Experience innovative Norfolk maternity photography that celebrates you. From the artistic streets of the NEON District to the serene sands of Ocean View, we capture your story right here in our city.
Norfolk is unlike anywhere else in Hampton Roads—it's where history meets art, where bayfront charm meets urban energy. As a Norfolk maternity photographer since 2010, I've photographed expecting mothers at nearly every corner of this city: from the world-famous Botanical Garden to the colorful murals of the NEON District, from the elegant streets of Ghent to the peaceful shores of Ocean View.
Our studio is just 15 minutes from Norfolk in Suffolk, which means no travel fees for Norfolk sessions. We offer both on-location sessions ($900) at Norfolk's beautiful locations and studio sessions ($750). Tulle maternity robes are available if you need them (color customized in post-production), or bring your own outfits - we encourage it!
After hundreds of sessions throughout Norfolk, here are my top picks with insider tips:
Best for: Garden lovers, seasonal blooms, variety in one location
Insider tip: The Japanese Garden is stunning year-round with reflective ponds and arched bridges. In spring, the Renaissance Garden's tulips create incredible color. We handle all photography permits for you.
Best time: Weekday mornings for privacy, 2-3 hours before sunset for golden light
Best for: Editorial-style photos, European charm, urban sophistication
Insider tip: The Hague waterfront is magical at twilight. Colley Avenue's tree-lined streets offer dappled light. The Chrysler Museum grounds are free and gorgeous. Pair with dinner at one of Ghent's restaurants!
Best time: Golden hour through blue hour for that moody urban glow
Best for: Coastal vibe without Virginia Beach crowds
Insider tip: Ocean View faces the Chesapeake Bay, so the water is calmer and warmer than the oceanfront. The fishing pier at Ocean View Park makes a dramatic backdrop. East Beach is more secluded and residential.
Best time: 1-2 hours before sunset for soft, warm light on the water
Best for: Unique artistic backdrops, modern/eclectic style
Insider tip: NEON's murals change yearly—we know which walls photograph best with which colors. The Hermitage Museum grounds offer historic elegance with waterfront views. Both are free/public locations.
Best time: Weekday mornings for murals (fewer people), sunset for Hermitage
Celebrating motherhood in our beautiful city.
Yes, the Botanical Garden requires a photography permit for professional sessions ($75-150 depending on season). We handle all permit arrangements for you. The permit gives us access to the entire 175-acre garden including the Japanese Garden, Renaissance Garden, and Rose Garden.
Spring (April-May) for azaleas and tulips, early summer (June) for roses, and fall (September-October) for rich foliage. Winter offers dramatic bare branches and fewer crowds. The Japanese Garden looks beautiful year-round.
It depends on your style! Ghent offers charming tree-lined streets, The Hague waterfront, and urban sophistication—perfect for editorial shots. Ocean View provides coastal beauty with calmer waters than Virginia Beach. Many clients do both in one session!
Absolutely! The NEON District's vibrant street art creates unique, modern backdrops. The murals are on public streets so no permits are needed. Best times are weekday mornings for fewer people. We know which walls photograph best, and we can customize your robe color in post-production to complement any mural!
Our Suffolk studio is approximately 15-20 minutes from most Norfolk locations via I-264 or Military Highway. There are no travel fees for Norfolk sessions. Many clients combine studio shots with on-location photos in Norfolk.
For Norfolk maternity photos, bring layers and options. Gardens call for soft, romantic looks; NEON murals pop with bold colors; Ghent suits elegant neutrals. We'll help you decide during your consultation.
The best light in Norfolk is 1-2 hours before sunset. For the Botanical Garden, we recommend weekday sessions to avoid weekend crowds. NEON District is quietest on weekday mornings.
Botanical Garden has ample parking ($12 entry per car). Ghent has street parking (free on weekends). Ocean View has beach parking lots. We'll send you exact meeting spot details before your session.
Norfolk weather can change quickly. If rain threatens your outdoor session, you can reschedule (no fee) or switch to our climate-controlled Suffolk studio. Overcast days are actually great for even, flattering light!
"Roger knew exactly where to go at the Botanical Garden for the best light. The Japanese Garden photos are absolutely stunning—everyone asks where we took them!"
"We did Ocean View at sunset and then stopped in Ghent for twilight shots. The variety from one session was amazing. Roger made me feel so comfortable and beautiful the entire time."
From the Botanical Garden's beauty to Ghent's charm, let's capture this beautiful chapter of your story.
Studio $750 | On-Location $900 | No travel fees for Norfolk
In addition to Norfolk, Motiontography provides maternity photography throughout Hampton Roads: