NORFOLK, VA CREATIVE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Catherine Holmes Photography
portraits for your creative soul.
Creative portrait sessions built around imagination, self-expression and storytelling. From elaborate florals and painterly studio sets to cinematic concepts and strange little ideas you can't stop thinking about, we'll turn the vision into something real.
Creative portrait photography lives somewhere between traditional portraiture, editorial photography and fine art.
Rather than showing up for a predetermined set of poses, we begin with an idea.
Maybe you've been imagining yourself surrounded by flowers. Maybe you want something dark, cinematic and haunting. Maybe you've saved one strange painting to Pinterest for three years and finally want to create something inspired by it.
Together, we'll build the wardrobe, lighting, set design, color palette and details around the feeling you want the photographs to have.
What is a creative portrait session?
You don't need an occasion.
Creative portraits can celebrate a birthday, mark a new chapter, bring a character to life or simply exist because you wanted to make something beautiful.
YOU MIGHT:
You have an elaborate Pinterest board.
You've always wanted to look like you're inside a painting.
You want portraits that don't look like everyone else's.
You have a concept you've been dying to create.
Or maybe you don't have an idea at all — you just know you want something different.
04 — SIT BACK IN AWE AT YOUR FINAL IMAGES
You'll choose your favorite portraits from your proof gallery, and each final image will be professionally retouched and finished with the painterly, fine-art feeling that defines my work.
Together we'll shape the wardrobe, styling, set design and creative direction that bring the idea to life.
02 — let's fit the pieces
We start with inspiration. Tell me what you've imagined, what colors you're drawn to, how you want your portraits to feel, or simply send me the collection of images currently living in your camera roll. Tell me what you're drawn to. A painting, movie, flower, color, song, photograph or even just a feeling is enough.
01 — Tell me your vision
Your creative portrait experience looks a little like this:
When session day arrives, you don't need to worry about poses or what to do with your hands. I'll guide you through the entire experience while giving you room to simply exist inside what we've created.
03 — BRING THE VISION TO LIFE
I had a phenomenal experience with Cat from inquiry through completion of the project! Cat was quickly responsive and very intentional about bringing my vision to life! Her energy and enthusiasm made this such a fun and memorable experience. She gave great feedback and the studio space was very welcoming. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat!
KRISTEN EVERETT
testimonials
Cat was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her attention to detail and love for her job is outstanding. She made me feel so comfortable while in her studio and her work is truly art!!!!! I would recommend her to anyone who is looking to have her style of pictures taken. Her work is very whimsical and makes you feel like you’re in a magical place when you look at the pictures she takes. I would go to her 1,000 times over.
VICTORIA SEALY
testimonials
Working with Cat was honestly magical. She created one of my favorite photoshoots ever — every image felt dreamy, elegant, and intentional. She has such an artistic eye and a clear vision, and somehow turns ideas into something even more beautiful than you imagined. Every shoot with her feels like stepping into a dream she carefully brings to life. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she also makes you feel comfortable, confident, and effortlessly beautiful in front of the camera. Truly an artist in every sense — would absolutely work with again 🥰
KAREN LUONG
testimonials
All packages require a nonrefundable deposit to book!
Seedling Package
1 hour session, 25 digital images, hair & make up, image editing, film roll (30 additional images), small video clip from your session, online proof gallery, print release
1 hour session, 20 digital images, small video clip from your session make up, image editing, online proof gallery, print release
Sunflower Package
Sunflower Deluxe
Up to 2 hours, Up to 2 creative concepts/setups, 100–125+ images / entire picking gallery, Hair & makeup, Up to 4 wardrobe looks
2 rolls of 120 film, Short cinematic session film, Full creative consultation, Client closet access, Online gallery + print release
$1,350
$2,250
$3,250
THE CREATIVE PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE PACKAGES
Norfolk CREATIVE Photography FAQs
Creative portrait photography is a more artistic, concept-driven approach to traditional portraiture. Instead of beginning with a standard list of poses, we start with an idea, feeling, color palette, piece of artwork, movie, outfit, or visual inspiration and build the session around it.
You can come to me with a fully developed idea, a Pinterest board, one photo you love, or simply a feeling you want your portraits to have.
If you aren't sure what you want yet, that's completely okay. Part of the creative process is helping you narrow down your inspiration and turn it into a concept that feels like you.
Absolutely. Creative direction is one of my favorite parts of the experience.
We'll work together to develop the overall look and feel of your session, including wardrobe, colors, lighting, set design, props, and other details that help bring the concept to life.
That depends entirely on the world we're creating.
Your wardrobe might include a dramatic gown, corset, vintage-inspired piece, flowing fabric, something from your own closet, or an item from my client wardrobe.
During the planning process, I'll help you choose clothing that complements the concept, lighting, colors, and overall mood of the session.
Custom set ups from scratch are an option for my Sunflower package and above. If one of my existing studio setups doesn't fit what you're envisioning, we can discuss creating something completely custom for your session.
Depending on the concept, that might include florals, fabric, backdrops, props, furniture, handmade elements, or other set pieces.
Custom concepts may require additional planning or materials, so we'll talk through everything during your creative consultation.
Yes. Clients have access to my growing client closet, which includes dresses, gowns, corsets, robes, and other statement pieces that can work beautifully for creative portrait sessions.
You're also welcome to bring your own wardrobe, and we can mix pieces from your closet with items from mine.
Yes! All sessions require a deposit, and then the remainder can be financed either in house, or by utilizing AfterPay. In house interest free payment plans can be broken into monthly payments as low as $100! Once you complete your plan, you’ll receive your images, video, and prints depending on the package you chose.
My studio is located in Norfolk, Virginia.
Most studio-based creative portrait sessions are photographed here, although outdoor and on-location sessions are also available when they better fit the concept.
creative portrait Photography in Norfolk & Hampton Roads
Catherine Holmes Photography is based in Norfolk, Virginia and welcomes creative portrait clients from throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News.
Clients also travel from throughout Virginia for creative and fine-art portrait photography experiences.
