Welcome! I'm Laura Richards
Hello, friend! I'm a Charlottesville, Virginia, photographer creating family imagery that you can feel in your soul and hold in your hands. In other words, I make authentic, feel-good images — and then deliver them to you in the form of custom-designed heirloom albums, conversation-starting wall art, and luxurious Fine Art Prints. If you honor tangible, storytelling family photos, we're a match made in heaven!
Family photos you can feel in your heart & hold in your hands
All the beautiful ways to work together ...
At-Home Family Session
Home is where my work and your relationships feel most authentic. Home is where you and your kids are most comfortable, a place where you're surrounded by the warmth you know so well. A mix of tender and playful, digital and film, all light-soaked and love-filled — that's what you'll enjoy with an at-home family session.
Newborn & Maternity Session
I'm a Charlottesville newborn photographer, and I believe your home is the perfect place for your baby's first photos! At-home newborn sessions are relaxed and stress-free. There's lots of snuggling and kissing, all while making sure baby and mom have exactly what they need. I create imagery using both digital and film, as well as natural, dynamic window light.
Outdoor Family Session
If an at-home session just isn't your thing, we'll take the fun somewhere else! I'll help you select a location around Charlottesville that works best for your family. A few favorites include McIntire Park, Preddy Creek, and the trails at Martha Jefferson Hospital. We'll laugh, play, dance, and snuggle our way through a beautiful evening or sunrise!
On Film, With Love Session
A special film-only session that takes place outside at my home (on my deck, to be exact!). Choose from a canvas backdrop, or a colorful trio of vintage pink, dusty blue, and butter yellow. Film is not just how I shoot — it’s why this experience feels different. Each image I create is made with intention, so nothing is ever rushed or excessive.
THAT One PHOTO
That One Photo is my new podcast-form passion project celebrating the family photographs that become part of our lives — not because they're perfect, but because of what they mean. The photos that remind us who we are. If you have a family photo with a great story or big emotion behind it, I'd love for you to share your story with me.
Full-service family photography in Charlottesville, Virginia
A complete photography experience
1
Before our session
I'll get to know your family's needs, special relationships, and overall desire for the session. I can guide you through outfit planning, location options, or which rooms in your home will be best.
2
Session Day!
This is the time to leave any stress behind and just love your family while I find and document the magic. I'll work to ensure everyone feels comfortable — and trust me, I have lots of tricks up my sleeve for all types of kids!
3
Post-session
Once your images have been hand-edited to perfection, you'll view your photos through an online proofing gallery and decide how you'll preserve your favorites. Most clients invest in an album or a collection of luxury prints.
Featured In:
We'll turn your images into heirlooms
How will you preserve the magic we create during your session? Digital photos alone won’t do it — you’ll need something tangible, high-quality, and beautifully designed to seal the deal.
When you work with me, you'll want your treasured images transformed into heirloom-quality albums, handcrafted frames, and archival prints — pieces worthy of the images themselves.
This year, say yes to living on in print — and to having someone else do all the legwork!
Ready to preserve your family's magic?
Hearing from you would be the biggest honor. Looking forward to talking with you soon!