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williamsburg virginia beach wedding photographer virginia beach sarah miller the branding boutique

Top Reasons to Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer

November 13, 2018

You are getting married!!!  Or, someone important to you is…or, I imagine you wouldn’t be taking a peek at this post..haha!  So-CONGRATULATIONS!  This is a

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Knoxville Santa Portraits | There’s a Little Magic Headed Your Way

November 9, 2018

It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year!!  And, my absolute FAVORITE portraits I have the opportunity to take each year- Time with Santa!  And,

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Giving Fearlessly Takes Practice | Virginia Beach + Williamsburg Photographer

November 4, 2018

Hello, hello!!! I hope your day is off to an amazing start!  Part of my morning routine (routines are a staple around here…haha!) is to

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Messes + all is a photography + marketing studio based out of the Chesapeake/ Virginia Beach, Virginia area is the regional authority on Personal Branding Photography, Headshots, Social Media Content, Weddings + Lifestyle Photography for families, passionate people + entrepreneurs.

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Hey Mama’s (and, Papa’s for that matter!). Do Hey Mama’s (and, Papa’s for that matter!). Do you ever struggle with making all the things happen in any given day? Yep! Me, too!⁣ ⁣ I've literally heard since I began adulting the phrase "Work- Life Balance." But, here is the real talk. It isn't a balance. It is simply managing priorities, winning some, losing others, and finding some since of humor along the way. When you can master that (and trust me, it isn't easy), you will find yourself and your crew in a lot better place.⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗡𝗼. 2⁣ 𝘉𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴⁣ ⁣ This seems like a no-brainer, right? As parents we are super mindful of where we have to be and when. Who has to go where and at what time. That’s where many of us win the Gold Medal each day 🥇 We have become pros at making sure our kids are where they need to be at the correct times, even if that means some of our other priorities fall off of Today’s To-Do List and on to tomorrows.⁣ ⁣ Am I Right?⁣ About 7 years ago I made a pact with myself that I would get up early enough every morning to provide myself an hour or two alone for prayer, stretching, and planning- before anyone else in the house was up. I’ve stuck to that.⁣ ⁣ Now, here is the hack. During that planning time I look at the priorities of each day and lump each of these items by location, then schedule them around priorities with a set-in-stone timeframe.⁣ ⁣ For example, if MC has to be at soccer in Va Beach at 5pm and I have 2 other stops nearby or on the way to that Va Beach location, I schedule those additional stops before or after I drop-off MC at soccer.⁣ ⁣ Or, if I need to take Amazon returns to UPS at some point during the week, I choose a location nearby the grocery store, my children’s sports practice, or a client appointment and leave enough time to make that additional stop while I’m out and about.⁣ ⁣ It takes a little pre-planning. But, the pre-plan can occur before your world turns on full-speed each day. And I promise that while this may only save you 10-15 minutes here and there, those minutes add up. ⁣ ⁣ So, take a deep breath and geo map your day! A simple hack to give yourself back time to do what needs to get done. 🤗
𝘈 𝘚𝘛𝘙𝘖𝘕𝘎 𝘞𝘖𝘔𝘈𝘕 𝘈 𝘚𝘛𝘙𝘖𝘕𝘎 𝘞𝘖𝘔𝘈𝘕 𝘐𝘚 𝘈 𝘞𝘖𝘔𝘈𝘕 𝘋𝘌𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘔𝘐𝘕𝘌𝘋 𝘛𝘖 𝘋𝘖 𝘚𝘖𝘔𝘌𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘖𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘙𝘚 𝘈𝘙𝘌⁣ 𝘋𝘌𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘔𝘐𝘕𝘌𝘋 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘉𝘌 𝘋𝘖𝘕𝘌.⁣ - Marge Piercy⁣ ⁣ I love this quote. It can felt in many ways and in many areas of our lives. As women, we are called to be fierce but gentle nurturers, gatherers, lovers, workers. We are called to serve our homes, our families, our communities, our God. We are asked to bravely take on the duties that many others will not and asked to do it with grace and a smile. ⁣ ⁣ And the thing of it all is that we typically do exactly that. ⁣ ⁣ I admire and am continuously grateful for the masculine energy, honor, strength and grit that good men bring into our lives. But, there is nothing more fierce than a woman determined to do what she has set out to do.⁣ ⁣ Whether you are serving and doing quietly in your own private space or shouting loudly to the masses, stay determined. Stay fierce. 🔥
Have you ever created a Brand Story? 📚⁣ Let’s get clear on how to capture you authentically while positioning you as a professional leader in your field over time. ⁣ Your personal branding should be just as unique as your business.⁣ ⁣ Guiding you to your individual brand story for your small business is one of my fortes. We'll infuse magic, personality, and authenticity into your brand, centered around your business 'why'. ⁣ ⁣ This powerful blend will not only enhance your credibility but also leave a lasting impact. Ready to take your business to new heights?! Same. Let's Do This! 💪🏼
