Richmond VA Photographer | Baby's First Year

I have been shooting this family for years, and now, they've added their third baby, a sweet boy, to the mix!  So far for this baby we have covered a maternity session, a newborn session, and a 6-month one.  The only thing we have left in the baby plan is the 1 year that includes a cake smash (I provide the cake and decor!)  I love the baby plans because babies change so much in that first year and it's a privilege to see them grow up!  From curling up (we took River's newborn portraits in the best spot... down by the RIVER ;) at the newborn session to smiling at the 6 months, it's a great way to capture your whole family for a year.  Here are a few of my favorite images from our sessions:

Richmond Virginia Pregnancy Photographer | Boudoir Maternity

This session. OH MY GOSH.  When Jessica contacted me and shared her vision for the session, I was SO excited.  I love confident women, and mixing that with the beauty of pregnancy, what a combination!  She coordinated her outfits (the only thing that is the studio's is the long black dress that looks SO gorgeous on her!) and brought her husband and best girlfriends along.  It was SUCH a fun session.  I think I said that about 726 times while working with them during the hour.  I always love maternity sessions, but intimate maternity portraits are definitely a favorite! I cannot wait to meet their sweet little babe in a few weeks!

Richmond VA Family Photographer | S Family

I recently met this family and realized I had just photographed their oldest daughter at her school for portraits!  Richmond is such a small world and it's fun to see all the connections of my clients and how the paths cross a lot.  I am super exciting about fall portraits this year and this family helped to kick them off, even if it still feels like summer.  This family was a treat to work with, their personalities made for a fun session!  Here are some of my favorite images from our time together:

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | Austin and Thomas

This couple is so special to me!  Years ago when she was in nursing school, Austin was my babysitter, and now she's planning her wedding and I get the honor of being the photographer!  They  equally love the beach and country, and since they're having a beach destination wedding, they really wanted to incorporate their love for cotton fields and the country side in to the engagement session. And of course we had to include the fur babies, which only lasted about 3 seconds down at the water location before jumping in for a quick swim.  I am very much looking forward to this wedding next year! 

Richmond VA Maternity Photographer | C Family

You may be seeing this and being like WHAAAAAT she's pregnant?!? I missed her whole pregnancy!  I think they JUST debuted this gorgeous belly on Facebook in the past few days, and she's going to be delivering that baby ANY day!  I often wonder if I could do a surprise pregnancy and just be like "here's my baby!" at the hospital but I think I take waaaay too many selfies for that ;) So maybe I could if pregnancy lasted like, 3 hours.. ha! And of course this family's friends all know, they just never got around to making it "Facebook official" until recently.  I am so in love with these images we captured for them during this special time. And you couldn't take a bad picture at this location, unfortunately it's on private property so I won't get too many more opportunities to shoot here, but I am so glad they got their portraits done next to a waterfall! 

Richmond VA Family Photographer | L Family

I have been working with this family since Susan was pregnant, and what a gorgeous maternity session THAT was!  We met at Maymont in Richmond VA, which, in my opinion has no spot in the whole entire park that isn't photo worthy, and I got to see all sorts of gummy smiles from little miss!  It was a warm "fall" day that kind of felt more like summer, but we all hung in there and now the family has some gorgeous portraits to hang on their walls!  With our sessions, digital files are always included and I don't limit the number of images you receive, because I can't pick favorites either.. I love them all! :) See you next time, L family! 

Richmond VA Newborn Photographer | B Family

Most of my newborn sessions take place in my studio, but every so often I get invited to go into clients homes and do a lifestyle session.  They are a bit different because instead of all the posing we really focus on the family and getting snuggles in their elements.  We shoot in their favorite spots: The newly decorated nursery, their bedroom all cuddled up, and of course your first baby (the furry one!) can be included during this time.  It's such a nice way to capture the first few weeks without rushing to leave the house because I know that can be tricky post delivery when you are learning a whole new way to do everything.  

