
In Virginia, when we think fall, we think apple orchards. Charlottesville has some of the most gorgeous orchards, so it’s hard to not want a family session there. It was a cloudy fall day for this apple orchard family session, but I loved the depth it added to an otherwise standard fall family photo location.
I love when we can use orchards for their natural beauty and playfulness, instead of trying to force something cheesy. This is a particularly great spot for family sessions with active toddlers because the built-in activity makes for some really sweet moments and natural distraction.

This session at Chile’s Orchard was mostly spent chasing a wild 2 year old through the rows and giggling our way through creative 1 minute experiments in “posing.”
And by posing, I mean mostly games that ended in people being close together and laughing. I love the energy of playfulness and openness to not try to control the beast, but roll with the punches.
That’s my kindof orchard session.












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I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys. A nostalgia nerd, writer, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and savoring small.
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Based in Charlottesville, VA
leah@leahoconnell.com