Maura Varley Photography

01/27/2024

Check it out....so much fun!

So excited to announce Fluffy Feet Photography's First annual Cover Model contest starting on Sunday, 28th at 6pm and running until Wednesday, January 31st at 8pm. Every Fluffy Friend photographed in 2023 will have their own individual magazine cover..

Pets with first names between A-L will be featured on SUNDAY - January 28th

Pets - M-Z and all pups with a sibling - will be featured on Monday, Jan. 29th

THE COVER WITH THE MOST COMBINED FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM VOTES WINS.

The Winner of our 2024 Cover Contest will receive the following...

🐾 Cover Model For the Year: the winning image will grace the cover of Fluffy Feet's 2024 Welcome Guide. This guide will go out to all my new "Fluffy Feet" inquiries throughout the year.

🐾 A $500 Donation made in your pups name to a Richmond,Not-for Profit of your Choice

🐾 An Interactive, Enrichment Toy for the winning super model

🐾 Complementary Pet Portrait Session for your favorite person ($250 value)

Hope you join us! Can't wait!
Watch this space!

09/18/2023

I submitted one of my favorite images for the prestigious International Pet Photographer Award. It received a Silver Award!!! I'm so excited even to be recognized among the "Best of the Best" Pet photographers worldwide. Not too shabby - :-) , ,

02/28/2023

Here’s 3 ways to incorporate your college into your senior pictures!

This is one of the most exciting times of your life and it’s time to document a new chapter! Why not include that next chapter with a few pics from your senior session?

1. ACCEPTANCE BANNER: when you get your big acceptance letter in the mail, keep the banner they send you! Bring it to your session and pull it out for a few pics! Another great idea is to include one of these college pics on your grad announcement so you can tell everyone where you’re going in the fall!

2. T-SHIRT / HOODIE: college gear is so exciting once you get your acceptance, and a great way to tell everyone where you’ll be spending your next four years is by wearing your new school in a few of your pictures!

3. COLLEGE FLAG: this is a favorite of ours! Bring your collegiate flag and we’ll fly it with pride during your senior session!

Our Spring sessions are selling out fast! We are currently booking for April and May this spring and if you want one of those spots, let us know! E-mail us at [email protected] to grab one of our last remaining spring dates and we’ll get your booking process started right away!

02/26/2023

As we get ready to close out the month of LOVE, let’s talk about the second love in my live (behind my family, of course)...this amazing photography business of mine!

As many of you know, I have not always been a photographer. In fact, I have two Master's Degrees one in Social Work and one in Public Health. I am blessed to have worked in both fields, but I always felt like something was missing....I just didn't feel complete. I am creative by nature...always have been. But wasn't until 2014, that I finally let my creative side come out to play.

The absolute best part of being a photographer?.....My clients. I love everything about the process of meeting strangers and becoming friends, I love the transformation clients make during a shoot from unsure to powerful, and I love presenting the final images and clients says - wow, that's me!! (with a big smile on their faces).

I never thought this would be the path for me, but I am so incredibly glad it was! Without this career, I’m not sure where I’d be in life or what I’d be doing!

How about YOU?!? What do you love about your life right now?!!? Tell me in the comments below!

02/23/2023

Psssssst... SPRING AVAILABILITY is flying out the window! The spring season is quite possibly my “busy season” and I think I know why. Let’s discuss the top reasons a ton of my clients want SPRING SENIOR PICURE SESSIONS!

#1. SUN DRENCHED IMAGES: there is a special kind of warmth in the sun during the golden hour and it absolutely sparkles during the spring months!

#2. SPRING FASHION: this is the time to wear all the fun and flirty fashions! From sophisticated short sets and ruffled rompers to portrait perfect pastels and flowy fabrics, spring brings all the fresh and new trends!

#3. SPRING FLOWERS: if you’re wanting an extra pop of color in your pics or even a more organic feel to your vibe, spring is the perfect time because of all the beautiful green nature and flowers!


Send us a DM to book your spring session today!

02/21/2023

Let’s talk about what senior portraits are.

Senior pictures are the very last professional pictures you will ever have of your childhood. This is it. It’s very likely that the next time you have portraits taken, it will be on your wedding day. This is such an important time in your life, and honestly, it’s the only time in your life where you leave a part of you behind and become a completely different person. You’re crossing the bridge into adulthood.

So why not make your senior portraits a memory in and of themselves with the most incredible senior picture experience? We’re not interested in just taking some pics of you and sending you on your way. No... we want to give you an amazing experience that will help you treasure who you are NOW before going off to college, finding your dream job, and living your life.

