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Messes + All Photography + Branding blog
Hey Friends!
My name is Sarah and I am a Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-based photographer and branding specialist.
After 18 years as a photographer specializing in natural light photography, I launched a branding, photography and design studio that encompasses all of my favorite things in life- Design, People, Business Growth and Education, Freedom, Family, and Photography. I am committed to documenting moments, emotion, and detail in their raw, organic beauty. And, I am honored to grow and encourage you and your business.
I believe in the human experience and am excited to be able to participate in each unique journey.
You did not wake up today to be mediocre.
Be in touch and let’s do this!
How to Get It All Done When You Really Can’t | Hack 2, Be Mindful of Location
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
A STRONG WOMAN IS A WOMAN DETERMINED TO DO SOMETHING OTHERS ARE DETERMINED NOT BE DONE. | Professional Branding Photography
A STRONG WOMAN IS A WOMAN DETERMINED TO DO SOMETHING OTHERS AREDETERMINED 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
How to Get It All Done When You Really Can’t | Series 1, Embrace Meal Kits
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 since of humor along the way. When you can master that (and
The Truth About DIY Branding Photography | Virginia Beach Branding Photographer
Hey there! Looking to chat a little about doing your own branding photography? I get it! Everyone has great phones that capture pretty great pictures these days. But, here is the he Truth About DIY Branding Photography. Pull up a seat, grab a drink, and let’s chat! Are you looking
Take Pause | Virginia Beach Family Photographer
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
Weddings: Send Me a Pinterest Board | Virginia Beach Based Wedding Photographer
Hi friends! Today I want to talk about a wonderful tool that really helps photographers like me sync with potential clients like you. 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 long before your big day
Outfit Inspiration Guide | Williamsburg Family Portraits | What to Wear for Pictures
Hi friends! And, welcome to my little heart project! 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
Top 10 Signs that You Need to Hire and Online Dating Photographer
Hey there, friends!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
Series: Evaluating Your Business | Edition 1- Pinpoint Effort Areas | Small Business Coach and Branding Strategist, Virginia Beach
Hello friends! 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
Creative Photography from Weddings to Family Sessions | Virginia Beach Family, Wedding, Boudoir + Branding | Get Your Halloween ON
Hi Friends! It’s Halloween! And, I have to admit that while Halloween has historically been one of my least favorite celebrations each year, this has been a super fun year with clients and family. Tomorrow we will wake-up over sugared and over-tired but, full of another year of Halloween memories
Branding with a Purpose, Small Business Personal Branding | Virginia Beach Branding Photographer + Branding Strategist
Hi Friends! When I took the huge leap of faith that landed me where I am today, I left my corporate America job, got a business license, invested in good equipment and education, took every opportunity to practice my trade, and built a website. Boom! Just like that, I was
Small Business Coach + Branding Strategist | Take Time to Remember Your Why | Messes + All
I’m pretty certain we all began our small business journey for a pretty good reason. If you didn’t have a great reason when you first set-our on the path towards entrepreneurship, I imagine you have developed a solid “why” along your path. And, if you haven’t- Let’s Chat!! Ever felt
When is the best time to book maternity photos? | Virginia Beach Chesapeake Based Maternity Photographer
Number One Question When Planning Maternity Portraits:: When is the best time to book maternity photos?While all photographers will have their own experiences, I typically suggest have your maternity portraits taken between 32-34 weeks. If you’re having multiples let’s chat!! We will want to schedule a little earlier. My goal is
Take Charge of Your Small Business with These 4 Tips | Small Business Coach and Branding Strategist
I figured if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.-Calamity Jane I’ve always loved this quote. It inspires motivation beyond other’s beliefs in your potential. I am certainly not a legend. But, I do believe in hard work and hard play and the
Tuesday Tip:: Wedding Planning | Select a Gown that Fits the Season
You are ENGAGED!! Congratulations! No doubt about it, taking your Mama and best gal pal shopping for your wedding dress is one of the highlights of the wedding planning process. And while everyone will have their say on what is important when selecting your perfect gown, don’t forget to consider
Outer Banks Wedding, Pirate’s Cove Marina- Manteo, NC | Messes + All Photography Studio, Virginia Beach-Chesapeake Based Photographer
Hello friends! Real wedding posts are some of my favorite blog posts. They are always a story. And, ultimately, that is what we are all about- our stories. I’ve known Katy for a long time. Our daughters are the same age. And, a mutual friend introduced us believing that Katy
Top Branding Mistakes I See on the Daily | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Based Branding Photographer
Branding is a strategy. Period.And, it can be a reason why a business excels or is left behind. While there is a tremendous amount of knowledge that goes into a brand, there are several mistakes that I see on a regular basis that are easy to avoid. Let’s Go! 01.
Why Branding Photography? | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Based Branding Photographer
Talking Branding on this Work-It-Wednesday! Specifically Branding Photography. So, Why Branding Photography? 📷 Branding goes beyond your colors, font + logo. It extends to your brand photography, the experience your provide your client, your communicated tone and personality. 👉🏼 Stop using cheesy stock images. 👉🏼 Invest in fresh, modern, custom photos