Behind the Lens with Justine Renee
Welcome to Behind the Lens, where photography meets real life. This podcast offers practical advice, real stories, and a glimpse into the creative journey behind each photograph.
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The Mom Who Never Wants to Be in the Picture
05/15/2026
The Mom Who Never Wants to Be in the Picture
In this episode, Justine talks about the mom who is always behind the camera but never in the frame, and why that needs to change. Whether you're in the middle of a season that doesn't feel photo-worthy or you just genuinely don't love being photographed, this one is for you. Because isn't just about documenting your kids. It's about documenting your whole family, and that includes you. Justine shares why kids don't see what we see when we look at ourselves in photos, what it feels like to lose someone and realize there are almost no photos of them, and how a professional can help you actually enjoy being in front of the camera. If you've been putting off booking a session until you "feel ready," this episode will give you a gentle nudge to stop waiting. Ready to get in front of the camera? Justine Renee Photography offers sessions for families, newborns, and maternity clients across Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks. Book your session at justinerenee.com. Topics covered: Why moms opt out of photos and what it costs their families over time The connection between family photos on display and children's sense of belonging What it looks like to work with a photographer who actually makes you feel comfortable A reframe for moms who are waiting until they feel "ready" đ
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Newborn Photography Tips for Virginia Beach Moms
01/28/2026
Newborn Photography Tips for Virginia Beach Moms
Welcoming a newborn is one of lifeâs most meaningful moments, and capturing it beautifully requires thoughtful planning. In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine shares practical tips for preparing a calm and comfortable Virginia Beach newborn photography session. As a dedicated Virginia Beach newborn photographer, she explains ideal timing, how to prepare siblings, and what parents can expect during an in-home or studio newborn session. This episode is ideal for parents searching for a newborn photographer in Virginia Beach, VA who prioritizes safety, comfort, and emotional storytelling. If youâre planning newborn photos in Virginia Beach, this episode provides guidance to ensure a relaxed experience and timeless imagery youâll cherish forever. đ Ready to book or learn more? Visit to start planning your session with a trusted
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How to Prepare for Relaxed Virginia Beach Family Photos
01/26/2026
How to Prepare for Relaxed Virginia Beach Family Photos
Preparing for a family photography session doesnât have to be stressful. In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine shares expert advice on planning relaxed and joyful that feel natural and authentic. As an experienced , Justine explains how outfit coordination, session timing, and location selection impact the final look of your . She also discusses strategies for keeping children engaged so families can enjoy a smooth, enjoyable experience. This episode is perfect for families searching for a who specializes in candid, connection-focused imagery. Whether youâre planning beach family photos or an outdoor session, youâll learn how thoughtful preparation leads to beautiful, stress-free . đ Ready to book or learn more? Visit to start planning your session with a trusted
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Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Virginia Beach Maternity Session
01/22/2026
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Virginia Beach Maternity Session
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine Renee shares expert insight on how to choose the perfect setting for your . From peaceful shoreline views to quiet natural backdrops, she explains how location impacts lighting, mood, and comfort during your session. As a trusted , Justine discusses popular locations for , including Sandbridge Beach and other coastal areas that offer soft light and stunning scenery. Expect helpful tips on session timing, wardrobe choices, and how to feel confident in front of the camera. If youâre searching for a who specializes in natural, emotional imagery, this episode walks you through what to expect and how professional planning leads to timeless results. Whether youâre planning beach maternity photos or considering an outdoor maternity session, this episode is designed for expecting mothers seeking a luxury . đ Ready to book or learn more? Visit to start planning your session with a trusted
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The Best Ages and Stages to Photograph Your Kids | Tips from a Photographer in Chesapeake, VA
06/24/2025
The Best Ages and Stages to Photograph Your Kids | Tips from a Photographer in Chesapeake, VA
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, we explore the best ages and stages to photograph your childrenâfrom delicate newborn portraits to vibrant teen sessions. Whether youâre a new parent or planning a senior session, Justine shares her insights as a leading on why these milestones matter and how to capture them beautifully. Justine walks through each phase of childhood: Newborns (0â3 months): Soft, posed images that preserve the fleeting details of your babyâs earliest days. Babies and toddlers (6 monthsâ3 years): Sessions filled with smiles, curiosity, and energyâideal for candid and personality-driven portraits. Preschoolers (3â5 years): Imaginative, playful sessions that highlight their favorite outfits, toys, or stories. School-aged kids (6â12 years): A perfect balance of posed and candid, often featuring sibling and family interactions. Teens (13â18 years): Confident, expressive portraits that mark big milestones like graduation or new chapters. Throughout the episode, youâll learn how these sessions are designed to reflect the true personality of each childâwhether theyâre shy, adventurous, or somewhere in between. If youâre looking for a who truly understands how to work with kids at every stage, Justineâs calm and creative approach makes the entire process easy and enjoyable. She also offers expert guidance as a , ensuring that new moms feel supported during those early, emotional weeks. Her sessions are structured yet flexible, with a focus on capturing what makes your child truly unique. For families anywhere in Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake, Justine Renee Photography is known as a go-to for heirloom-quality images that last a lifetime. đ Ready to book or learn more? Visit to start planning your session with a trusted