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 1⁣ Working Mom? Yep, me too!⁣ I've literally heard since I began adulting the phrase "Work- Life Balance." But, here is the real talk. It isn't a balance. It is simply managing priorities, winning some, losing others, and finding some sense of humor along the way. When you can master that (and trust me, it isn't easy), you will find your self and your crew in a lot better place.⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗡𝗼. 1 ⁣ 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘴⁣ Yes, I said it. If you're my generation, we made our baby's baby food, love our gardens, and use essential oils to attempt to cure all things. And, I hear you. Right now you're thinking- but, that food must be garbage.⁣ ⁣ So, here is the thing: I've tried many of them. And, no two meal kit companies are made the same. But, most of them let you try them on for size before putting money into it.⁣ ⁣ We use @Everyplate. I can quickly meal plan, pause and add-to our weekly subscription, make changes based on a couple of my picky eaters, and have never had delivery issues. Most meals are simple and all are relatively quick.⁣ ⁣ Meal times still take a little bit of planning- that is essential. But, I'm talking 10 minutes each week or less and you will always have a home cooked meals⁣ that includes good proteins and fresh produce.⁣ ⁣ Message me for a discount code. I've got plenty!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⁣ Nothing like amazing clien 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⁣ Nothing like amazing clients that leave amazing reviews. 🙌🏼⁣ ⁣ "I had started my alterations business in 2020 and it was doing okay, but I repeatedly heard clients say that when they looked online for a local seamstress, no one was listed. So in early 2023, I met with Sarah & told her that I think I needed a website in order to grow my business. She asked me a few questions (she was easy going & personable), snapped a few photos (she’s also a fantastic photographer) & two weeks later sent me a link to my new website. A little tweak here and there and suddenly I had a fully functional website! Not long after launching it, the calls & emails came rolling in. And now, thanks to Sarah & her incredible skills, my calendar stays booked out for months (literally)!⁣ ⁣ If you want to grow your business & don’t already have a website, (or you simply need updated photos or a branding session), contact Sarah & let her passion help grow your passion!!!"
Ever thought about the difference a pro photograph Ever thought about the difference a pro photographer can make to your brand? 📸 Here's the real tea on DIY branding photography vs. hiring a professional. Spoiler alert: I might just be your best business decision yet! Read It Now- 💯 https://messesandall.com/the-truth-about-diy-branding-photography-virginia-beach-branding-photographer/
Every day is a new chance to choose. 🌱 #youveg Every day is a new chance to choose. 🌱 #youvegotthis #livefiercely #befierce #messesandall
Waiting on Pictures!!? #messesandall #befierce #li Waiting on Pictures!!? #messesandall #befierce #livefiercely
💗 Black Friday Sales 💗 Live now!! messesan 💗 Black Friday Sales 💗 Live now!! messesandall.pixieset.com/booking
This image is of my 4 girls about 6 years ago. ⁣ This image is of my 4 girls about 6 years ago. ⁣ ⁣ I love the picture. It hangs in our home. But, when I pass by this picture each day, it isn't the picture that I am reminded of. It is the moments we spent preparing for it, taking it, and the fun little moments that made up the ages at the time of this image.⁣ ⁣ It sounds so cliche, I know. Like something you heard Hallmark or Disney or some other major marketer of family stuff say 10,0000 times growing up; "Give the Gift of Memories." ⁣ ⁣ And in all transparency, if I heard a commercial utter those words, I may roll my eyes. But, let's stop for just a quick second. ⁣ ⁣ Our world, as well as the world around our children, is full of so much stuff: so much to do, so many gatherings, so many distractions and have-to's that life sometimes feels like it is moving in warp speed. So PAUSE. ⁣ ⁣ For just a moment, stop. And, breath, be right where you are. Observe your children, your spouse, your parents, your pets... For me, when I do this, I can breath in gratitude.⁣ ⁣ While we will have a blast creating memories together as we take your family pictures, those are not the memories that I am capturing for you. It is the times, right now, that you will look back on as memories that we are putting in print for down the road. All that gratitude; all the pigtails, braces, puppy-slobber, hugs between your parents and your kiddos, the times that your daughter will still hold your hand, the moments your son takes his first breaths...these memories. These are the memories we are gifting.⁣ ⁣ That picture I posted of my four girls- I have two out of the house now. Time flies. Pictures help us take pause.⁣ ⁣ As we enter the season of Thanks and Giving, consider giving the Gift of a Photography Session. Give the cherished opportunity to share time with one another. It is a gift that will gift back for generations to come.
