Black and white photo of a hand holding a lit match against a brick wall background.

 

 

 

 

photography by claire cross


chasing the ghost of a moment

candid, real and timeless photography

photos that will grow with you

My name is Claire Cross and I am a Virginia Beach-based photographer. From wedding photography to family photos, business branding to polished portraits, my style is low-posed, mildly edited photos that feel like you. I specialize in moody, low-light settings, but a bright and sunny beach day will always catch me with my camera. Whether in natural or studio lighting, I always aim to make you look your best.

A couple embracing warmly outdoors near a building, woman in white off-shoulder dress hugging a man in a light blue shirt.
A couple relaxes in tall grass near water, with the woman resting her head on the mans lap.
A bride placing an earring in her right ear.
Black and white photo of father and child leaning out of a dark wooden structure outdoors.
Woman in flowing white boho dress with fringe twirling on sandy dunes at sunset.
A couple embraces in the street.
Family of twin boys, father with a mustache, and a woman wearing a lacy duster. They are all hugging, with one twin on the fathers shoulder
Couple embracing and hugging outdoors in front of a house, woman in white off-shoulder dress.
A woman eats a cherry on a couch while a pink cake slice sets in front of her.
Woman in flowing white dress walking barefoot on beach with wind in her hair at sunset.
A woman looks at an out of focus speaker.
A man and woman wrapped in a blanket looking at the sunrise on the beach.
A family in matching pajamas playing patty cake in the kitchen.
A woman looking at produce in a store.
A small boy fishing in overalls.
Side profile of woman silhouetted against warm orange sunset sky on sandy beach.
A woman stares at the camera, with one hand supporting her chin, surrounded by hot pink and maroon cakes.
Woman in white fringe dress with arms raised celebrating on beach at golden sunset.
Twin boys crossing a stream with a makeshift bridge.
A couple shares a romantic kiss under a wisteria-covered brick arch in a sunny garden.
A joyful woman in an off-shoulder yellow top laughs while being lifted by her partner outdoors.
A bride holding a bunch of flowers with a duster veil flowing in the wind in front of her face
Woman in white lace fringe maxi dress posing on sandy beach at golden hour sunset.
Child holding large bouquet of mixed flowers including blue delphiniums and yellow roses indoors.
A young boy yelling happily in a fisheye lens
Headshot of a woman smiling in the forest.
A bride holding an eclectic bunch of flowers.
Young child holding pink and white roses at a colorful flower market display.
A woman acts like she is smoking a candle, surrounded by pink and maroon cakes.
Black and white portrait of smiling baby peeking through wooden crib slats.
A pregnant woman is held by a man on a staircase.
Cheese and fruit with greenery on a charcuterie board.
Black and white photo of tattooed couple dancing together in a home kitchen.
A bride looking off camera holding a bouquet with a long duster veil covering her face.
Couple posing in front of ornate brick building, man in blue shirt with woman in white lace top.
A pink cake slice sits on a white plate on top of a grey couch.
Black and white photo of woman in white bikini top standing under pier by the ocean.
Colorful floral arrangement with pink roses and lilies on white pedestal table with candle.
Family with young child and brown dog standing together in a warm wooden kitchen.

latest works



A glimpse into the stories I’ve been trusted to tell. From intimate portraits and quiet maternity moments to bold small-business branding. Each session is approached with intention, emotion, and an eye for the in-between moments that matter most.


No two shoots are the same, but every image is rooted in connection, atmosphere, and honest storytelling.

Two children embracing among dense green pine trees in a dark moody forest setting.

"the best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."



Andy Warhol

      testimonials

Couple sitting on a blanket on the beach watching a beautiful orange sunset over the ocean.

staci & scott, couples

My boyfriend Scott and I have had the pleasure of working with Claire on multiple photo shoots! We have really enjoyed our experiences, neither of us had previously done any professional photography and Claire made it so easy, fun, and enjoyable! It really feels like you're just hanging out and playing around with friends!! Each time I'm blown away by the outcome of the pictures- I'm appropriately obsessed and it becomes my entire personality for a few weeks. We can't wait to have Claire be a part of many special days in our future!

Smiling pregnant woman in jeans holding white flowers against her bare belly in warm golden light.

lenore, maternity

I’ve done two sessions with Claire, one in my home/on the beach and one in studio — both times were phenomenal! She is so easy to work with, and her warmth and creative energy made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera. Her style lends itself to the perfect balance of candid & posed, and she offered great direction and suggestions to keep things moving smoothly! We had so much fun together and she captured some truly stunning images that I will cherish forever! I can’t recommend her enough!

A happy family of four poses outdoors in a forest, with a child sitting on dad's shoulders, all wearing dark clothing.

the knittles, family and branding

If you’re looking for a photographer who just gets it on every level, Claire is it. Her creativity and passion really come through in every shoot, and her gallery is proof of that. I’ve worked with her for small business branding, family photos, and lifestyle sessions, and she hits the mark every single time. She captures the best candid moments that truly feel like you, and she is especially amazing with my 5 year old twins. Getting genuine smiles and real moments from them is not always easy, but she makes it look like a piece of cake.

A bride in a strapless white gown and veil touches her pearl earring, posing thoughtfully against a dark wall.

kenya, wedding and bridal

Where do I start? I always get nervous being in front of the camera, especially on a very important day like your wedding! Claire made me feel so relaxed and at ease. I felt as if I could be my authentic self without overthinking it. I had such a fun time working with Claire. She made me feel beautiful and elegant. When I saw the final product of my photos I GASPED HONEY. I felt like a queen! These are photos my great grandchildren will show their friends and be like “yeah that was my great grandma yall!!” Period. I HIGHLY recommend Claire.

people of all races, sexualities, genders, sizes, abilities, and religions can stand proudly in front of my lens.

you are always safe with me.


A woman with sunglasses on holding a spray tan gun.
Couple embracing outdoors, woman showing engagement ring while man wraps arms around her.
Elegant floral arrangement with pink roses, lilies, and purple flowers in a white vase beside a candle on a pedestal.
Close-up of a woman's hands adorned with silver rings wearing a flowing white boho lace dress at golden hour.
A graduate in cap and gown sits peacefully on stone steps surrounded by lush green trees at dusk.
Happy family with parents kissing and young child smiling while relaxing together on a cozy living room sofa.
A smiling couple embraces outdoors near a brick building, sharing a joyful moment in casual plaid shirts.
A woman smiles softly on a bed.
Confident female medical professional in white coat holding textbooks outside a modern building.
Close-up of a couple holding hands with an engagement ring against a blurred urban building background.
Romantic couple portrait with woman leaning on man's shoulder, both smiling softly outdoors in natural light.
Young girl with dark hair smiles over the shoulder of a man in a plaid shirt in a bright indoor setting.