The Narrative
session
Narrative sessions are designed for the group and the experience. Often, this session is the perfect fit for an extended family, reunion, or small event. The heart behind it is a celebration of what happens when loved ones get together. The time allows for space to create both timeless portraits and undone, candid moments wherever your ground is gathered. The house by lake, the grandparents backyard, or the planned picnic in the vines. Whatever gathering looks like for your family, the images we make from that time will become honest treasures for generations.
relaxed extended family photos at home in Charlottesville, crozet, and surrounding areas
*available for travel
When you all get together, it's a big deal.
- 2 hours
- $2000 investment
- Session prep guide
- Planning call
- Gallery of 100 final edited images
- $200 credit for use in the print shop
- all digital downloads included
Details
It probably doesn't happen a lot. It's probably big and loud and messy and hilarious and a little dramatic, but also really fun.
A Narrative Session allows for us to capture all of that energy through variety and direction, intention and play. Whether your group is 10 people of 30, I'll guide our time with direction, capturing timeless images of your whole group along with breakdowns for each family unit, cousins, grandparents, siblings - the whole bit.
While typical extended family sessions may bring feelings of dread, I encourage families to incorporate the activities and traditions you already love doing together into your session. This could include preparing a meal or fishing or playing a card game or backyard baseball. After all, some of the best photos we cherish of our families are those that capture their spirit through the way we connect with them. After 20 years doing this work, I can say with confidence that the best images unfold with time. Narrative sessions allow us to truly sink in and make the kinds of artful images that come from letting your guard down.
Within 2 weeks or less, you'll receive a custom slideshow and final gallery of 100+ quality curated images with full access to download. Every image will be part of the narrative, reflecting the beautiful life you've built and share with the people you love.
Book a session
How it works
// 1.
Once you reach out with a little more context about your family, I can answer any lingering questions. We'll set a time to hop on the phone and talk through logistics, including a date and time, activities we might include, and I'll send you a proposal to lock it in.
// 2.
We'll meet for your session create photographs and spend part of the day together. I'll make everyone feel relaxed and direct the flow of our time for a healthy mix of variety, including portraits and activity, stepping back to document the kinds of family moments that make your heart happy.
// 3.
In 2 weeks or less, you'll receive your final gallery and a custom slideshow set to music. Sink in and enjoy the reflection of your beautiful family and the life you've built together.
From here, you can download all your final images and print them however you like, including through the curated print shop attached to your gallery. Your photos will continue bringing light to your days and reminders of gratitude for years ahead.
This is for you iF:
→ you want timeless portraits, but nothing stuffy or cheesy
- you're not really a "family pictures" family, but you still actually do want those family pictures
→ You want the experience to feel painless and fun with someone who will take the lead and has experience so you don't have to
- you want to work with someone who is open and accepting with all kinds of families
"I am over-the-moon-thrilled with these photos. I can not think of a more precious gift than these photos."
- Karen
My first jobs in high school and college were in mall portrait studios - photographs of kids with the Easter bunny, sitting on stools, and with bright harsh light on a little square backdrop. I liked the concept of honoring people in photographs, but not this way. When my husband and I married, we moved to Hawaii where he was stationed in the Navy and promptly deployed. I was left in paradise, but missing my family. My business gave me purpose and perspective into treasuring an ordinary day with the people we love, the variety of family dynamics, and the potential of photos to bring us into gratitude.
Almost twenty years later, I'm still set on helping families notice and hold what they're most grateful for. I'd love to do the same for yours.
i fell in love with photographing ffamilies while I was living an ocean away from my own.
Leah O'Connell
Let's make photos that move you.
REach out to get started
Fill out this short form to get the ball rolling. I'll answer all your questions and we'll choose a date from there. You don't have to have it all figured out - I'm here to walk you through and make this a beautiful experience from start to finish.