Everyday you choose. Will you choose to surround Everyday you choose. Will you choose to surround yourself with those that give Life to those around them, straightening crowns, raising the tide, picking up others and dusting them off? Or, you will you choose dissatisfaction, anger, resentment, animosity? Be the Light. #messesandall #befierce #ifyoubuildit #choosewisely
📸 Fall in love, again and again!⁣ Couple's Po 📸 Fall in love, again and again!⁣ Couple's Portraits are an amazing time to share laughs, stories and reconnect over moments that will last a lifetime. ⁣ ⁣ 🎉 Include a special announcement! ⁣ This sweet couple turned their couple's session into an opportunity to announcement the most exciting news!! . ⁣ ⁣ 🧡 Hurry up lovebirds, Fall and Winter spaces are almost gone! Grab the Last Openings now!
Planning a Wedding? Maybe even a Family Session?⁣ ⁣ 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵! It’s free, it’s easy to use, it’s fun to browse, and it helps us align on a vision for your wedding photography or family session long before your big day arrives. ⁣ ⁣ I bet you’re already using Pinterest to gather visual inspiration for your wedding, home, work project, or bucket vacation list. But the value of Pinterest reaches beyond inspiration! It’s an amazing space to simply curate images that you love and consider the artistry involved in capturing those images.⁣ ⁣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱⁣ ⁣ As we begin to work together, I encourage you to take a little time, maybe on a slower weekend morning, to sit back with a cup of coffee or mug of tea and gather a collection of images that speak to you in some way. They don’t even have to pertain to weddings at all! This board can feature things like:⁣ ⁣ Your favorite colors and tones⁣ A lighting style that really speaks to you⁣ Your preferred natural settings⁣ Expressions of other couples you’d love to capture of you and your partner⁣ Framing that makes you think, “Wow!”⁣ An editing technique that makes you say, “Oh, I love that...”⁣ And pretty much anything else you want!⁣ ⁣ Virtually, any image that piques your interest — even if you aren’t 100% sure why it does so — can belong on this board. This thoughtfully crafted collection gives me a glimpse inside your mind and helps me understand what really speaks to you. And, as a professional photographer, I can use that information to make sure the art we create together on your wedding day transforms your dreams into reality successfully.⁣ ⁣ How many images should you collect? The sky’s the limit, really! As long as you can look at your board and say, “Yep, this is me and what I love in a nutshell,” then you’ve done an excellent job in giving me what I need to support you. I can’t wait to see the magic we’ll create for you!
✨ Outfit Inspiration Guide ✨⁣ ⁣ 20 years a ✨ Outfit Inspiration Guide ✨⁣ ⁣ 20 years and over 900 portraits session has taught me SO much! One of which is that “What should we wear?” is a recurring question that nearly every single client asks. And, it is a really important question!⁣ ⁣ To help in the sorting process I have put together this super sweet Outfit Inspiration Guide to get your creative energy flowing. It is an on-going project that I am continually adding to. So, check back for more ideas as you plan.⁣ ⁣ The Do Not List⁣ For me, there are not too many rules for selecting clothing for your portraits. However, there are a few do not’s and lots of do’s to consider.⁣ ⁣ The Do Not’s allow us to focus on what’s important in the image and not on the clothing. Here is the short list of Do Not’s::⁣ ⁣ +Do Not Wear Large Logo or Character Clothing⁣ +Do Not Wear Neon Colors⁣ +Do Not Create a Mix of Too Many Patterns.⁣ That’s It! Everything else is fair game (Simple, huh?).⁣ ⁣ We want to make certain that the central focus of your images is you, the important people in your life, and the connection between you. Making sure we do not take away from the focus on your amazing crew is crucial.⁣ ⁣ Let’s Do This List⁣ The best steps to selecting outfits:⁣ ⁣ +Get Inspired⁣ +Select a Color Palette⁣ +Decide Whether You Will Match or Compliment One Another⁣ +Select Main Outfits Add Details Such as Scarves, Shoes, Belts, Sock, Hats, Bows, and Jewelry⁣ +Make sure you feel comfortable in what you select. ❤ Super Important! Happy, Feel Good Bodies make for the Best, Carefree Images.⁣ ⁣ Need more help? I’m always standing by to hear your ideas. And, I am happy to have you bounce thoughts off of me.⁣ ⁣ Head Over to the Blog for the Outfit Inspiration Guide ✨ It is SUPER cute!