Richmond VA Maternity Photographer | Tanikka

It's not too often I get to school maternity portraits in my studio, but I LOVE the way the white walls and bed set put a real focus on the client.  It's just serene and timeless.  Maternity sessions are such a fun way to connect to your belly and this special time in your life.  Tanikka is no stranger to my camera, this is baby number 4! And after three handsome boys she is carrying a beautiful baby girl.  She will have lots of brothers to protect and care for her and I cannot wait to watch her grow up. 

Richmond VA Newborn Photographer | Baby Jameson

This little guy came to my photography studio in Chesterfield and brought many sweet faces with him.  Sometimes newborns have a hard time focusing when they are awake, but his eyes were perfectly in line with the camera.  His session had a lot of variety: sleeping and awake poses, and also pictures with big sister and his whole family!  Style wise, we opted to keep things mostly muted to accommodate this family's wishes. 

Richmond VA Twin Photographer | V Family

What is sweeter than one baby? TWO BABIES! And, both girls. While I may personally never get to know what it's like to have girls, I certainly get to snuggle them during sessions.  More often than not I am in the studio in Chester for newborn sessions, but every so often a family wants it to take place in their home and I get to stretch my creative wings!  Every space is different, the lighting is never certain, but it's fun to find the best spots.  This was a lifestyle portrait session that took place in their beautiful home in Richmond. We incorporated a few pieces from the family, and I brought a few wraps, and together it was the perfect session!  Thank you V family for trusting me to come in your home and capture your sweet girls, I look forward to seeing you again! 

Maymont Weddings | Richmond VA wedding photographer

Maymont is such a gorgeous backdrop for an outdoor wedding.  The threat of rain was LOOMING over us leading up to the day, even the day of was a downpour, but somehow (Thank you Jesus!) the sky mostly closed and although there was a tiny light sprinkle in the air, we were able to get all of ceremony and pictures done before it started pouring again.  Sarah and Jason had a more intimate wedding of close friends and family but it was the perfect day being surrounded by only your best.  All of their details came together perfectly and I know it was a day they will look back on with smiles for years to come. 

Here are a few of my favorites from their big day!

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | Family Formals

There is a reason photographers sometimes dread the family formals list, and it's usually because without proper flow it can definitely be a bit chaotic!  I do not mind the family formal shots and I work with my clients before the wedding to come up with a list that works well and seems to only take about 10-15 minutes after the ceremony to complete!  That sounds like a win for everyone, the family can get to the cocktail hour quicker, your bridal party begins their pictures sooner, and you and your groom get to get this typically "un-fun" part of the day through so you can head to the reception and party! 

I typically only have the grandparents, parents, siblings (and children if there are any!) stay after the ceremony, but I always say if there is a family member that you are super close to we definitely want to include them in the formal pictures.  The rest? The extended cousins that you likely aren't going to print/frame a picture of?  We save that for the reception!  

As a side note, some couples DOO request one big huge whole side of the family shot which is really great to have and we can do that first if requested, but we don't typically need to break that down further than that unless requested.  

The family formals list is kind of like a diamond, we start small, add in, then take out, then swap to the grooms side!  Easy, right?

Here is my standard family formals shot list:

Bride & Grandparents
Bride, Groom, Grandparents
Bride, Groom, Grandparents, Parents
Bride, Groom, Grandparents, Parent, Siblings
Bride, Groom, Siblings
Bride, Siblings
Bride, Mom
Bride, Mom, Dad
Bride, Mom, Dad, Groom
Bride, Dad

Now, of course this is in the perfect world of the parents still being together and grandparents in attendance, so we definitely modify it for each couple that we work with!  This list and the timeline is the only thing I need from the bride and groom on the wedding day.  