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Scheduling Your Family Photos Around Lifeâs Busy Seasons | Thoughts from a Chesapeake Family Photographer
06/17/2025
Scheduling Your Family Photos Around Lifeâs Busy Seasons | Thoughts from a Chesapeake Family Photographer
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine shares real talk about scheduling family photos when life never seems to slow down. As a seasoned , she understands how full your calendar can getâand why that shouldnât keep you from preserving meaningful moments. Justine walks you through how to choose the best time of year for your family, not just based on seasons or holidays. Whether summer feels lighter or spring offers a calm before the chaos, sheâll help you plan a session that fits into your lifeânot the other way around. Youâll learn: How to align your photos with your actual family routine Why early booking is a game-changer for busy moms How Justine removes the overwhelm from outfits, wall prints, and prep Why your family photos should go beyond the holiday card What makes working with a a stress-free experience If youâre looking for a trusted who gets how hectic life can be and still delivers photos you love, Justineâs approach to is all about making things simple, authentic, and personal. Ready to stop waiting for the âperfect timeâ? Start planning your session with Justine today at justinereneephotography.com.
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How Family Photos Can Boost Your Kidsâ Confidence | Perspective from a Photographer in Virginia Beach
06/09/2025
How Family Photos Can Boost Your Kidsâ Confidence | Perspective from a Photographer in Virginia Beach
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, weâre diving into something simple but incredibly powerful: how family photos can quietly shape your childâs self-confidence. I share what research says about the impact of seeing themselves represented in their home, how this has played out in my own family, and why the photos you hang on your walls are about more than just memories. As a , Iâve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be for children to grow up seeing themselves in the images displayed around their home. Those photos become part of their story. They reinforce belonging, identity, and connection in ways that often go unnoticed but still have a lasting impact. In this episode, weâll talk about why the photos you choose to display matter, how they can influence the way your children see themselves, and why intentional can be about so much more than documenting a moment. If youâve been meaning to schedule a session but keep putting it off, this episode is your reminder that itâs not about perfection. Itâs about presence. The photos you create today can become daily reminders for your children of where they belong and how deeply theyâre loved. And if youâre searching for a who makes the process easy and meaningful, or looking for a trusted who focuses on authentic moments, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the value of professional What You'll Learn: Why printed family photos matter for kidsâ confidence The message your wall art is sending (even if you donât realize it) A simple mindset shift for overwhelmed moms What to expect when working with a Helpful Links: đ Thinking about booking? Hereâs what itâs like to work with a đźď¸ Looking for ideas on what to do with your photos after the session? I help families choose heirloom-quality prints and albums as part of their experience. đś New baby at home? I also offer full-service , including planning and product selection. đĄ You donât need to have it all togetherâI guide you through every step as your . Letâs Connect: Website â Instagram â Facebook â Linktree â Pinterest: Pinterest Board â Link to Pin â
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Getting Kids Ready for a Photo Session | Tips from a Virginia Beach Family Photographer
06/06/2025
Getting Kids Ready for a Photo Session | Tips from a Virginia Beach Family Photographer
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justineâyour trusted âshares six practical tips to help parents prepare their children for a successful and relaxed photo session. From outfit choices to energy levels and favorite toys, she covers it all with a warm, mom-focused approach. Drawing from her experience working with families throughout the area, Justine knows how to make every session feel fun and natural. Whether you're a returning client or looking for the to guide you through your first professional session, this episode is full of useful insights. We talk about common challenges like fussy toddlers, scheduling around naps, and how snacks can save the day. These tips are designed specifically with busy moms in mind and reflect the supportive, personalized experience you get when working with a true expert in . If youâre looking for a who values authentic moments, this episode is for you. Website:
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How to Choose the Right Newborn Photographer
03/20/2025
How to Choose the Right Newborn Photographer
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine Renee shares expert tips for selecting the perfect newborn photographer. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Justine breaks it down into five essential factorsâhelping new moms feel confident when booking someone to capture their babyâs earliest moments. Youâll learn: How to identify your preferred photography styleâwhether you love light and airy, moody and dramatic, or classic and timeless images. Justine also explains the difference between posed and lifestyle newborn photography. Why experience and safety are non-negotiable when working with newborns. She offers practical tips on how to ask about a photographerâs safety practices and handling techniques. What to look for in newborn photography packages, including whether you want digital images, printed artwork, or custom albums. The importance of the overall experience, from full-service photographers who guide you through every step to more hands-off, gallery-only services. How to read reviews and rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to ensure youâre working with a trusted professional. If youâre looking for a skilled , Justine offers both posed and lifestyle sessions that beautifully capture your little oneâs earliest days. She also specializes in and heirloom artwork, helping you create timeless memories for your home. đˇ Connect with Justine: Visit her website: Follow her on Instagram: đ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with another mom looking for a or newborn photographer. See you next time on Behind the Lens with Justine Renee!