If you’re ready for the best senior pictures experience in the area, send us an email to find out what our client experience is like and how we can help create this memory with you. Email us at [email protected].

02/19/2023

Are you nervous about not being portrait perfect ready on your session day?

Trust me when I say you are NOT alone! We totally understand this fear and we have you covered! Every Maura Varley Photography client receives TONS of pre-session prep information to make sure they’re ready for their session!

Here’s a sneak peek into what our clients receive:

#1. What to Wear Guide: this guide helps you know everything from what skin tone you have so you know what colors best suit you, to different style inspiration, how to dress for your body type and so much more! It’s our clients FAVORITE guide from their welcome packet!

#2. Face Prep Guide: ready to get your face ready for your big day?! This guide will help you know what to avoid and what to do to make your skin super smooth, fresh and glowing for your session day airbrush makeup application!

#3. Nail Prep Guide: there’s nothing more than can take attention away from your face than a set of busted nails and cuticles. This guide will help you prepare your nails and hands for portrait perfect! We’ll also share the best nail polish colors that our clients have used in the past!

So tell me... how would you feel, booking a photographer who takes care of you and makes sure you’re prepped and ready for your portrait perfect session? Are YOU ready yet? E-mail us at [email protected] to book your session and receive your prep guides!

02/16/2023

Chapped lips tips!

Now is the season where it usually happens... the air gets cooler and the wind picks up and before you know it our lips are feeling dry and less than nourished.

Want a secret session prep tip that will have your lips looking luxurious the day of your session (no matter what they looked like last week)? Well look no further!

For one full week BEFORE your senior session, brush your lips with a toothbrush every night before going to bed and slather on your fave lip fix.

What balms are the best? We love:

Burt’s Bees: Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment
Blistex Intensive Moisturizer
Aquaphor Lip Protectant
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Vaseline Lip Therapy

Let me tell you, chapped lips not only show through all kinds of lipstick & gloss, but they’re also incredibly difficult to Photoshop in your senior portraits. Your best bet is to follow these tips and arrive with smooth and healthy lips for a portrait perfect smile!

02/14/2023

Time to SPILL IT! What would your PERFECT Valentine’s DAY be like?!?

I'll start........For the past 10 years, My husband Tom and I organize a scavenger hunt for my family. It takes weeks to plan, but the outcome is soo fun. Four clues are given out (one for each of my kids). They have an opportunity to figure out the clue on their own or ask for help. The clues lead to different activities we do as a family. We have gone to an escape room, dinner, desert, fed ducks, cooked & served dinner at a homeless shelter, created terrariums, and sooo much more). Sometimes the simplest activity end up being the most fun.

Do you want to try one of our clues? Here is a fun one we used three years ago....
"We are going to the home of a Celestial Deer of the Male Persuasion"
(post your guess below)

For me, there is no better way to celebrate this holiday than to be with the ones I love the most.

So tell me... what’s your dream Valentine’s Day?!?! How would you spend the day!?

02/12/2023

Valentine's Day is coming up! Get ready for some new content...😍

12/25/2022

OK, people....tomorrow morning, 10 AM...Santa's coming to town.
SANTA!!!!!

Sleep tight everyone!!

12/24/2022

May this entire season bring you joy beyond all imagination!
Happy Holidays from Maura Varley Photography!

12/11/2022

Only 15 days until Christmas... If you are anything like me, it may be time to take a breath and relax a bit. Let's join Mia in a bit of meditation...SNL style. Happy holiday season, everyone. Sending some peace and love.

12/03/2022

Happy Saturday night! Thanks, Maren, for helping me to create this iconic Saturday Night Live image. The coordinating colors and slightly desaturated filter remind me of the SNL of my younger years. Maren, you rocked this shoot! Make sure you flip to the second image to see Maren's playful side.

11/27/2022

Happy Saturday Night to the kind and smiling team member that keeps me laughing - constantly!! (Yes, she crossed her eyes on purpose). Caroline, thanks for always helping me to remember not to take myself too seriously.

11/20/2022

Happy Saturday Night!! I grew up with Saturday Night Live. The skits were fine, but it was the personality shots of the hosts shared before commercial breaks that I was obsessed with. So grateful that my senior team was up for the challenge. So in honor of one of the best photographers ever - Mary Ellen Mattthews, I will feature one senior a week for the next few weeks. First up...Kesiah Dodson - with the stunning blue eyes.

