention to detail put me at ease. She curated a wardrobe that felt like me and guided me into seeing myself in ways I hadn’t in years. At my reveal, I was speechless—for the first time, I called myself ‘stunning,’ ‘a goddess,’ and ‘fierce.’ I didn’t see pain or heartbreak, I saw a strong, beautiful woman. If you’re thinking about booking, come as you are—Melody will show you your worth."
Elizabeth - "I booked this session to capture the joy of preparing for my new baby, a season I wanted to remember forever. This was my second time in Melody’s studio, and just like before, she made everything feel effortless and beautiful. At seven months pregnant, I had this powerful moment of seeing myself in a whole new light, and the portraits exceeded every expectation. They mark such a special milestone in my life—one I’ll proudly share with my family and my son for years to come."
Sophia (in her mothers words) - "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, twirls, 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 and magic."
Lori - "Turning 60 felt heavy after years of caregiving, and I booked a day with Melody as an act of self-care. I worried my insecurities would take over, but from the moment she opened the door, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The experience was fun, liberating, and entirely about celebrating me. When I saw my portraits, I felt a newfound confidence—they weren’t a photoshopped version of me, but a glamorous, empowered reflection I could embrace."
Toinette - "I first discovered Melody’s work on Instagram and was struck by how she captured the strength and essence of women in every stage of life. At 6’0 tall with new curves, I worried about how I’d look, but Melody’s process was thoughtful, intentional, and transformative. The studio was like a building of possibilities, and for the first time in years, I saw myself clearly again. The images revealed a woman I hadn’t seen in a long time—and I was in awe."
Sallee - "I first discovered Melody’s work over a decade ago and knew someday I had to book a session. For my milestone birthday, I finally did—and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I went in thinking I’d purchase one ‘painterly’ portrait, but I loved every image so much I had to have them all. Melody guided me with ease, and what I thought would be intimidating turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I only wish I’d done this sooner so I could have had her capture every stage of my journey."
Jill - "I had admired Melody’s work for years but always found reasons not to book. As I entered my last year in my thirties after making big life changes, I finally decided it was time to celebrate. From start to finish, the process was easy, fun, and empowering. Melody instantly put me at ease, guided me with confidence, and by the end I felt like I knew exactly what I was doing. For once, I loved every single photo of myself—this was an unforgettable, uplifting experience every woman deserves."
Kathryn - "I first discovered Melody’s work through another client’s portraits and was struck by how elegant, bold, and beautiful they were. I followed her for months, admiring her artistry, and was overjoyed when my husband surprised me with a session for Christmas. On the day of my shoot, I was nervous I wouldn’t measure up, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The experience was incredible—professional, empowering, and fun—and I walked away with a new confidence to step into my mid-thirties with excitement."
Sabrina - "My daughter gifted me this session for Mother’s Day, knowing how much I needed to see myself again after cancer, surgery, and radiation left me self-conscious about my face. I was nervous, armed with tape and an eye patch, but the moment I saw Melody, I relaxed. She made me feel safe, special, and beautiful. When I saw my portraits, I cried—my self-doubt dissolved, and I finally saw myself again. This was far more than a photoshoot—it reminded me that I love who I am, warts and all."
Miss K (in her mothers words) - "For my daughter’s tenth birthday, I wanted to give her something meaningful she could cherish forever, so I booked a ‘Model for a Day’ session. 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."
Vernita - "I had dreamed of a session with Melody for years but always held back, convinced I wasn’t enough. For my 60th birthday, I finally gathered the courage—and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Melody has a quiet way of putting you at ease, seeing beauty where you can’t, and encouraging you until you believe it yourself. I didn’t just walk away with portraits; I walked away changed, seeing myself in a whole new light. Every woman deserves to experience this."
Denise - "When my mother passed, I realized how few photos I had of her—and that my own children might one day face the same emptiness. I’d avoided the camera my whole life, but Melody changed that. From the moment I arrived, she made me feel calm, seen, and safe. At the reveal, one portrait stopped me cold—I looked confident, even sexy. I didn’t see someone hiding anymore, I saw a woman stepping forward. This experience reframed how I see myself—and the legacy of memories I’ll leave behind."
Megan - "For my 40th birthday, I finally did something just for me—and Melody made the entire day warm, easy, and empowering. I walked out feeling like a new version of myself, and when I saw the portraits I was honestly stunned: they were even better than I imagined. I’m proud to display them as a reminder of this moment and how far I’ve come. Every woman deserves this experience."
Erin -"I’d watched Melody reveal the essence of women at every stage of life, and I wanted in. At 6'0" with new curves, I was nervous about styling—but her process was thoughtful, precise, and transformative. The studio felt like a building of possibilities, and the images showed me a woman I hadn’t seen in years: clear, honest, and fully myself. I left inspired and in awe."
Natalie - After 17 years behind the camera, being photographed still made me nervous—but Melody turned it into pure joy. Her direction is intuitive, her eye for detail is razor-sharp, and her presence is calming. I left feeling energized and confident, and when I saw the images, choosing favorites was impossible. She didn’t just take my picture—she showed me my best self."
