The Studebaker’s Story
Mr. Neil and Mrs. Cheryl graciously allowed us to use their 1953 Studebaker pick up truck for our Christmas Mini Sessions. Here’s its story!
It’s a Family Truck
The ’53 Studebaker was was in Los Angeles of 40 years. Neil’s cousin’s husband was a delivery drive for Miller Tool Company. He was the tool delivery guy before Snap On existed. He retired to the family farm in northern Minnesota.
When he passed, Neil & Cheryl went to Minnesota for his memorial service. Neil and his brother found the truck in the shed with the hood up and repair manual on the bumper.
After some bargaining and pleaded Neil and Cheryl were allowed to buy it. They shipped the truck to Virginia Beach in the fall of 2017. It took a full year to get running, courtesy of the Cavalier Garage Team.
It’s mostly original.
The bumper was changed so it could be used for towing. It still has the 6 volt battery system. The original advertising along the bed still reads, “Miller Tool Equip. 635-3883.”
What are Christmas Truck Minis
Christmas Truck Mini sessions are special 10 minute-mini photo sessions spaced every 15 minutes held in the fall – first half of November. I deck out the truck with red & white themed pillows, blankets, wreath and trees and all the kids got surprise sugar cookies!
We parked the truck in Great Neck Park in Virginia Beach which gave great light all day long. The first year 81% of the slots were filled!
Mini sessions are 15-20 minute sessions
More time does not equal more value because more time never made anyone cry less, or have more fun! Weather your kids are grown and cooperative, or super young and uncooperative, its perfect for simple updated family photos, cake smash, maternity, high school seniors, milestones, or Christmas card shots!
Yes! 15 minutes is enough!
More time is not more value. My mission is to leave you asking, “That’s it?!”
Fast. Fun. Done.
Dad is going to be pleased and you’re going to be shocked I got so many happy faces so quickly!
They happen at pre-determined dates and locations.
Get on the Waitlist now to get them in your inbox as soon as they’re released! Be sure to drag it to your primary inbox so you don’t miss it!
Mini sessions happen roughly once a quarter, sometimes more often in the busy seasons.








I'm a South Carolina native, USMC spouse, and recovering homeschool mama of a four boy circus. Bring me your crazy!
After 11 years of photographing families all over the world, I've realized my clients aren't printing their images. We go through all this work to get dressed, coordinated and then let those photos die on the hard drive.
No more!
There's nothing easy about family photos but I'm here to help you with every step from what to wear to printed in your hands whether thats an album or wall art. I want you to Make your people the rock star of your house!
You'll be reminded of what really matters every day when you see the giant prints of your crew laughing on your walls every. single. day.
Currently stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia photographing families all over the Hampton Roads area from Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore all the way to Portsmouth and Elizabeth City!
Follow along on the Gram at @alisonbellphotog or reach out today!


I find joy in chaos. The louder, the better! I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!