Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

families, Featured sessions

An urban in-home session (with backyard oobleck)

I'm Leah!

I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys.  A nostalgia nerd, educator, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and having kitchen dance parties. 

Education and articles for family photographers

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FAQ's and guidance for stress-free family and newborn sessions 

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Highlighted family and newborn photography sessions

The first time I worked with this family, they were local to me in Charlottesville. But when they reached out to see if I would make the drive for an urban in-home session at their new place in Baltimore, I couldn’t resist. They are so much fun and I knew that photographing them in their new home would be full of playful surprises.

This urban in-home session in downtown Baltimore started in their crazy-cool basement playroom. Through our time together, we captured all kinds of bits and pieces of their life, including the struggle of getting shoes on kids.

I love how Narrative sessions like this one allow us to sink into our time together and explore lots of variation in activity. Since this crew often walks down to Patterson Park, we decided to take the dog for a walk and include that little family favorite spot in their session. And since the kids’ favorite past-time at the moment is simply getting messy and doing science experiments in the backyard, we didn’t shy away from that reality.

Who would have though that the most fun way to end family photos would be making oobleck?!

I was so obsessed with the honesty wrapped up in this session the beautiful range of love and leisure.

An Urban In-Home Session (complete with backyard oobleck!)

family photos in a playroom
playroom family photos, family photographer
family photos in a playroom in downtown baltimore
downtown baltimore in-home family photos, mother daughter pose ideas
urban in-home family photos with kids
photos at home family photos with kids in their rooms
parents poses for family photos at home
urban family photos at home
urban in home session, poses with dad and daughter
lifestyle in home family session in the city
family photos, patterson park
family photos at patterson park
family photos at patterson park
messy family photos in the backyard making oobleck
messy family photo ideas for in home session
urban in home family session in the backyard

Whether you’re looking for family photos at home in Charlottesville, Baltimore, or elsewhere, I’d love to witness your beautiful, messy, loving ways. These photos are meant to fuel your gratitude for the present and continue giving that feeling decades down the road.

Reach out here to get started.

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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. I believe in honoring people and telling stories.

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