Category Archives: Power

Erin’s Trash the Dress session at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

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The rebirth of Erin, in her own words.

I’m turning this over to her so she can tell you about our Trash the Dress photo session.

My name is Erin, I’m 32, and am going through a divorce. With that being said, the split has been very amicable and we still remain good friends. However, people don’t get divorced for no reason and I had some feelings about it. Our wedding was exactly what I wanted, and so was the DRESS. I hadn’t even gotten it all the way on at the bridal shop and knew it was the one. But life happens and here we are.

I had heard of the trash the dress concept years ago, and loved it but had honestly forgotten about it. That was until my best friend, who also just got divorced, sent me some pictures of other women’s experiences and I knew it had to happen. My mind went straight to Mark, who I’ve known for years. There was no one else for the job, and he didn’t hesitate when I asked. It was meant to be.

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More images after the break

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Mrs. C’s Virginia Beach fitness portrait session.

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Mother Nature provided the background, Mrs. C. was the storm. Read about what got her into fitness.

Mrs. C. is a force of nature. She exudes confidence and strength. I knew I wanted to capture that essence but also the fact that she’s a beautiful woman during our recent beach portrait session on a cloudy, windy day at First Landing State Park.

My intent with every session I do is to make it all about the person in front of the lens. I want to capture their inner essence, them being them. We will set up the shot with the outfit, lighting, and such but then I pause before putting the camera to my face and ask them a question or give them a thought to work on. Then I let them loose to interpret that idea or thought.

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“You do you.” is what I tell them. Then we go.

More images after the break.
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Sunrise session with Whitney Lockwood at Hillier Ignite Fitness Park.

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My first time shooting at the Virginia Beach-based outdoor park at the Oceanfront.

Normally I hold my beach sunrise sessions somewhere other than at the resort area of our great city. All those hotel patrons coming out to the beach or watching from the patio of their rooms really adds to the pressure of someone trying to relax and get comfortable posing. I’ve had beach goers literally try to get in the picture with the clients, try to ask me photography questions when the lighting is peaking, or just stand there five feet away, ignore the sunrise, and stare at us.

But then there’s Whitney. Whitney is fearless. She’s a powerhouse of confidence and strength in a compact frame. She’s a powerlifter, personal trainer, and a fitness bikini competitor. So, she walks the walk and talks the talk. She would be just fine.

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Danielle’s Fitness Session in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

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She was in final prep for a local fitness competition plus she wanted to honor her mom.

Danielle was the second person involved in my latest duo super session, along with her friend Shelley. These are her images and story.

I love helping people see themselves in a new light. I truly believe we are our own worst enemies when it comes to our self image. When we look at ourselves in the bathroom mirror at 7 am all we see are the “flaws” and “issues.” We never see the truth, the good.

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Shelley’s fitness super session in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

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She was in final prep for a fitness competition.

Shelley was part of a duo session. She and her friend Danielle teamed up to do a super session as part of their work-up for a local fitness competition. Danielle’s images will be posted later. This is all about Shelley.

Therefore I’m going to let her talk first.

“I was absolutely blown away by Mark’s professionalism and amazing photography skills. We did the shoot one week prior to a bodybuilding competition that I competed in and it was the greatest confidence boost that I needed right before stepping on stage. Mark truly captured the rough and hard beauty for the fitness photos and then we ended our session at First Landing with the most unique sunset I have ever seen. I have never felt so beautiful, confident, and feminine. Mark is truly an amazing photographer and I would recommend him to anyone. I have already started to plan my next shoot with Mark!”

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It’s that time of year.

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Gearing up for another portrait season outside.

Things are finally warming up out there which means a return to outdoor sessions. Personally, I’m counting the days until I can return to the beach and other wonderful locations.

I’m also building a small studio set up at my place in case the weather won’t cooperate or a client wants studio portraits done. I’m posting an image from a test run I did here recently.

That being said here’s a reminder of just what kind of portrait sessions I offer. These can be done on location or at my place:

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Let’s rock, people.

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Coming back to Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.

Today is my last full day in central NY. Three weeks flew by so fast.

Heads up, Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. I’m re-energized and inspired to try new ideas. I’ll be back tomorrow and ready to rock out more sunset, fitness, fashion, beauty, urban, nutrition, Power, headshots, senior portraits, couples, engagement, small weddings, bridal, maternity, baby bonding, and boudoir/nudoir sessions. I am proud and thrilled to announce the return of the popular sunRISE sessions for those looking for something different.

I also provide small group and one on one photography classes covering all aspects of the genre from a beginner wanting to learn how to take better pictures with their cell phones on up to advanced topics like lighting, sports, portraits, working on location, off-camera flash, social media and much more.

Let’s rock.

Mark Knopp is a Virginia Beach-based portrait photographer covering the Hampton roads community. Contact him today at mknopp1@cox.net for you photographic needs or for photography lessons.

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