MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT
Beyond Glamour: A fully guided portrait experience
When was the last time you truly felt seen?
I specialize in editorial-inspired portrait photography for women who are evolving, emerging, and reclaiming their presence. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, entering a new chapter, or simply honoring who you are—you deserve to be seen in photographs that capture more than your appearance.
This is not
Glamour.
This is NOT
Fantasy.
This is
Presence.
Each session is fully guided, styled, and art-directed to translate your personal style - no matter what that is - into evocative, lasting imagery.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to be willing to show up. Most of the women I photograph are still finding their confidence, refining their style, or simply learning how to see themselves in a new light.
We will build everything together.
My clients are curious, intentional women who want to feel grounded in their own skin, not styled into someone else’s fantasy. They come not to hide behind a makeover, but to express who they’ve become with honesty and presence.
internationally recognized photography
Triple Master Photographer
| 100+ International Awards | Gold & Platinum Photographer of the Year|
These are portraits that feel like legacy—of who you were, who you are, and who you're becoming.
The Studio
Located in Petersburg, Virginia—serving Richmond, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas—Melody Smith Portrait is where children 10+, teens, and women of all ages come to mark a threshold, refine their image, and finally see themselves, clearly.
"You don't find yourself, you create yourself."
-George Bernard Shaw-
CREATIVE FEE
$489
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✓ Online Design Consultation
✓ Hair & Make Up Styling
✓ Multiple Wardrobe Variations
✓ Use of my Studio Wardrobe
✓ Use of my Studio Accessories
✓ Fully Directed Photoshoot
✓ Live styling during your session
✓ Multiple backdrops & lighting
✓ Private, gorgeous studio
✓ Full retouching included
✓ Reveal & Ordering session
(all photographs are purchased separately)
SERVICES WE OFFER
I offer a full range of portrait services designed to celebrate every stage of life. My sessions include classic portraits that celebrate mood, character and empowerment, boudoir photography that highlights confidence and elegance, professional headshots and personal branding for business and career growth, as well as timeless children, teen and senior portraits, men's portraits and maternity sessions.
Sessions include professional hair & make up
plus access to my studio wardrobe.
THE CONSULTATION
It all begins with a personal consultation. We’ll meet online to chat through the full experience, walk through pricing, and discuss how you’d like to be seen. Whether you have a clear vision or just a feeling you want to express, this is where we begin shaping the session around you. Consultations are TEXT BASED only through Facebook or Instagram Messenger!
THOUGHTFUL COLLABORATION
form - character - mood - personality - connection
You’ll complete a PERSONALIZED STYLE SURVEY,
and we will exchange images to guide
the tone, mood, and styling of your session.
Together, we’ll explore wardrobe options from your
own closet and my studio collection.
This process is collaborative and almost effortless
and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
read more about the collaboration process here
Thoughtful Collaboration: This session is about building a collection of images that speak to your character and personality. This isn't achieved by just random selection or a boxed protocol. This is a conversation between Photographer and Subject. So what does this COLLABORATION involve? Over the course of planning for your session, you will be invited to complete a style survey that will serve as a starting point for further conversations that will take place over messenger. You will be asked to submit a number of photos: some of yourself, some for inspiration, and some of items that you already own or may consider purchasing. I am not psychic, but with a bit of excitement, time investment, and openness to the discovery process, I am beyond certain that these portraits will embody everything you would ever want in a portrait of yourself or someone you love. COLLABORATION INCLUDES: Completing All Forms and Surveys entirely, with thought, in a timely manner. Collecting and Submitting Images for Inspiration Creating a blank canvas photo of yourself* Engaging in conversations on messenger
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are"
-Carl Jung-
The Process
Preparing for Your Day
Before your session, you'll receive my SECRETS TO THE PERFECT PHOTOSHOOT that covers everything—from skin and nail prep and what to bring. You’ll know exactly how to arrive, and how to feel prepared for the experience ahead.
Think of this as your reset day, a moment set aside for yourself.