Richmond VA Family Photographer

The thing I love most about photographing Richmond VA families is being able to be silly with the kids.  We try to get a few more structured shots at the very beginning, but that usually only lasts about 5 minutes before we move on to the fun.  Kids do not want to just 'sit and say cheese' and I wouldn't make them do that!  Unless it is an extended family session I usually recommend my minis for families, they're short and sweet at 30 minutes and nicely affordable as well! This works well for families who want to come more than once a year to capture their growing family.  

Some of my favorite shots ever are the ones like the above, just a fun playful family moment that is so gorgeous it deserves a billboard size print! ;)  This family has been with me for a few years and I even have a canvas of their little guys earlier sessions in the studio. 

We held this session at one of my favorite locations that sits on the James/Appomattox River.  It's usually very quiet so we are not fighting crowds and it's super gorgeous and has lots of options for different pictures!

Take a peek at some of my favorite pictures from the session: 

Richmond VA Newborn Photographer | Carli

This sweet baby girl came to the studio for her newborn session and I believe she (without being a twin or quad!) was the smallest baby I have worked with, not quite 5 pounds at the session.  She was great at snuggling up to pose and I didn't see her eyes until the session was over and they were dressing her to go home!  We wanted the session to be feminine and pink to match her cute nursery, and I made that sweet headband just for her the night before the session!  I'm having fun experimenting with different wraps, outfits, and headbands for my clients!  Most of what I have now is custom and one of a kind!  

I love working with newborns so if you know of an expecting mama in the Richmond, Virginia and surrounding area please send her my way! :) 

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | Julie and Graham at Hermitage Country Club

Julie and Graham were married on a gorgeous overcast day at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot in September.  Yes, you heard that right, a "gorgeous" overcast day.  A lot of people might get discouraged when their wedding day doesn't have the bright sun shining, but let me tell you a positive thing about it not being full sun.  Overcast days mean we can stand anywhere, any time, and ALL the colors pop nicely.  You're likely not going to have any squinty eye issues and if there is a gorgeous spot in the background you will not have any issues shooting from all different angles. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the sun, but as long as there's not a tornado (I am 99% lay in a closet shaking terrified of tornados) we can make different days look super amazing too! 

Originally I only met Julie and her mom to discuss her wedding and didn't met Graham until the wedding day because he was out of town with the military.  So after playing a quick game of "which one is the groom" we moved right along with the day. ;) The details were soft and classic, much like Julie as a bride.  As you will see in the pictures, her happiness was all over her face on her wedding, I loved the expressions she had throughout the day.  From coming down the aisle with her dad to being announced at the reception, she carried that joy throughout the whole day.  

Take a peek at some of my favorites: 
 

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | Julie and Brian at Lewis Ginter

Julie and Brian's Richmond Virginia wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens was honestly a highlight of my 2016 year!  From the beautiful florals to her details of the lace gown and her new monogram on a necklace, she is the most genuinely smiley and happy bride and lights up every room she is in.  I think I teared up multiple times during this wedding day just because she was SO happy and in love. 

HIs dad was his best man.  As a mom of three boys, I thought that was so sweet and I hope my boys have the same relationship with their Father!  I remember his dad beaming over at him as they sung one of their songs in the church, it was definitely a proud father look in his eyes!

You couldn't ask for a better wedding to photograph.  Julie's now husband Brian is one of the kindest grooms I have had the pleasure of working with.  Putting these two together was clearly a God thing, and I loved every minute of their wedding day!  Everything seemed to run perfectly and I know they will look back on this day for many years to come with just as big of smiles on their face.

Congratulations you two, and thank you so much for letting me take part in your special day. 

Vendor List:
Florals- Photosynthesis
Cake- Buttercream Bee
Band- Bachelor Boys
Stationary- English Tea Paperie
Catering - Merriwether Godsey
Hair/Makeup - Blackbird Salon
Church - St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Reception Venue - Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Richmond VA Maternity Photographer | Intimate Portraits

Oh sweet baby bellies.  I LOVE them SO MUCH. The magic of creating a life and taking some time to get some gorgeous pictures of yourself while focusing on your beauty and that sweet babe-to-be is a must for an expecting mama!  Your maternity session does not have to be this intimate, you can certainly rock it just the same while covering up a little more, but as a secret? These sessions are my favorite!  The studio offers key pieces in completing the maternity look whether you'd like to show the belly or cover it up a bit more. Dad and children can also be included in these sessions.  

