Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

Serving Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, Palmyra, Orange, and all surrounding areas. Available for travel anywhere you call home. 

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Family photos are about so much more than pretty pictures. 
 
They're meant to help you sink into the value of your people. To see one another as art - seen, honored, and loved.

Whether we’re cozy at home or in your happy place, we'll make heartwarming family photos that feel vibrant, honest, and full of warmth. They will fuel love on your hardest days and help you celebrate the simple things in life.

Capturing the way we delight in those we know and

love anyways

She is somehow able to get deep into the tiniest of moments and pull out something spectacular.

When we look at some of the photos Leah has captured of us throughout these years, I just can't help getting the feeling "If I live to be 80, this picture, this one *right here*, is going to transport me back to those early years of raising our children, and all the magic within them."

"People talk about finding their forever home - I've started referring to Leah as our forever photographer.

- Samantha

Hi, I'm Leah.
Family photographer, writer, educator.

I’m  one of the first to meet your newborn baby, the one who won't judge your clothes baskets and unmade beds, and the one who can capture the way your husband looks at you with a twinkle in his eye after 12 years of marriage.  My life's work is about honoring people and telling stories.

I believe art has the power to light up the world in dark places, starting at home. 

I'm a mom of 3 who loves mornings and words. I rely heavily on black coffee and a sense of humor.

image by Erica Hufnell

I love that we were able to show up, as ourselves, dressed in each of us our own way (though vaguely coordinating). With so many kids in unpredictable moods, Leah still captured what that moment really was: togetherness, connection, love - something so special. She was easy-going, willing to pivot, and somehow both the director as well as open to ideas. I would absolutely recommend!

"...[she] captured what the moment really was - togetherness, connection, love"

- Laura

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Essay-style stories from my life on motherhood, creativity, and simple joys + my favorite recommendations and special offers. 

The Firefly Letters

hits inboxes every wednesday night

there is gold
right in front
of you

Family photos are about more than your smiling faces. They're about celebrating what's right in front of you, even when its hard to see.

The beauty is there. I can help you hold it.

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- Jaden

"We were hesitant about investing in family photos because of the cost. What if we didn't like how we looked? What if our child was having an off-day?

We took the leap and I am soooo thrilled with what Leah was able to gift us. The pictures are incredible - genuine, soft, fun, playful, and capture our family dynamic perfectly."

Totally worth it!