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How to Choose the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Session
02/26/2025
How to Choose the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Session
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, weâre tackling one of the most common questions families ask before their photo sessionâWhat should we wear? Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your portraits turn out, and today, Iâm sharing my best tips to help you create a cohesive, timeless look. As a , Iâve worked with countless families, and I know that outfit selection can feel overwhelming. But donât worryâIâm here to break it all down for you! What You'll Learn in This Episode: âď¸ Why outfit choice matters for your session âď¸ The best colors to wear (and why soft neutrals are a game-changer!) âď¸ The one pattern I always tell my clients to avoidâsorry, plaid lovers! âď¸ How to coordinate outfits without looking overly "matchy-matchy" âď¸ Why comfort is just as important as style in family portraits Whether you're planning a session with a to capture your beautiful baby bump, a for those precious first moments, or a for updated portraits, these tips will help you feel confident in your outfit choices. Links & Resources: đ¸ Need help planning outfits? Check out my portfolio and session guides: đŹ Letâs connect! Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @JustineReneePhotography â Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a reviewâit helps more families get photography tips! Thanks for listening to Behind the Lens with Justine Renee! See you next time! đ
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Managing the Chaos: Tips for Busy Moms Booking Virginia Beach Family Sessions
02/12/2025
Managing the Chaos: Tips for Busy Moms Booking Virginia Beach Family Sessions
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, Justine Renee shares her top tips for making your family photo session a stress-free and enjoyable experience. If you're a busy parent wondering how to fit a session into your hectic schedule, this episode is for you! Justine breaks down the process into five easy steps: â
Book in advance â
Choose the right time â
Pick simple, comfortable outfits â
Embrace the chaos â
Bring the essentials As a , Justine understands the challenges that come with photographing little ones and how to make the experience both fun and rewarding. Whether you're opting for an outdoor golden-hour session or a controlled indoor studio shoot, these tips will help you get the most out of your session. Looking to book your next session? Visit to learn more! đ§ Donât forget to subscribe and leave a review. Follow Justine on Instagram and Facebook for more photography tips and inspiration!
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Why Displaying Family Photos Matters | Insight from a Virginia Beach Photographer
02/05/2025
Why Displaying Family Photos Matters | Insight from a Virginia Beach Photographer
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, weâre diving into the importance of displaying family photos in your homeânot just as decoration, but as a meaningful way to foster love, connection, and confidence in your family. Justine Renee shares how these images serve as daily reminders of belonging, joy, and cherished moments. If your walls are feeling a little bare, letâs change that together! Visit to learn more about booking a session and bringing your family story to life. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend or leave a reviewâit means the world! Until next time, keep cherishing those beautiful moments.
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Hampton Roads Photographer - Justine Renee
01/29/2025
Hampton Roads Photographer - Justine Renee
In this episode of Behind the Lens with Justine Renee, host Justine introduces listeners to Justine Renee Photography, a distinguished studio based in Moyock, North Carolina. Specializing in family, maternity, newborn, and senior portraits, Justine serves clients across the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Moyock, and the Outer Banks. We delve into Justine's personalized approach to photography, capturing genuine and joyous moments that families treasure. Her full-service experience guides clients from session planning to the final viewing and ordering appointment, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable process. For those seeking a , Justine offers a warm and professional experience that results in timeless keepsakes. Expecting mothers searching for a will appreciate her artistic and heartfelt approach. Families in need of a will love her ability to capture love and connection in a natural setting. High school seniors looking for a will find her sessions fun, relaxed, and a perfect way to celebrate this milestone moment. Explore her work and learn more at .
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