Empowering Headshots and Branding Photography for Women | New River Valley, Christiansburg, Virginia
  • Home
  • Before and Afters
  • SESSIONS
    • 40 OVER 40
    • Branding Session
    • Glam Session
    • Headshots
  • Color Analysis
  • Free Posing Guide
  • Look Good in Photos Ebook

Why Roanoke Realtors Are Ditching Traditional Headshots for Something More Approachable

10/1/2024

 
Do you feel like your business headshots just don’t capture the real you? You’re not alone! Many realtors and professionals, especially women over 40, struggle with stiff, traditional photos that don’t reflect their approachable, friendly side. That’s where a Glam Session can change everything! Recently, I worked with a realtor from Roanoke, Virginia who felt awkward in front of the camera, unsure of what to wear or how to pose. The results? Confident, natural, and fun photos that show her true personality.
Friendly and approachable realtor headshot of a woman from Roanoke, VA, captured during a 40 Over 40 Glam Session.
Friendly, approachable realtor headshot looking away in a chair from Roanoke, VA, captured during a 40 Over 40 Glam Session.
Why Headshots Matter for Realtors in Roanoke

​Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients get of you. A warm, friendly photo can help build trust instantly. Whether you’re based in Roanoke or the New River Valley, a fresh, updated headshot can set you apart in a crowded real estate market.
Confident Roanoke realtor headshot after a Glam Session
From Stiff to Approachable: The Transformation

​Many realtors feel nervous about being in front of the camera, just like my recent client. She said, “My photos for business are just never right or capture what I’m hoping for.” But by guiding her through outfit choices and easy, confident posing, we created a set of photos that reflect her authentic self—friendly, approachable, and professional.
Casual realtor headshot on a couch Roanoke, Va
Cute, fun realtor headshot leaning against brick wall in Christiansburg, Va studio
The Glam Session Experience

​During a Glam Session, I help take the pressure off. We start with a chat about your goals, then work together on choosing outfits that highlight your personality. I also coach you through each pose, so you feel natural and confident. The result? Photos that truly capture the real you!
Casual, friendly, approachable realtor headshot in womens studio in Christiansburg, Va
Why Women Over 40 Love Glam Sessions
​

Many women over 40, especially professionals like realtors, want photos that feel authentic—not stiff or overly formal. Our Glam Sessions focus on capturing your essence in a way that feels natural, whether it’s for business or personal use.

Ready to transform your headshots? Grab my
Free Posing Guide to help you feel more confident in front of the camera! Whether you’re in Roanoke, Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, or anywhere nearby, let’s create headshots that show the world your authentic self.

Debbie Smith
​FiftyLove Photography

5 Ways Glam Sessions Can Help You Overcome Your Fear of Being in Front of the Camera | Virginia Women's Photographer

4/26/2023

 
1. Helps you become comfortable in front of the camera: Glam Sessions can help you become comfortable and confident in front of the camera by giving you a safe and supportive space to explore your posing and expressions. The photographer will guide you with direction and posing, which can help you feel more at ease and natural in front of the camera.
photographer posing woman in photoshoot christiansburg, va
2. Boosts your self-confidence: A 40 Over 40 Glam Session can help boost your self-confidence by showcasing your unique beauty and capturing your best features. Seeing yourself in a positive light can increase your self-esteem and self-worth, which can positively impact other areas of your life.
glam session with woman over 40 in blacksburg, virginia photography studio
3. A pampering and empowering experience: A 40 Over 40 Glam Session is more than just taking pictures. It's a pampering and empowering experience that can make you feel like a celebrity. From the makeup and hair styling to the wardrobe and set design, every detail is tailored to make you feel your best and most beautiful.
before and after of woman over 40 with red hair posing photoshoot roanoke virginia
4. Creates lasting memories and legacy: Glam Sessions capture a moment in time and create lasting memories that you can cherish for years to come. They also create a legacy that can be passed down to future generations as a representation of who you are and how you want to be remembered.
woman over 60 who got a glam session in christiansburg virginia for headshots
5. Helps you embrace your unique style and personality: Glam sessions can help you embrace your unique style and personality by allowing you to express yourself creatively through wardrobe, makeup, and props. This can be a fun and exciting opportunity to experiment with different looks and showcase your individuality.
Picture
Overcoming the fear of being in front of the camera is a journey that takes time and effort, but it's worth it. By trying out some of the tips and strategies we've discussed, such as finding the right photographer that will pose you in confident and flattering ways, and getting professional hair and makeup, you can build your confidence and feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Empowering 40 Over 40 Glam Sessions are a great way to experience this transformation and get a boost of self-esteem. So why not take the first step and schedule your own glam session today? You may just surprise yourself with how amazing you can look and feel in front of the camera!

Are you ready to say goodbye to your fear of being in front of the camera? Book an Empowering 40 Over 40 Glam Session today and experience the transformative power of our personalized sessions.

We will help you overcome your insecurities, boost your confidence, and capture stunning images that showcase the best version of yourself.

