The Motiontography Engagement Experience
Your engagement is one of the most exciting chapters of your life together. At Motiontography, we believe your engagement photos should feel as natural and effortless as your love for each other.
Roger Mitchell brings 14+ years of photography experience and a cinematic eye to every engagement session. Rather than stiff, posed portraits, we focus on authentic connection: the way you look at each other, the laughter between takes, the quiet moments that define your relationship. Every session is tailored to your personality, your story, and the locations that mean the most to you as a couple.
Whether you envision barefoot beach portraits at golden hour, a romantic stroll through botanical gardens, or bold, artistic studio shots with dramatic lighting, Motiontography brings the creative vision and technical skill to make it happen. Your engagement photos will be images you are proud to share, frame, and use for your wedding save-the-dates and invitations.
Why Couples Choose Motiontography
Choosing your engagement photographer sets the tone for your entire wedding journey. Here is what makes Motiontography the trusted choice for Hampton Roads couples:
Creative Vision
Roger's background in both photography and videography gives him a cinematic approach to composition, lighting, and storytelling. Your engagement portraits will have depth, emotion, and an artistic quality that stands apart from standard couple photos. Every frame is intentionally crafted.
Location Expertise
After 14+ years photographing across Hampton Roads, Roger knows every stunning location: the best light at Virginia Beach, the hidden paths at Norfolk Botanical Garden, the architectural backdrops in downtown Norfolk, and the quiet charm of Suffolk's historic streets. We guide you to the perfect setting.
Comfortable Experience
Most couples feel awkward in front of a camera at first. Roger specializes in making you feel at ease through natural prompts, genuine conversation, and a relaxed pace. Within minutes, you will forget the camera is there and simply enjoy being together. That is when the best images happen.
Photo + Video Combined
As both a photographer and videographer, Roger can capture still portraits and cinematic video clips in the same session. Imagine pairing your engagement gallery with a short highlight film of your session. It is a powerful combination that most photographers simply cannot offer.
Engagement Session Types
Every couple is different. Choose the setting that reflects your relationship, or combine locations for a multi-look engagement session.
Beach Engagement
Virginia Beach oceanfront and Sandbridge offer some of the most romantic backdrops on the East Coast. Golden-hour light reflecting off the water, windswept hair, barefoot walks in the sand. Beach engagement sessions are effortlessly beautiful and deeply personal.
Popular locations: Virginia Beach oceanfront, Sandbridge Beach, First Landing State Park shoreline
Garden & Park Engagement
Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and winding pathways create a dreamy, timeless atmosphere. Garden sessions are especially stunning in spring and fall when the foliage is at its peak. These locations offer natural shade and beautiful dappled light throughout the session.
Popular locations: Norfolk Botanical Garden, First Landing State Park trails, Suffolk parks
Urban & Downtown Engagement
Brick walls, modern architecture, street art, and city lights create bold, contemporary engagement portraits with an editorial feel. Urban sessions work beautifully for couples who want something modern, stylish, and full of energy.
Popular locations: Norfolk Waterside District, downtown Suffolk, Ghent neighborhood, NEON District
Studio Engagement
Our Suffolk studio provides complete control over lighting and atmosphere. Dramatic, artistic engagement portraits with professional lighting setups that rival magazine editorials. Studio sessions are weather-proof and ideal for couples who want bold, high-fashion looks.
Features: Professional lighting, multiple backdrop options, climate-controlled, no weather concerns
Want to combine locations? Many couples start at one setting and finish at another for a diverse engagement gallery. Contact us to plan your custom session.
What to Expect: Your Engagement Session
From the first consultation to your finished gallery, here is how the entire engagement photography experience unfolds:
Consultation & Planning
After booking, we schedule a consultation (in person, phone, or video) to learn about your relationship, your vision for the session, and your preferred locations. Roger provides guidance on outfits, timing, and what to expect so you feel confident and prepared.
Your Session Day
Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time for outfit changes and multiple looks. Roger uses natural prompts and conversation to capture genuine emotion. You will walk, laugh, whisper, and simply enjoy being together while Roger captures every moment.
Editing & Gallery Delivery
Your images are professionally color-graded and retouched, then delivered through a private online gallery within 2 to 3 weeks. You receive high-resolution digital files perfect for printing, social media, and your wedding stationery. Print and album upgrades are available.
Your Engagement-to-Wedding Journey
Your engagement session is just the beginning. Many Hampton Roads couples who book engagement photography with Motiontography continue the journey through their wedding day and beyond. When the same photographer captures your engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn sessions, your entire love story shares one cohesive artistic vision.
Engagement
Celebrate your "yes" with portraits that capture the excitement of this moment. Use your images for save-the-dates and invitations.
You are hereWedding
Your big day deserves a photographer who already knows you, your best angles, and the way you light up around each other.
View Wedding ServicesMaternity
When your family starts to grow, we capture the beauty of pregnancy with the same artistic vision you already know and love.
View Maternity SessionsNewborn
Complete the story with professional newborn portraits that document your family's newest chapter with care and artistry.
View Newborn SessionsAsk about multi-session packages when you book your engagement session. Couples who continue with Motiontography for their wedding enjoy a seamless experience from engagement through the big day.
Engagement Photography FAQs
When is the best time of day for engagement photos in Hampton Roads?
The best time for outdoor engagement photos is during golden hour, the hour before sunset. In Hampton Roads, this creates warm, romantic light that is especially stunning at Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Norfolk Botanical Garden. We also offer sunrise sessions for couples who prefer fewer crowds. For studio sessions, timing is flexible since we control the lighting entirely.
What should we wear for our engagement photo session?
We recommend coordinating outfits rather than matching exactly. Choose complementary colors and similar levels of formality. Bring two outfit changes: one dressy and one casual. Avoid large logos or busy patterns. During your pre-session consultation, Roger will provide personalized outfit guidance based on your chosen location and the overall look you want.
Where are the best locations for engagement photos in Hampton Roads?
Hampton Roads offers incredible variety. Popular locations include Virginia Beach oceanfront and Sandbridge for beach portraits, Norfolk Botanical Garden for lush garden backdrops, First Landing State Park for wooded trails and bay views, Norfolk Waterside District for urban architecture, and downtown Suffolk for charming small-town character. Our Suffolk studio is also available for dramatic, artistic engagement portraits.
How far in advance should we book our engagement session?
We recommend booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially for specific dates or golden-hour time slots. Spring and fall are our busiest seasons due to ideal weather and foliage. If you are also booking wedding photography, we often schedule the engagement session 6 to 9 months before the wedding so images can be used for save-the-dates and invitations.
Can we bring our dog or props to the engagement session?
Absolutely! We love incorporating pets, meaningful props, and personal touches into engagement sessions. Many Hampton Roads couples bring their dog, a favorite bottle of wine, a picnic setup, or items that represent their story. Props add personality and help you feel more relaxed. Just let us know during your consultation so we can plan accordingly.
Book Your Engagement Photography Session
You said yes. Now let's capture the joy, the excitement, and the love between you in images you will treasure forever. Hampton Roads has the perfect backdrop for your engagement story.
Last updated: February 2026
Explore Our Other Services
Motiontography offers a full range of professional photography services across Hampton Roads. Whether you are planning a wedding, expecting a baby, or need stunning headshots, we have you covered.