Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

families, Featured sessions, local

Summer petite sessions 2023

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. 

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Mini sessions have never been something I’ve aligned with from a quality and creativity standpoint, but once a year, I offer an exclusive spring or summer petite session option with limited availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

These anticipated sessions are always offered to my email list first and usually fill up right from there!

Petite sessions are especially unique because they’re only 30 minutes long and totally streamlined with one basic, all-inclusive package. They are such a fun way to get annual photos of your family that are artistic, rich, and meaningful without a ton of decisions or the financial investment of a full session with me.

Full sessions are obviously an even greater value because you can choose the location (including your home!) and receive a much fuller gallery, more flexibility with timing, + print credit amounts to use towards custom keepsakes.

But if you’re looking for a lower entry point and something a little more simple for some updated family photos, this is the perfect opportunity!

The details:

  • 2023 Summer Nights petite sessions will take place over two weeks (June 25-July 8) on specified dates.

  • The location is set for a favorite spot with rivers, fields of wildflowers, and open space to run and will be shared privately with clients upon inquiry or booking to ensure privacy

  • Sessions will take place in the evening, 1-2 hours before sunset.

  • I’m only opening up 8 spots (told you it was exclusive!) for this petite session offer so if you’re interested even a little bit, make sure you sign up for the email list here for the link when the calendar opens for booking on April 1st.

Booking in advance means you already have some idea about your summer calendar plans and be able to reserve this right along with them! Times and locations will be selected upon a simple booking form you can complete online via the private link when spots open up, so there’s little planning required (whew, more checks for simple!)

Still, I’ll send out my client experience guide right away and my style guide a few weeks before the session to help with wardrobe decisions along with what to expect for a smooth, fun session.

Take a look at these fun family photos from last year’s petite sessions for a peek at what you can expect in just 30 minutes of playing outside together!

Interested in one of this year’s exclusive petite session spots?! Sign up for the email list here for first access when the booking link goes live on April 1.

If you feel like a full session is more your vibe, reach out here so we can customize your session this summer to fit your family best.

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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.