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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!
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.