families
come as you are.
01 process
02 portfolio
03 Packages
In-home and on-location family photos in Charlottesville, VA and beyond. Planned and led with intention. Made to capture your family just as you are - grass stains, missing front teeth, bear hugs and all.
Maybe nothing big is changing at all — you just looked around one ordinary day and realized That you don't want it all to blur together.
Maybe the baby’s turning one or your oldest just started losing teeth, or you're about to leave the house where you brought them home from the hospital.
→ You've scrolled past enough golden-hour fields and prarie dresses for one lifetime
- you want photos that feel like your family, not a fancy version of it
→ You want prints on the wall & in your hands, not 100's of files in a folder
→ You want someone who makes it feel natural and won't make you stand in awkward poses
For you iF:
what's included
Every family session comes with your full gallery of high-resolution digital images, curated to an intentional selection, fully edited and ready to download, share, and print however you like.
You'll also get a print credit to spend on the pieces you'll hold and keep, including loose prints for sacred frames throughout the house and heirloom albums that holds the story like a family treasure box.
Images shift in meaning over time, and I don’t want you to have to choose between what feels beautiful now and what may feel beautiful later.
Clear, intentional Pricing from start to finish.
"It is very rare for me to look at photos of myself and feel happy with how I look, but I am so thankful to have photos of me with my family that I can look at and feel nothing but love.
We have been so happy working with Leah in both the process of having the photos taken and the end results. She truly makes everything feel so comfortable and natural. I take so many photos all the time of my daughter and my husband and my pets, but the ones that bring me the most joy and that I look back on year after year are the ones Leah has taken."
- Eleanor
Packages | Packages | Packages
The home sweet home session
Home is a character in your family story, but at the end of the day, your family photos aren't about scenery - it's your people being fully themselves in the spaces you're building your lives and spending your days. These sessions are simple but artful reflections of your family's season.
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- 60 minutes at home - inside and/or outside
- $850 investment
- Session prep guide
- Proof gallery of 75 final edited images
- Your choice of 25 final images to download
- Access to the fine art print shop
The Story Session
For family adventures in your favorite spaces or right at home, including your favorite family traditions and activities, multiple locations, special milestones, and stories celebrating a full spectrum of connection with a little more space to breathe.
- 90 minutes
- $1400 investment
- Session prep guide
- Planning call
- Gallery of 75 final edited images
- $100 credit for use in the print shop
- all digital downloads included
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The Field session
A relaxed half-hour in my favorite Charlottesville park. Best for those seeking a simple, outdoor session and classic portraits with a twist of lightness and play.
- 30 minutes
- $600 investment
- Session prep guide
- Gallery of 25 final edited images
- All digital downloads included
- Access to the fine art print shop
Ready to go for it? Reserve your date automatically below.
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The Narrative Session
Best for: multi-generational and extended families, small events
- 2 hours
- $2000 investment
- Session prep guide + Extended family wardrobe guide
- optional Planning call
- Gallery of 100+ final edited images
- $200 credit for use in the print shop
- all digital downloads included
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the nuts and bolts
Get started
step 1
Send me a note via the contact form to get the ball rolling.
Tell me a little about your family and what you're hoping to capture. We'll settle on a date and you'll reserve it with an online booking proposal of Contract + Questionnaire + 50% deposit. If you need a different payment plan, just let me know - no problem.
Finalize the plans
step 2.
Based on your questionnaire, I can make suggestions and work through details with you for what would make the session feel unique and fun. You'll get a client prep guide with tips for a smooth session, choosing what to wear, etc and we'll lock in timing, location, activities, etc. so you feel excited about what's coming up.
We play & Create
step 3.
Your only job is to savor your people. Enjoy the time you get to step away from regular life and into this family time - I take care of the rest. We don't need to "get through it" or "do a few photos before we can go play" - this is the play. We are always most alive when we are in our happy places and feeling like ourselves, so that's the goal. You'll walk away with images that hold all the joy, love, and connection that stems from that place.
Bring your favorites to life.
step 4.
You'll receive your final gallery within 2 weeks, including access to a private shop where you can view your images in various frames, sizes, and styles. Keep the ordering simple and all in one place, sourced through environmentally-conscious print labs and quality you can share with your grandkids one day.
- Clients can choose their level of comfort with sharing images online. Your images are yours and it's up to you how or if they're shared publicly.
- All sessions are culled and edited by human touch. Your images are never uploaded into cloudbased softwares for AI training at any part of my workflow.
- I do not record "behind-the-scenes" video during paid sessions to use for my own marketing. Your home is your haven. Everything you experience in your session will allow you to remain in the moment with privacy among your people and spaces.
Safety and respect
"We are totally thrilled and floored by these photos.
[My husband] especially couldn't part with any of the photos as they have captured such a time of healing in his life. I can't emphasize enough how much this art means to us. "
- Hannah
Once you book, you'll get my client guide with simple, non-fussy guidance on coordinating clothing for the type of session we’re planning. I’m always on deck to help you choose between this blouse or that one, but at the end of the day, you should wear clothes that look like you. If it’s a season of Elsa dresses and mismatched socks… let it be.
What should we wear?
Absolutely - I consider these shots a "bare minimum." They may happen right at the top of the session or we'll find our way into these portraits throughout the session, but I understand that even though these kinds of images aren't the main focus of the overall session, I always prioritize including them at some point in our time together.
I like candid - but will we get at least a few of people looking and smiling at the camera?
I've photographed families for 20 years so wiggly, shy, and big-feelings kids don't faze me. There's basically nothing I haven’t seen. I’m also a mom of 3 so truly, do not worry. In my experience, when the pressure’s off to “be on their best behavior” and we can frame the session as a chance to do something fun as a family - including activities they love - they’re usually on board. We let kids be kids, and even through the meltdowns, everything is temporary.
What if my kids melt down or won't cooperate?
faq's
As soon as you feel the desire. But at least a month in advance of your ideal session timeframe, ideally. Fall weekend dates tend to start booking around July, so reach out with more notice if you can around the fall and holiday seasons. I only take a handful of sessions a month so I can remain flexible and all-in for the families I work with. Regardless of if you’re envisioning something in a future season or 2 weeks from now, it never hurts to reach out as soon as you heart says yes.
How far in advance should I book?
I have a whole bunch of favorite local spots, but the best choice is the one where you actually spend time. Whether it’s home, a favorite creek, a weekly ice cream date, a trail, the tennis courts, or the skate park… the most meaningful locations are the ones that have actual significance. At the same time, I feel like the background is the least important part of your shoot. Either way - I won’t leave it all on your shoulders to decide - we’ll find teh best location for your family photos together.
Where should we do our session?
ABSOLUTELY! I love when the furry friends join - dogs, cats, and whatever other family pets are part of your lives. Home sessions are ideal for including all your pets easily, but you're welcome to bring them to any location if you'd like.
One small thing - pets are not allowed at the The Field Session location, so Signature or Narrative sessions are required if you want to include these pals.
Can we include our pets?
Charlottesville, Richmond, and everywhere in between
Photographs that celebrate the people we know best and choose to love anyway.
the heart of it all