09/15/2022

TOP 3 PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO MEMORIALIZE YOUR SENIOR PICS!

#1. Gift Prints: these are great for showcasing your fave senior pics in your home! They’re also wonderful to send out to family & friends who are extra special to you!

#2. Album: this is a great way to get all of your images printed out and in one location! Get your favorite on the cover and place it on your coffee table for an extra special showcase piece!

#3. Digital Files: these are great to have for a number of reasons – school ads in the yearbook, senior slide shows, yard signs and more!

BONUS: Senior Grad Cards! Who the heck could forget the best way to tell everyone that you’re graduating as well as your future plans?!

Does YOUR senior photographer offer all these different options?!? Let’s get your senior session booked! Drop your email in our DMs and we’ll get your booking process started!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

09/11/2022

CLASS OF 2023 MOMS! This one’s for you!

We know that hiring a senior photographer for your child can be a bit overwhelming! Did you know that we offer a FREE GUIDE to help you choose which one is best for you?!? Heck yes we do!

In this awesome resource, you’ll find our top ticks and tricks for comparing:

1. the art
2. the edit
3. the client experience
4. the price point

So what are you waiting for?!? Click our link in bio and grab that guide! If you have any questions after browsing the guide, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

09/08/2022

Are YOU ready to transition into fall or are you hanging on to the summer?

Fall is my FAVORITE season, so I’m so ready for cooler weather! Another reason I love fall so much is because it’s the PERFECT senior session weather! Not too hot and not too cold!

Here’s a few other reasons fall is so great for a senior session:

1. No Sweat: ew, David. One of the number one reasons I don’t shoot in the summer is because of the heat and the amount of makeup my seniors sweat off during their session. It’s just miserable. In cooler weather, it’s so great because we don’t have to worry about that happening!

2. Layers: an outfit is always more dynamic with colorful layers and fall is the perfect season to throw on a cardigan, jacket, hat, and tights! These layers can take a simple outfit from meh to amazing!

3. Warm Tones: I’m not just talking about your senior session fashion, friends! I’m talking about the fall leaves that will be in your photos! Think of all the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows that will be your backdrop in your pictures!

Speaking of the fall season, did you know that we’re currently booking FALL SENIOR SESSIONS! That means NOW is the time to connect with us and confirm your session day! Email us at [email protected] & we’ll get the process started!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

09/06/2022

CREATING A FEW BEAUTIFUL INSTAGRAM IMAGES IS EASY... BUT A FULL GALLERY OF GORGEOUS IMAGES THAT YOU LOVE?

THAT’S OUR JAM!

When looking for a senior photographer, we think it’s really important that you see their FULL SESSIONS... not just a few highlights. A professional photographer can produce an entire gallery of stunning images that their clients love and here, we love to showcase our client galleries for you to view!

Ready for your ENTIRE senior session to be AMAZING?!? Let’s get it booked today! Fill out our contact form at mauravarleyphotography.com & let’s get your senior session confirmed!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

09/04/2022

SENIOR BOY MOMMAS! It’s time! Woo hoo!

Did you know that we offer an AWESOME CLIENT EXPERIENCE for our boy clients too?!? Heck yes we do! Here’s the experience we can provide your son for his senior pics!

1. Pre-Session Prep: we send you and your senior guy all kinds of tips and tricks to help you both get ready for his big day!

2. Outfit Styling: not only do we send you a what to wear guide, but the day of his session, we’ll help curate a set of outfits full of variety and elements what will help accentuate his best features!

3. Session Day Fun: our goal for our guy clients is to have a blast! We know most boys think picture sessions are boring so we pride ourselves on lots of action shots & laughing in between sets!

So let’s get your son’s senior session booked! Email us at [email protected] and we’ll get your date reserved!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

09/01/2022

3 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DRESSING FOR THE FALL SEASON:

Fall is so close and WE ARE HERE FOR IT! And to be honest? It’s already fall in our house! That’s right... I busted out the pumpkins and leaves early this year! So why not start gearing up for fall outfits?!?

Here’s three things to keep in mind when starting to dress for the upcoming fall season!

1. COLORS: warmer tones like rust, burnt orange, mustard, camel, and acorn are great colors to wear when you’re seeing the leaves turn. Pair them with darker colored jeans and closed toes booties to polish this look off.

2. TEXTURES: this is when cozy textures like cashmere, flannel, faux fur, knit cable and suede will make their debut! Balance them out with classic textures like denim to make sure you don’t over-do it.

