Natalie of Self and Soul Photography took care of me from the beginning to the end. She made the process convenient and assisted in coordinating a makeup artist prior to the shoot. She is very patient and knows how to capture the best. Try her for sure. You won't be disappointed.

Pamela, HR Professional

Oh my gosh! My photo session with Natalie - Self & Soul Photography was so awesome! I felt like a super model. She is knowledgeable, professional and so supportive. I felt so comfortable. I could really see how much she loves her work and how important it was to her that I was happy....which I am. My photos are beautiful! Such great quality. Thank you Natalie, Self & Soul Photography!

Sonya, Licensed Therapist

I had an A+ experience during my recent head shot session with Self & Soul Photography! Natalie is a talented professional. She created a comfortable and relaxed environment that resulted in a great session and quality pictures! I would not change anything and am looking forward to my next experience!

Kemal, Consultant

I can’t say enough great things about Self & Soul Photography. Natalie is a phenomenal visual artist who has truly perfected her craft. Her passion for photography shines through in every detail. She’s incredibly talented at bringing your vision to life in full, vibrant color.

Natalie was patient and kind during my kids’ graduation photo shoots. She took great care to make both of them feel comfortable and relaxed, which made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free. The results? Absolutely stunning. The quality of the images exceeded my expectations—they’re beautiful, professional and full of personality.

I recommend Self & Soul Photography for any event. Natalie is a gem, and her work speaks for itself!

Trina, Parent of Graduating Students

Natalie photographs every one of our in-center events here at Stony Point Fashion Park, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our events can get pretty busy, but she continuously (and flawlessly) captures the joyous connections and experiences of each event attendee and vendor. Her perspective and attention to detail are everything you could want out of a photographer, for any occasion. I personally plan each of our events, so it takes a huge weight off my shoulders knowing she is present, capturing every perspective of how the event not only looked, but felt.

Alexis, Marketing Director

The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight the exceptional work of Self & Soul Photography, a business that truly reflects the spirit of creativity, professionalism and community excellence. 
From the moment you engage with Self & Soul Photography, it’s evident their craft goes far beyond simply taking pictures. They possess a remarkable ability to capture meaningful moments that feel timeless. 
What sets Self & Soul Photography apart is their technical expertise and commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering experience for every client. Their work beautifully celebrates diversity, capturing the essence of individuals and events with authenticity and care. We wholeheartedly recommend Self & Soul Photography.

Ernisha, President of VA Black Chamber of Commerce

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Poised Portraits

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Maternity Portraits

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At Self &amp; Soul Photography, I recently had the joy of photographing a breathtaking&nbsp;birthday portrait session at Crystal Hill Gardens in Mechanicsville, Virginia. This hidden gem, known for its peak bloom season in&nbsp;July through August, is the perfect outdoor location for portrait photography near Richmond, VA.
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The session featured&nbsp;Colette Rivers, a successful real estate agent who wanted to celebrate her birthday in style. She arrived in a flowing, shoulder-less&nbsp;fuchsia chiffon gown, paired with a&nbsp;gold flower crown, and looked absolutely regal. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, Colette radiated elegance and confidence&mdash;like royalty in the heart of the garden.

As the light filtered through the trees, the scene came alive&mdash;Colette&rsquo;s vibrant dress contrasting with the rich greens, her crown shimmering like sunlight itself. Each image captured not just a milestone birthday, but also the spirit of a woman embracing her beauty, strength, and the joy of new beginnings.

The combination of Colette&rsquo;s radiant wardrobe, the natural setting, and her joyful spirit created a magical atmosphere. Every photo from this session reflected both the beauty of the location and the uniqueness of the milestone we were celebrating.

We were warmly welcomed by&nbsp;Stuart Williams, the owner of Crystal Hill Gardens, whose hospitality made the experience even more special. His beautifully maintained gardens provided countless scenic backdrops, from colorful blooms to shaded pathways, that brought Colette&rsquo;s vision to life. This session was a perfect reminder that&nbsp;location matters as much as styling in creating timeless portraits. Crystal Hill Gardens provided a magical setting that elevated Colette&rsquo;s birthday shoot into something unforgettable. If you&rsquo;re looking for a breathtaking outdoor setting for your portraits,&nbsp;Crystal Hill Gardens is a place I cannot recommend enough&mdash;and I&rsquo;d love to capture your next milestone moment there.