In this post you will meet Ashley, who is one of the strongest mothers I've ever met. She was so sweet to work with and didn't hesitate to jump into any idea I had, and together we created the most beautiful maternity session for her! 

Richmond VA Photographer | Mommy and Me

There is something about a parent/child connection that I adore photographing.  I have been a photographer in the Richmond and surrounding area for almost 9 years, that's crazy to think about just how many families I have had the pleasure of photographing over all of this time.  About 6 years ago when I got my first studio, I was able to put the white bed set out that I had dreamed about out as that studio had a perfect double window.  The first "bed" I had there was a blow up mattress, but you couldn't tell (until you went to sit on it, ha!)  I got to take pictures of my Grandmother there before she passed away.  I got pictures with my babies there that i'll always treasure.  I've captured so many mom-to-bes and babies in that setting, there's something so peaceful about all white so that you and your little loves are the focal point.

In my new studio (which I've been in for 3+ years!) the white bed set was the first thing I put up.  And I am just as obsessed with it as I was 6 years ago! 

Here is a peek at a recent "Mommy + Me" session.  I have ONE more spot left for the mommy + me sessions that will take place on February 11th AND they include makeup for mama from Shine Blowdry Bar!  

Richmond VA Newborn Photographer | Baby Benjamin

Ohhh sweet baby Benji!  (Totally acceptable for me to give sweet baby's a nickname, right?)  And side story, we named our first two boys "Eli" and "Luke" because we weren't a fan of nicknames, but more often than not we call them "Li" and "Lu."  

I recently read where photographers weren't a fan of parents IN the room with their baby's during the newborn session, some photographers went as far as to say parents WEREN'T ALLOWED in the room.  YIKES you guys!  You couldn't peel me off of my boys so there is no crazy rule like that in my studio.  I love that you get to watch this session, and you are literally two feet away from us the whole time.  Now, I will admit you don't have the best view because I always pose to a particular side and unfortunately the couch is pretty much right beside baby's butt, so THAT's your view, but I also encourage you to walk around and get a non-butt view too ;) 

Benjamin was such a sweet baby and rocked his first modeling session!  His mama booked a mini session for him, which tends to have more simple styling and not quite as many set ups as a full session, but definitely allows you to still have great images of your baby!

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together:  

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | The Mill at Fine Creek

Niki + Deans wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek was one of my favorite weddings from the year. The weather wasn't looking so great but somehow we were able to get every picture outside that we wanted!  The only change to the day that happened was instead of having the ceremony in front of the wall, the ground was so saturated that we had to have it beside the house on the flat top, but it was still just as gorgeous!  And the staff at the Mill is so great to work with and handled the ceremony location change beautifully.  It really makes a world of difference to work with a great venue! 

I remember sitting down with Niki + Dean and walking away from the meeting really wanting them to book.  It's silly how you can get attached to someone during just a quick meeting, but they were so sweet and a previous wedding couple of mine were friends with them, so I knew they would be the perfect couple for me!  

The wedding party was a lot of fun.  I may or may not had to receive a tetanus shot after groomsmen portraits (just kidding!)   But I LOVE photographing a good wedding reception where people can just let loose and dance like no on is watching, and boy, did they! ;) 

Niki + Dean opted to do a first look, which allows them to have MORE portrait time and a little time to breathe together before the ceremony.  I am a big fan of first looks and will write more on them later!

Niki + Dean,
Thank YOU both SO MUCH for having me capture the most important day of your lives.  Your details were pulled together beautifully and I loved working with you two.  I wish you many years of happiness! :)