3. LAYERS: now is the time to throw on that cardigan or shacket to create a beautifully layered look! And don’t forget that you can still get plenty of use out of your fave summer skirt or romper by throwing on some tights and boots to make it perfect for fall!

Want more fashion tips – especially when it comes to your senior pictures?!? Hit our link in bio for an entire FREE GUIDE on what NOT to wear for your senior session!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08/30/2022

3 ways to find out what skin tone you are & which colors will make you look best for your senior session!

Step #1: find out what your skin tone is with one of the following tests:

The Vein Test: look at the veins on your wrist. If they’re olive/green, you’re warm toned. If they’re blue, you’re likely cool toned. Are they a mix of those options? You’re neutral toned.

Sun Exposure: how does your react to the sun? Cool toned skin tends to burn easily while warm toned skin tends to tan easily.

The Jewelry Test: Which metal makes your skin look healthier?
Gold metals look best on warm toned skin while silvers look best on cool tones.

Step #2: download our FREE Session Colors Guide at our link in bio! It showcases the best colors for each skin tone and how to rock those colors at your upcoming senior session!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08/28/2022

Go check out Mackenzie’s senior album!

08/25/2022

CLASS OF 2023: Want a FREE welcome guide that will help you be prepared every step of the way?

We got your back! No matter who you choose as your senior photographer, we want your big day to be perfect!

Our guide goes over session prep details like:

prepping makeup & hair
finalizing your outfits & accessories
confirming the details
FAQ's

So hit that link in bio and grab that freebie so that you can be portrait perfect on your session day!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08/23/2022

Testimonial Tuesday: Taylor Whirley's experience with Maura Varley Photography!

08/21/2022

Class of 2023 Senior Guy Moms: SAVE THIS POST!

Here’s 3 quick tips for putting your son’s outfits together for his senior pictures:

Don’t shy away from color. If all of your outfits are khaki and white, it’s time to switch it up. Throw in some olive green, or sky blue (depending on your color tones) for a more eye catching outfit that will add a ton of interest to your session.

Layers are ALWAYS in style. If you are bringing an outfit that you can throw a jacket or sweater over, that will be a winning combination. Layers add an attractive dynamic to your outfits that can make them so much more interesting.

Stay away from graphics, logos, and busy prints. I know that your fave t-shirt may have a funny graphic or words on it, but your senior portrait session is NOT the time to wear it. Solid colors and graphic-less pieces can make you look more refined and classic.

And this advice is just the beginning when it comes to the tips and tricks we give our senior guy clients! Every Maura Varley Photography client will receive an extensively detailed what to wear guide when they book their session with us and our senior guys should expect nothing less! Let’s get your senior session date booked TODAY so you can start preparing sooner than later! Drop us an email at [email protected] we’ll get your session date confirmed!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08/18/2022

Senior session myth: OVERCAST SKIES aren’t good for your session.

So not true! Wanna know a little secret? It’s my FAVORITE light to shoot in! Why? Because the colors that it produces are GORGEOUS! When sunlight fills a camera lens, it can bleach out the colors in the frame. So when it’s overcast, the colors are super vibrant and true because there isn’t any bright light to mute the tones!

I also love shooting in overcast skies because the weather is a bit cooler, the light is a bit moodier, and it’s all around just plain fabulous! So if you wake up on your senior session day and it’s a bit overcast, no need to worry! The light will be PERFECT for your senior pictures!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08/16/2022

CLASS OF 2023: if you’re worried about WHAT TO WEAR for your senior session, we have your back! Every Maura Varley Photography senior client who books a session with us receives our famous What to Wear guide that features tons of ideas, inspiration, tips and tricks for dressing your best for your senior pictures!

Here’s what you’ll find inside our Maura Varley Photography What to Wear Guide:

+ tons of tips to get the most variety out of your session wardrobe
+ the do’s and don’ts of senior session fashion
+ skin tones guide & what colors to wear
+ how to accentuate your unique features from head to toe
+ seasonal wardrobe trends for color, style, textures, staples & patterns
+ wardrobe by style with tips and pictorial showcases
+ how to accessorize your session outfits

And guess what?! That’s just the beginning of all the session prep resources you’ll get when you become a client! We want to make this as stress free as possible for our clients so we offer an entire client hub of downloadable resources including a face prep guide, nail guide, shopping guide, checklist, and so much more!

To get all these amazing session prep resources, you have to book
your session with us first! We are almost sold out for our Fall 2022 sessions, so now is the time to book your session date! Email us at [email protected] and we’ll get started on booking your senior session portraits!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,