A Royal Portrait Session at Crystal Hill Gardens

As a portrait and event photographer based in Ashland, Virginia, creativity is the lifeblood of my work. But when I&rsquo;m not behind the lens capturing moments and stories, you&rsquo;ll often find me diving into my other passions&mdash;traveling, music, dancing, writing, yoga and lately, something that&rsquo;s quickly becoming a new love: cooking. Recently, a friend invited me to a &ldquo;cookbook party&rdquo;&mdash;a gathering where each guest prepares a dish from the same cookbook, and we all come together to share a meal. It&rsquo;s like a potluck with a literary twist. The chosen book for this gathering was Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking by Toni Tipton-Martin, and let me tell you, this was no ordinary cookbook.
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A Cookbook With Deep Roots
Jubilee isn&rsquo;t just a collection of recipes&mdash;it&rsquo;s a journey through history. Through each dish, Toni Tipton-Martin paints a vivid picture of African American culinary tradition, deeply rooted in resilience, creativity and cultural influence. From refined Creole classics to comforting Southern staples, every page reflects the contributions Black cooks have made to American cuisine&mdash;often without recognition.
The recipes are as rich in flavor as they are in narrative. You&rsquo;ll find everything from Baked Ham with Red Eye Gravy to Spoonbread, Shrimp Creole and a soul-satisfying Sweet Potato Pie. But what makes Jubilee truly special is the context Toni provides: stories of the cooks, chefs and culinary pioneers behind the food. It&rsquo;s a testament to the artistry, intellect and expertise of African American cooks who shaped the nation&rsquo;s palate.
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Who Is Toni Tipton-Martin?
Toni Tipton-Martin is an award-winning food journalist, historian, and author. She has long been a champion for the often-overlooked legacies of African American cooks, bringing to light the rich tapestry of Black culinary excellence through meticulous research and passionate storytelling. Before Jubilee, she authored The Jemima Code, a groundbreaking book that examined over 150 African American cookbooks and challenged the stereotypes surrounding Black cooks. For her work, Toni has earned a James Beard Award, one of the highest honors in the culinary world, not once but twice&mdash;solidifying her place as one of the most influential voices in food writing today. She was also the first African American editor of a major daily newspaper&rsquo;s food section (the Cleveland Plain Dealer) and has served as editor-in-chief of Cook's Country magazine. Her work is a beautiful blend of food, history, and justice&mdash;and it&rsquo;s changing the way we talk about American cuisine.
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<h3 data-end="2910" data-start="2885">Cooking Up Connection</h3>
The cookbook party was more than a culinary adventure&mdash;it was a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Sharing these dishes, prepared with intention and appreciation, brought a new level of understanding and joy to the table. I left that evening not only full in body, but full in spirit, too. As someone who works with people from all walks of life through my photography business, I deeply value the stories that bring us together. Whether it&rsquo;s through a portrait session or a pot of gumbo, these stories remind us of who we are and how far we&rsquo;ve come. If you&rsquo;re looking for a cookbook that does more than just feed your stomach, but also feeds your soul and challenges your perspective&mdash;Jubilee is it. I can&rsquo;t recommend it enough.
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Toni Tipton-Martin's work reminds us that food is a powerful vehicle for connection, memory and identity. Jubilee isn&rsquo;t just a cookbook I&rsquo;ll use again (and again); it&rsquo;s a book I&rsquo;ll cherish, because it reflects the kind of storytelling I strive to capture in my own work&mdash;authentic, soulful, and rooted in love.

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Cooking with Community and Culture: A Celebration of Toni Tipton-Martin's Jubilee

Williamsburg's diverse landscapes and historic charm offer endless possibilities for creating unique and memorable senior portraits. Collaborating and photographing in these beautiful settings was a delightful experience. I'm thrilled with the collection of images we created together.
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If you're a senior looking to capture this exciting time in your life, consider the scenic beauty of Williamsburg, Virginia, for your portrait session. Let's create some amazing senior portraits together!

Char Woodson Summer Portraits

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