Read more tips for preparing for your Portrait session below
These tips provide the best chance to both LOOK and FEEL your absolute best during our time together. What all is involved with the session prep? I have a few requirements for all sessions: 1. No spray tans, self tanners, and you must not have tan lines. 2. Nails completely free of any polish, gel, acrylic, or extensions. 3. You must bring the proper underpinnings to your session. In addition to my Secrets to Session Prep Guide, I will also provide you with a personally curated shopping list with links so that you can not only see the kinds of garments that are appropriate for a professional photoshoot, but also offers a convenient way to purchase items you may not have. I will also ask you to go through your wardrobe and take photos of you wearing multiple items from your own closet. These looks can be either refined and updated with items you purchase, or if available, borrowed from the Studio Wardrobe for your session. It is important to note, timely completion of all forms is REQUIRED for ANY session to take place in my studio. All REQUIRED TASKS are given specific deadlines to ensure we are not rushing last minute.
Styling your Photoshoot
Wardrobe & Styling
Included with your session is access to my in house studio wardrobe that holds a variety of blazers, coats, bodysuits, bustiers, relaxed trousers, and a small curated collection of formal gowns. Together, we will create multiple looks using both my in house wardrobe AND items you already own or consider purchasing.
Discover more about the styling process below
Every session includes custom styling using pieces from your OWN CLOSET paired with items from my STUDIO WARDROBE—a curated collection of understated, neutral garments designed to photograph beautifully across light, mood, and movement. These aren’t styled as “outfits.” Instead, we build visual layers that evolve as we shoot—starting with one foundation, then shifting shape through subtle changes: adding a coat, removing a layer, changing the way fabric falls. The result is a wide emotional range from a small number of pieces. What You’ll Wear The studio wardrobe includes things like oversized blazers, bustiers, body suits, basic wide leg trousers, jackets, coats, and a variety of basic separates. I also carry a small curated collection of formal gowns. Everything is chosen for how it photographs, not how it looks on a hanger. We keep the palette tonal, the styling minimal, and the focus on your presence—not your clothing.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
Your session takes place in my Petersburg Studio and begins with PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKE UP. From there, I’ll direct you through a fully styled, fully guided portrait experience featuring MULTIPLE WARDROBE VARIATIONS, lighting styles, and backdrops.
Every movement, expression, and detail is shaped with care—it’s as easy as showing up and trusting the process.
Sessions Start: 10:00 am Sessions Wrap: 3:00/4:00pm
The Reveal & Ordering Appointment
Two to three weeks after your session, we’ll meet via ZOOM for your
IMAGE REVEAL & ORDERING APPOINTMENT.
You’ll view 45–55 fully retouched portraits and choose your favorites.
Images are available to purchase a la carte starting at $389 per digital file or in collection sets starting at $2,250.
You’ll only BUY what you LOVE.
about Melody Smith
Melody Smith is an internationally acclaimed Triple Master Photographer with over 30 years of experience in art & photography. Throughout her distinguished career, she has earned more than 100 awards, including accolades from WPPI & the ICON Awards. She has been honored as both Gold & Platinum Photographer of the Year by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Imaging Competition.
FINE ART & COUTURE
"These images represent my most personal and artistic work, where styling, concept, and execution are entirely driven by my creative vision. Unlike my signature portrait sessions, these pieces often feature elaborate couture styling, intricate details, and a fine art approach. While I no longer offer these sessions to the public, you’re welcome to join the waitlist for future opportunities."
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International Award Winning Photography
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Black and white maternity portrait taken at Melody Smith Portrait in Petersburg VA
Black and white calvin klien inspired 90's denim centric fashion portrait of a woman in her 40's
fashion forward editorial portrait of teen girl wearing glasses an oversized blazer and jeans
editorial studio portrait of a woman wearing a free people skirt hermes shoes photographed in Petersburg VA at Melody Smith Portrait Studio
editorial style black and white portrait of a teen girl wearing denim sitting on a stool photographed at Melody Smith Portrait in Richmond VA
editorial moody black and white portrait of a girl in movement with the wind blowing barefoot in a dress photographed at Melody Smith Portrait in Richmond VA
woman in her 50's with curly hair sitting on a stool photographed at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Petersburg VA
woman in her 60's with face cancer photographed naturally at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Richmond VA
black and white portrait of a pregnant woman wearing a white button up shirt with the wind blowing in her hair photographed at Melody Smith Portrait Studio in Chesterfield VA