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Virginia Adventure Couple, Elopement, and Wedding Photographer. Specifically for the wanderers, dreamers, lovers, and madly in love. Let's live this life on the edge.

Hey I'm Janel

Adventure Elopement and Small Intimate Wedding Photographer
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Your new favorite third wheel.

I got the opportunity to take my love of landscape photography and mix it with my love of photographing beautiful couples and create the most awesome job in the world.  Elopement photography is pretty new on the scene in terms of being popular but it really is the most unique and personally catered way to spend your best day with someone. I honor your love and commitment to each other and can't wait to get to know you better. Your dreams are my dreams and together nothing is unsurmountable. 

Quick Links

Bucket List Locations
Acadia National Park
Salt Flats, Utah
Redwood National Park
Arches National Park
Ireland

Travel List 2025
Charleston, SC
Roan Mountain, NC
Moomaw Lake, VA
Dolly Sods, WV
Myrtle Beach, SC

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For the last 12 years I have lived In Blacksburg, VA and while the mountains have treated me great I really miss the beach. I grew up in Portsmouth, VA near the Virginia Beach area so the beach feels like home to me. There are so many things I love about the mountains like all the hiking and waterfalls but I am a beach girl at heart and need the salt and sand to center my soul. I am very much looking forward to announcing I will be splitting my time between the mountains and the beach. This will not affect my Blacksburg clients at all and I am so excited to start exploring the new areas of South Carolina. For my new South Carolina clients, you may want to book with someone who has been in the area longer, but that would be a mistake simply because my inspiration comes alive when I am shooting in new locations whereas when you have shot there a million times your creative side tends to get stifled and it gets hard to think outside the box. Either way I cannot wait to meet all you beautiful souls!

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Photographer

Travel Guide

Elopement Planner

Friend

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ADVENTUROUS. EXCITING. UNIQUE. PLAYFUL.   A  Meaningful  Experience   WHIMISCAL. ROMANTIC. INTIMATE. CAPTIVATING.

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Your memories are invaluable

I am so very excited that you are here looking over my website deciding if I am the right photographer for you. Choosing a photographer is like finding the perfect little black cocktail dress. It might take some shopping around but once you find the right fit you know it immediately. The process should be fun and exciting for you. It should feel like making a new friend. Your photographer will be with you through the most important moments of your life, you should love their style and feel connected to them. I hope that I can be the right fit for you. I want to show up for you, support you, help you capture your vision, or come up with one if you don't have one. I want to make you feel like a FREAKING ROCKSTAR!  I want to capture the love you share, intimate moments, shared looks, and loving touches.

I like to take a laid-back approach to photography, because really who wants to voluntarily put themselves into an awkward situation? I usually start with some ice breaker games to put you at ease, these are super fun! Then I give a series of simple prompts to encourage natural movement and interaction, all while directing you. This eliminates the whole "what do I do with my hands" question. Leaving you confident and secure with no fear about whether you are doing it right.  Most guys hate getting pictures done for this exact reason but, 9 times out of 10 the guys always leave saying that was actually fun. Click below to read more about the experience you will have while doing a photoshoot with me!

Adventure Engagement Session at Douglas Falls in Thomas, WV
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WANNA HAVE A DATE NIGHT ALL PLANNED OUT FOR YOU?

That's what a photo session with me feels like! If you love adventures then just consider this a mini adventure! I don't just stick you in front of the camera to snag some cheesy smiles! I make this more of an experience for you guys to always look back to remember how fun this time in your lives was! It doesn't matter if you have something to celebrate or you're just wanting photos for the heck of it! We will have the BEST time!

 

More About the Experience

Adventure Couple Session at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, NC
Adventure Couple Session at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, NC
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Couples

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Pets

Maternity Session at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond in Blacksburg, VA

Maternity

Adventure Elopement at Bald Knob, Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA
Wedding at Siloh Springs in Riner, VA

Wedding

Elopement

Senior Session at Falls of Hills Creek in Hillsboro, WV
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Family

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Senior

Portrait

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Galleries
Adventure Elopement and Small Intimate Wedding Photographer

Hey, I like you
let's keep hanging out

Check out the all new Mountain Momma Photography website

You can find my fine art print shop, all of my hiking guides, the Leave No Trace Principles, my monthly newsletter for tips and tricks on hiking and being safe in nature, and so much more! 

Mountain Momma Photography

Who is this for?

People who have an adventurous, gypsy heart like me and love to explore. Those who want to do all those things but may be unsure where to start or feel anxiety about doing so. 

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