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.
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!”
In celebration of the death of Winter I’m posting some of the greatest hits from last year’s sessions. It is only a matter of time before we can head back outside and create even more magical images. I am not the same photographer that I was last season. I’ve grown skill-wise and want to stretch and use the new photographic muscles
On a personal level, I’m celebrating the impending arrival of a studio backdrop and other equipment in an effort to rebuild a small studio space at my place. I used to have one when I lived in upstate NY but it got destroyed in the move.
Having this small studio will allow me to create more fine art style images as well as fitness images, headshots, fashion and such. Recent forays into short video has shown a potential new route for me to take and this space will help with that. It also will become a default “Plan B” in case bad weather ruins a location session.
So, the future is looking bright. I hope you join me as I explore and grow.
Mark Knopp is a Virginia-Beach-based portrait photographer and teacher that covers the Hampton Roads community and beyond. Contact him today at mknopp1(at)cox.net for all your photographic needs.
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.
Severine is no stranger to this page. She is an avid Bikram yoga instructor and bikini competitor – not to mention sublimely beautiful. She carries herself with amazing grace and has a quick smile that is genuine. So when she told me she was going to be in town the day after her most recent bikini competition I cleared the calendar.
When I get the chance to work with someone as fit as her I think about bricks and grit. The juxtaposition of smooth skin and tight muscles plays well against the rough textures and edginess of an urban environment. This leads me to the back alleys of downtown Norfolk.
As I sit here on this chilly Sunday morning I can’t help but look at the calendar and see what lies ahead. It’s mid April and, despite what the current thermometer reading says, I get warm in anticipation of returning outdoors more regularly for sessions.
It’s spring. It’s time to solidify our roots so that we can grow taller and bloom. It’s time for new growth. It’s time to push outwards and expand. New growth promotes more energy production which fuels even more growth down the road.
