
I’ve had the joy of capturing this family through several special milestones. But as they’ve settled into a new home and started to sink into their family dynamic, it was a real treat to make family photos at home… and at their chicken coop.
And a strawberry patch. And sourdough. And a church. And a homeschooling co-op.
On a hot summer day, the girls showed me around their rooms and let the bunnies hop around while they played and read books together. We played silly games in their favorite comfy chair and played outside on the tree swing. We held and fed the animals and ran wild in the open grass.
But it really wasn’t so much about what they did as it was about how they did it.
With openness and kindness. Sinking into the play. Loose and with love.
At one point, I asked them to pile into a patch of grass with a bunch of white clover and the mom laughed. She said people thought she was crazy because she loved all those “weeds” in the grass, but she didn’t care because she thought they were beautiful.
I tend to agree.
But it’s the simple life they always dreamed of. And they are really soaking it in.























If you’re interested in some laid back, warm and vibrant family photos that feel wild and true – let’s make it happen. Reach out here to get started.
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The Belew family |Family photos in a dark small home
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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@2026 copyrighted | Leah O'COnnell
Based in Charlottesville, VA
leah@leahoconnell.com