Don't let your fear hold you back any longer - take the first step towards a more confident and empowered you. Book now and discover what a Glam Session can do for you!

How to make your waist look smaller in photos - Boudoir Photography Blacksburg, Va

5/11/2021

 
POSING TIP!  How to pose so your waist looks smaller in photos. (without filters or photoshop)

Alot of women make the mistake of putting their hands low and wide on their hips (below)
how to make waist look smaller in photos
But to help your waistline appear smaller you want to put your hands higher up near your ribcage and bring your hands further inwards towards the front (like below).  Boom!
posing tip blacksburg virginia boudoir photographer
I also turned her at a slight angle to the camera instead of straight on.

Can you see the difference?

posing demo blacksburg virginia boudoir photography
womens photography blacksburg virginia
Do you want to see yourself in flattering poses and actually like how you look in photos?

​Do you want to work with an exclusive Women's Photographer who works with Ladies of all shapes, sizes, and ages?

Then I'd love to talk with you.

Fill out the application for a Glam or Boudoir Session HERE and we will schedule a phone call to talk about how you'd like to look! 

FiftyCentLove Photographie by Debbie Smith is the Premier Women's Glamour and Boudoir Studio in Southwest Virginia.  Located in Christiansburg.  Serving Blacksburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Floyd and surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

FiftyCentLove Photographie - Glamour Photography Studio in the New River Valley, Virginia

4/29/2021

 
I made the decision in my business to focus solely on women about 3 years ago.

Little did I know that it would turn into something where:


She has overcome an illness and wants to celebrate her new life.
She turned 50 and now accepts herself fully.
She has gone through a weightloss journey and feels good in her own skin and is proud of herself.
She had a major life change like empty nest, became a grandma, or is newly divorced and she's finding her new journey in life.

She inspires me.
She uplifts me to search inside of myself and see the places that I need to love within me.
She encourages me to be vulnerable when I really want to hide.
She empowers me keep helping women shine.

If you'd like to know more Glam Sessions, hop on my email list here.
Debbie Smith glamour photographer for women christiansburg virginia

What if I don't like my hair and makeup? Part 1 - makeup

4/27/2021

 
Have these thoughts crossed your mind when thinking about doing a Glam Session?

"I hope I like my makeup....I've had my makeup done before and it was awful!"

"I don't want to look like a clown or a floozy or (insert the H word)"
​
"If I don't like my makeup am I going to be able to tell the makeup artist?"
You've probably had a bad experience in the past with getting your makeup done...maybe for a wedding or a special event and you felt weird or didn't look like yourself at all, right??

Maybe you didn't like your makeup and you didn't want to hurt the makeup artist's feelings, so you settled for makeup that you didn't like or feel good in. 

I get it.  That's why I take extra measure to make sure you like your makeup and feel good in your skin before your photoshoot even happens. 
glamour photography for women in new river valley va
1. We will have a Planning Session over video so we can talk about why you want photos, what you are using the photos for, and how you want to look in your photos.

​For instance, if you are a Realtor and you want photos for marketing purposes, you're not going to want full glam makeup or a smoky eye.  You're probably going to want a very a natural makeup look that is casual, friendly, and approachable, right?

If you are doing a Boudoir or Glam Session, then you probably want to go with a more dramatic look, lashes, and a bolder lip. 💄
2. You can do 2 makeup looks.

Let's say that you'd like to do a mixture of some casual shots and then some dressier shots.  We can start out with a natural makeup look at first and then we can transition into a more glam look with a smoky eye for the dressier/sexier shots.  

Yes, we can change your makeup during the photoshoot!  We can do 2 different looks in my Signature Glam Session. 🙌
makeup for glam session christiansburg va photography
3.  We play soft meditative music during the makeup process.

Ahhhhh.  I want you to relax and feel comfortable before your photoshoot so I play soft, spa-like music while you are getting your hair and makeup done.

It's so relaxing.  I've had women say that it's so relaxing and they are so glad they did this.  (All that's needed is a massage haha!)  💆🏼‍♀️

I know getting pictures can be a nerve-wracking experience so my number one concern is to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
​
This is your time, this is your day.
"But Debbie, what if STILL don't like my makeup after it's all said and done?"

Right.  Here is where the magic happens.

4.  The makeup artist asks you questions before she even starts.

My makeup artist will ask you a bunch of questions as to how you want to look and what you using the photos for.  She includes you in the process and explains alot of why she's doing what she's doing along the way.

She understands that you don't want look like a clown or the H word and she doesn't want you too either.

And a bonus to this process is you will learn new makeup tips and tricks!  

​Now, the number one reason why you will like your makeup is.....
5.  You have a voice during the makeup process.

You have permission to speak up in my studio.
You have a voice in how you want to look.
You are part of the process.


I want you to feel comfortable saying "Can we change the lip color, it's not really me" or "Can we add more eyeliner under my eyes?", and so I ask you questions to get a feel for how you like it.

I want to make sure you are liking everything in real time.  
I want you to feel comfortable and safe in my studio.  

