The Motiontography Family Photography Experience
Family portraits are more than a picture on the wall. They are proof that this moment happened, that your family was together, that your children were this small, and that your love looked exactly like this.
At Motiontography, Roger Mitchell brings 14+ years of experience and an artistic eye to every family session. His approach blends directed posing with natural, candid moments so your portraits feel both polished and authentically you. Whether you are a growing family expecting your first child, a military family capturing a homecoming, or three generations gathering for the first time in years, Roger creates images that preserve the connections that matter most.
Why Families Choose Motiontography
Hampton Roads families return to Motiontography year after year because of what makes us different:
Artistic Vision
Roger's background in motion and fine-art photography means your family portraits go far beyond standard smiles-at-the-camera shots. Expect creative compositions, cinematic lighting, and images with genuine emotional depth that stand apart from anything you have seen before.
Kid-Friendly & Patient
Toddler meltdowns, shy teenagers, squirmy babies - Roger has seen it all and handles every personality with patience and humor. Sessions are structured to keep kids comfortable and engaged, with built-in breaks so nobody feels rushed. The best images often come from the unscripted moments.
Military-Family Friendly
Hampton Roads is home to the largest concentration of military installations in the world. We understand that deployments, PCS moves, and promotions create an urgent need for updated family portraits. We offer priority scheduling for military families and work with tight timelines. Learn more about our military sessions.
Studio + Outdoor Options
Choose the setting that fits your family's personality. Our private Suffolk studio offers a controlled environment with professional lighting, perfect for young children and guaranteed weather-proof results. Or go on-location at Virginia Beach, local parks, or downtown settings for a natural, relaxed feel.
Family Session Types
Every family's story is different. Choose the session that fits where you are right now:
Growing Family Sessions
Document your family's journey from pregnancy through your baby's milestones. Many of our clients start with a maternity session, return for newborn portraits, and continue with annual family sessions as their children grow. When you work with the same photographer year after year, your family's visual story shares a cohesive artistic style that no mix of different photographers can replicate.
Military Family Portraits
Pre-deployment portraits that give your family something to hold onto while you are apart. Homecoming sessions that capture the raw emotion of reunion. Promotion portraits that mark career milestones. We serve families from Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, NAS Oceana, Fort Eustis, and all Hampton Roads installations. Military life moves fast, and updated family portraits are one of the most meaningful things you can do before the next chapter begins. View military photography options.
Extended Family & Multi-Generational
When the whole family is finally in one place, you need a photographer who can manage a large group and still capture intimate moments. Roger plans a detailed shot list in advance so every combination is covered: the full group, individual family units, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings together, and couples. These sessions are especially popular with military families whose extended relatives travel from out of state for visits.
Holiday & Milestone Celebrations
Holiday card portraits, birthday milestone sessions, adoption celebrations, gender reveals, and every other reason your family wants to mark a moment. Our studio can be customized with seasonal backdrops and props, or we can capture your celebration at a meaningful outdoor location across Hampton Roads. These sessions make perfect gifts and create keepsakes your family will revisit for decades.
Your Family's Photography Journey
The most meaningful family photo collections are built over time. At Motiontography, many of our Hampton Roads families start their journey during pregnancy and return for every milestone. When your photographer knows your family's story, every session builds on the last.
Maternity
Capture the anticipation and beauty of pregnancy before your family grows.
Maternity SessionsNewborn
Those fleeting first days captured with care in our warm studio or your home.
Newborn SessionsFamily
Annual portraits, milestones, and moments that show how your family grows.
Book Family SessionAlready a Motiontography client? Ask about returning-client perks when you book your next session.
Hampton Roads Family Portrait Locations
Hampton Roads offers an incredible range of backdrops for your family portraits. Whether you prefer the comfort of a controlled studio environment or the natural beauty of an outdoor setting, we have you covered.
Suffolk Studio
Our private studio at 109 Abbey Rd in Suffolk offers a climate-controlled setting with professional lighting and curated backdrops. The studio is ideal for families with very young children, rainy-day backup, and anyone who wants a polished, consistent look without worrying about weather or crowds.
Beach & Waterfront
Virginia Beach oceanfront, Sandbridge, and the Chesapeake Bay shoreline offer golden-hour backdrops that are hard to beat. Beach sessions are best scheduled for sunrise or late afternoon when the light is warm and the crowds are thinner. Perfect for relaxed, windswept family portraits with a coastal feel.
Parks & Gardens
First Landing State Park, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Bennett Creek Park in Suffolk, and historic Williamsburg all provide lush, natural settings with shade, greenery, and architectural interest. These locations are especially beautiful during fall foliage and spring blooms.
Have a specific location in mind? Roger is happy to scout a new location for your session. Contact us to discuss options.
Family Photography FAQs
What should my family wear for our portrait session?
We recommend coordinating outfits rather than matching exactly. Choose 2-3 complementary colors and mix textures like knits, denim, and cotton for visual interest. Avoid large logos, busy patterns, and neon colors. During your pre-session consultation, Roger will help you plan outfits that look cohesive and photograph beautifully in our Suffolk studio or your chosen outdoor location.
How do you handle young children during family sessions?
Roger has 14+ years of experience working with families and knows that kids are unpredictable. We build extra time into every session for snack breaks, wiggles, and warm-up moments. We start with group shots while energy is highest, then move to individual and candid images. Some of the best family photos come from unscripted, playful moments.
Do you offer family sessions for military families on short timelines?
Absolutely. We understand that military families in Hampton Roads often need updated portraits on short notice due to deployments, PCS moves, homecomings, and promotions. We offer priority scheduling for military families and can often accommodate sessions within days of your request. We serve families from Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, NAS Oceana, Fort Eustis, and all Hampton Roads installations. Learn more about military sessions.
Where do outdoor family sessions take place in Hampton Roads?
Hampton Roads offers stunning outdoor locations for family portraits. Popular choices include Virginia Beach oceanfront, First Landing State Park, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Suffolk's Bennett Creek Park, and downtown areas in Norfolk and Williamsburg. Roger will recommend the best location based on your family's style, the season, and the look you want.
Can we include grandparents and extended family in our session?
Yes! We love multi-generational family sessions. These are especially meaningful for military families whose extended relatives may only visit occasionally. We plan a shot list in advance so we capture every combination: the full group, individual family units, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings together, and couples. Extended family sessions are typically 60-90 minutes depending on group size.
Book Your Family Photography Session
Your kids are only this age right now. Your family only looks like this today. Let's capture it before this chapter changes. Whether it is your first family portrait or your tenth, Roger will create images that stop time and preserve the love in your family exactly as it is.
Last updated: February 2026
Explore Our Other Services
Motiontography is a full-service photography studio. Explore everything we offer for individuals, couples, and families across Hampton Roads:
Mini Sessions
Quick, affordable seasonal photo sessions from $199. Holiday cards, family updates, and more.
Mini Sessions