👉🏼 Is your dating profile photo game on poin 👉🏼 Is your dating profile photo game on point? ⁣ ⁣ Let’s talk for a moment about online dating, the apps, the stress, and yes- Your Bio!⁣ ⁣ Often, before anyone on an online dating site or app reads a word about you your main profile photo introduces you, and that’s no matter how good or bad it is. Good-quality images can convey a lot of information about you quickly; in other words, a great photograph on your dating profile speaks for you in your absence and can leave a lasting impression on a person long after they’ve exited the app. ⁣ ⁣ Searching for love online can be intimidating and even more so when you’re swiping through a sea of blurry, outdated, poorly-lit photographs, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are a few signs that it might be time to put your dating profile photos in the hands of an experienced online dating photographer:⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 Your dates tell you that you look better in person than in your photos.⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You’re totally new to online dating and need help figuring out how or where to start. ⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 Your relationship just ended, or you’ve gone through a divorce. Online dating has changed so much over the last two years. ⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You want to skip the admin work and jump to the good part of going on fun dates with quality matches. ⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You’re currently online dating but not having much luck. Are you finding that your profile is not attracting quality matches? Or any matches at all, for that matter?⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 The idea of online dating and setting up your profile feels overwhelming. ⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You don’t have many (or any) good photos of yourself to use. Are you the type of person who doesn’t take many photos? Or if you do, they end up being less than flattering selfies?⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You don’t feel particularly photogenic.⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You recognize having a cohesive and flattering presence online matters.⁣ ⁣ 👉🏼 You want to show potential matches how important your search is and that you’re taking it seriously. ⁣ ⁣ Dating is never easy, and it’s even more of a gamble when you have to rely on technology to “speak for you.” Since the images you present are critical to people’s initial perception of you, make sure they’re good ones!
👏🏼Be a Light-Bringer. 👏🏼Be Intentiona 👏🏼Be a Light-Bringer. 👏🏼Be Intentional. 👏🏼Be Your Greatest You.
𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 + 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀⁣ 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 1: 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 ⁣ ⁣ This week kicks off a new series on Reevaluating our Businesses and Goals as we inch toward a new year in 2025. Running a small business is more than the numbers and professional goals. It is all of the heart, soul and personal commitment to the life of your small business and drives growth and achievements. ⁣ ⁣ Over the next 10 weeks we will focus on creating a plan, both professionally and personally, that will set-up your world for the greatest opportunity in the new year.⁣ ⁣ Let's jump in!⁣ ⁣ Running your own business is absolutely one of the most amazing gifts and opportunities! We all know that!⁣ ⁣ We also know that it doesn't come without a lot of work and sacrifice. And if you are like so many of us, that work and sacrifice can sometimes feel⁣ incredibly overwhelming. Oftentimes, the "overwhelm" comes in areas that may not be our strongest skill-set or in an area of our business that we may have neglected for one reason or another.⁣ ⁣ So, as we move into evaluating where our businesses are as we round out 2024 and as we set-goals and business plans moving into 2025, begin making a list of where you and your team find levels of stress or "overwhelm" inside your current business plan. ⁣ ⁣ When you are feeling a struggle, take a small step back and make a short list of the areas that feel that you need the most help, practice, or attention. Then number that short list in order of importance.⁣ ⁣ Start from your #1. and work intentionally to achieve whatever change you need to see. Once that specific item of work can be marked off the list, move to #2.⁣ ⁣ I know we can sometimes want to jump in and throw all of the balls into the air at one time. But, trust experience on this one... that Does Not Work. Give your self the courage and time to move through your list in a process and you will see greater successes, one by one. ⁣ ⁣ When you are intentionally mastering your weaknesses, you are strengthening the core of what you are pursuing. For me, this takes a bit of the overwhelm out of the picture (pun intended).
“Sweep, sweep, sweep the ground. All negativity “Sweep, sweep, sweep the ground. All negativity shall be bound. I banish all that is profane. Only positive shall remain.” Have a fun Halloween! Hopefully more treats than tricks! 👻🎃🧡
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