Will You Miss This When It’s Gone?

Posted on May 7, 2019May 6, 2019 by Allison

Will you miss this when it's gone? It's not a matter of "if" something will go away someday. Every step along the way is a phase; it's all temporary, for good or for bad. The question is, will you miss...Read More

Hacked!

Posted on April 30, 2019April 30, 2019 by Allison

It's been a long few weeks. I got hacked, y'all. My little photography business site got hacked, and being hacked feels a lot like having your car broken into, or your bike stolen off your front porch. You feel silly,...Read More

New Places, “Old” Faces

Posted on November 27, 2018November 26, 2018 by Allison

"Can we park here?" The sign at the flood wall canal walk parking area is confusing, and the meter asks for $8 for the day. We were only planning to be there for 30 minutes. "Uh, sure! Let's give it...Read More

Wardrobe Inspiration for Fall Family Photos

Posted on September 12, 2017September 10, 2017 by Allison

Looking for some inspiration for your wardrobe for fall family photos? I've put together some ideas and tips below that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing. Tip #1: Layer, layer, layer. The cool breezes of fall give us a...Read More

Outdoor Location Myths

Posted on August 8, 2017August 7, 2017 by Allison

Last week, I wrote about five indoor location myths, and I thought it would be fitting to follow that up with some outdoor photo location myths. The majority of my sessions are done outdoors, and overwhelmingly during one part of...Read More

Indoor Location Myths

Posted on August 1, 2017July 31, 2017 by Allison

In case you've been living in the southern hemisphere or a cave lately, I'm here to tell you that this summer has been Hot. Suffocating humidity and heat has made being outside for more than 5 minutes unbearable for a...Read More

A Lesson in Aspect Ratios

Posted on May 23, 2017May 22, 2017 by Allison

Family photos are intimidating for so many reasons. The research that goes into finding a photographer you like; the wrangling of the kids; the location choices and wardrobe selections, and of course, the dreaded "what do I do with my...Read More

Can’t Hold Me Down – RVA Street Art Festival

Posted on April 25, 2016April 25, 2016 by Allison

Last week was the kind of week that breaks you. Family members in the hospital, playing catch-up after vacation, and a can't-let-any-of-the-balls-drop kind of week. I was looking forward to the weekend like a man crossing the desert yearns for water....Read More

Such a Perfect Day – Spring Mini Sessions

Posted on April 19, 2016April 19, 2016 by Allison

Just a perfect day Problems all left alone Weekenders on our own It's such fun Oh, it's such a perfect day I'm glad I spent it with you Lou Reed I was really afraid the weather wasn't going to cooperate...Read More

How to Be Mentally Prepared for a Photo Shoot

Posted on April 12, 2016June 19, 2017 by Allison

I hate feeling unprepared. It's the classic dream where you're sitting in class and the teacher announces that it's Exam Day and you realize you haven't attended a single class or even know what the topic is, and then wake...Read More

Allison Patel Photography

Family Photography and Maternity Portraits in Richmond VA