So during the makeup process I check-in with you to make sure you like everything that you see in the mirror.  And yes, you get to look in the mirror while your makeup is getting done so you are not worried about what you look like the entire time. 


I can tell if someone is not liking how they look.  They will avoid looking at themselves in the mirror, some will get a crinkle in their eyebrow, some will stare at themselves in the mirror with no expression and I can see them "thinking" something doesn't look right. 

So I ask you:

  • How are you liking everything so far?
  • Is there anything you want to change?
 

Anything is changeable. Makeup is changeable.

I want you to like how you look in the mirror before we ever get started with the photos because if you don't like your makeup before the shoot, you won't like the pictures. 😉
​
I hope this eases your mind about the makeup process.  Next, I'll be talking about hair styling. 

If you would like more information about a Glam or Boudoir Session, you can go here or sign up for my email list and you'll get info sent straight to your inbox.

Not just headshots

12/18/2020

 
I help women overcome their fears of having their photo taken.​

They TRANSFORM before their very own eyes.

​They become CONFIDENT

nrv photographer
EMPOWERED
photography nrv virginia
Feel good in their own skin
photography studios in christiansburg va
Successful
photography studio in blacksburg virginia
Comfortable
realtor headshots photography new river valley va
Feel like a Bad-A$$
blacksburg virginia photography studio
You are worth putting yourself first

​Book a Glam Session now.

Why you should do a Glam Session | Christiansburg, Virginia

12/11/2020

 
“But I can't look like those women on your website…”
​Yes you can!   These are Everyday Women, just like you.  That decided to do something for themselves.
blacksburg va photographer
“I'm too old”
Not you're not.  All of these women are over 40.  Most are over 50, and some are over 60!   This beautiful lady below did this for herself as a Retirement gift!
roanoke va photographer
“They are photogenic and I'm not”
You can be photogenic!  It just takes the right person to help you with posing and expression.  I can help you!
christiansburg va photographer
“All of those women are models”
No, they are Everyday Women who live in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Roanoke, Virginia.  Teachers, Realtors, Moms, Grandmas, Veterans, Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Accountants
new river valley photographer, va
“I don't know what I would use the photos for…”
You can use them for your job, your business, for your family legacy, or just for yourself.  We don't ever do anything for ourselves right ladies??
headshots for women virginia
“They are already confident”
Nope.  They were Nervous, Scared, Hated pictures of themselves, but something deep inside told them that maybe they could like atleast 1 photo from this!
headshot photographer women nrv virginia
“I always have a Double Chin!”
​You won't in THESE photos.  I know how to pose you so you will never have a double chin, even without photoshop!

best photographer in the nrv virginia
I invite you to grab my free tutorial on how to eliminate a double chin to help you.  I love helping women look and feel beautiful in photos.

She hates having her photo taken...until she had a session with me.

11/27/2020

 
Most of my clients absolutely hate getting photos of themselves because they've had a bad experience before, the angle of the photos taken was bad, they had a double chin in the photo, or the lighting was terrible showing dark circles under their eyes.

I correct all of those things in my studio.  My clients get professional hair and makeup helping them feel pampered, relaxed, and polished for the camera.  This also reduces the appearance of dark circles underneath the eyes. 

My studio is all natural light.  I use the windows.  This naturally softens the skin, evening out the skin tone, and creates an overall more flattering look on women, especially women over 40.

This is a screenshot of what Elisa posted on her Facebook page after her Glam Session.  "I absolutely hate getting my photos taken.  She made the photoshoot so much fun.  And I absolutely LOVE MY photos!!  I really felt like a celebrity on the run way.  Ladies, I just can't say enough about the experience."

Here is a Before shot (when she arrived at my studio) and on the right is the last shot of the day!  Look at the difference in her Confidence!   She just SHINES!   She's having a wonderful time and fully trusts the process.

I can't wait for you to experience a Glam Session with me!   If you'd like more information, click here.
testimonial glam session nrv virginia
before and after shot glam session christiansburg virginia
    Picture

    Hi I'm Debbie

    Glamour Photographer in Christiansburg, Virginia.  Specializing in expert posing for women so they feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in pictures.  I also do Personal Branding and Headshots in the New River Valley and Roanoke, Va.

    Archives

    October 2024
    May 2024
    April 2023
    May 2021
    April 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    Categories

    All
    40 Over 40
    Behind The Scenes
    Branding Photography
    Glamour Portraits
    Glam Session
    How To's
    What If's

FoLLOW ME

Glam Sessions, Empowering Photoshoots, Glamour Portraits, Personal Branding Photography, Boudoir Photography, and Headshot Photography for Women, serving Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Roanoke, and the New River Valley in Southwest Virginia.   Formerly FiftyCentLove Photographie.  Now FiftyLove Photography

Location

4 W. Main Street
​Christiansburg, Virginia 24073
  • Home
  • Before and Afters
  • SESSIONS
    • 40 OVER 40
    • Branding Session
    • Glam Session
    • Headshots
  • Color Analysis
  • Free Posing Guide
  • Look Good in Photos Ebook