ERIN THOMPSON

Norfolk, VA Photography Spotlight with Justine Renee Photography

Location Guides

If you’re a milspouse photographer getting ready for a PCS to Norfolk Naval, then I hope you’ll find this location guide helpful. Justine Money of Justine Renee Photography has experience running her business here and is letting you in on her favorite places and best tips in this Norfolk, VA Photography Spotlight.

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Pleasure House Point

This is a nature preserve in Virginia Beach. It has gorgeous long brown grass, evergreen trees, and even some small beachy areas with sand and water.

Mama with her little one at Pleasure House Point in Justine Renee Photography's Norfolk, VA Photography Spotlight
Pleasure House Point, Justine Renee Photography



Fort Story Beach

This is the BEST beach for sessions if your clients are military. It requires base access so it’s not crazy busy like the rest of the beaches, even in the summer! It’s one of my favorite spots in Virginia Beach.

Family sitting on rocks at Fort Story Beach in Justine Renee Photography's Norfolk, VA Photography Spotlight
Fort Story Beach, Justine Renee Photography



Backyard Wildflower Patch

This venue in Chesapeake is a photographer’s dream! In the summer & fall, they have a field full of gorgeous wildflowers. They also added on a stunning sun porch that they decorate for every season and holiday.

Family standing in a sun porch at the Backyard Wildflower Patch in Justine Renee Photography's Norfolk, VA Photography Spotlight
Backyard Wildflower Patch, Justine Renee Photography



Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

Summer is tourist season so we are busy with beach photos then. Fall leaves don’t start until late October, so we also get slammed with fall and Christmas right around the same time.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

Certain places do require permits (First Landing State Park for sure). Some have fees associated as well. Backyard Wildflower Patch, Greenbrier Farms, Hickory Ridge Farm, Fair Weather Farms, Norfolk Botanical Gardens are a few that come to mind. Just be sure to do your homework!

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Please price yourself profitably. So many of the milspouses around here charge so little. You can make a living with photography, but HAVE to charge profitably. Also, VA does require business licenses so make sure you file with your city!

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

There is a Facebook page for local photographers, Hampton Roads Photographers Network, that I would recommend joining. The people in there tend to be super helpful when you ask for location ideas, etc.

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: https://justinereneephotography.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/justine.renee.photography




Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Norfolk, VA photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!

YES PLEASE!

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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!

more about me

I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!

Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.

I'M ERIN.

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