I've been dreaming of doing an at-home maternity session for YEARS, and it finally happened this weekend — thanks to a sweet Charlottesville family waiting for baby number two. 

I love that we were able to create beautiful, intimate images in the comfort of their home (especially because it was freezing outside!). They were barefoot, relaxed, and up for all of my creative ideas — which I appreciate so very much! 

Our session felt especially meaningful, because their daughter arrived in the throes of the pandemic, and they weren't able to capture any professional maternity or newborn photos. To document the look and feel of this second pregnancy was really important to me, particularly the bond between mom and daughter.

I would love to see this year bring more at-home maternity sessions. They're wonderful for families with young children, because they can play, snack, or run around when they aren't being photographed (and, they simply feel more comfortable at home!).

​They're also a great option if you have a fall or spring due date and would be taking your maternity photos in the hottest part of the summer or coldest part of the winter (hello, AC and heat!) 

Please reach out if an at-home maternity session sounds like a good fit for you!

Meet my cousin-in-law Brittany and her husband Ian. Their baby girl is due just a few days before my second little boy, making this such a special session. It's been so fun having someone I know on the same journey. Who knows, maybe we'll end up at the hospital at the same time! 

Brittany first mentioned me doing their maternity photos a few months ago, when we were all sitting around my backyard fire pit with hot dogs and s'mores (beers for the guys, hot apple ciders for Brittany and me). I was so excited, because I knew their session would be a gorgeous one! Brittany has the best style, and she and Ian love to laugh! Pair those things with some perfect fall light, and BOOM, add this one to my favorite-sessions-ever list. 

During their photography session, I was also able to shoot video and create a sweet little keepsake maternity film. I know their daughter will absolutely love seeing this one day and hearing the joy in her mama's voice.

Brittany and Ian, thank you both so much for trusting me to capture this important chapter of your lives. Can't wait until our babies can meet!

Laura Richards is a family photographer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in lifestyle and documentary sessions and heirloom print art. Check out 7 reasons you'll love your own LRP experience here.

I can feel it — 2019 is going to be LRP's best year yet. But you know what would make it even better? If I could cross off everything on my photography wish list!

Do you know anyone who would be interested in one of the five sessions below?

I'm a journalist at heart, so I have such a passion for documentary photography. For me, there's nothing more exhilarating than turning everyday moments with my family into storytelling photographs. Each one is like a small love letter to your children and grandchildren. Whenever I document my own family, I always think these will be some of Tucker's favorite photos one day.

My husband and I did this for our own maternity session in 2017, and I absolutely love the story they tell. We snuggled on the couch and on our porch swing, read books in our son's nursery and laughed a lot. It was so us, and I would love to give that experience to someone else. 

What could be better than having your hours-old baby documented in the place you brought them into the world? Not much! These documentary hospital sessions are just the sweetest, and I need more of them in 2019!

Will you or your parents be celebrating a milestone anniversary this year? Chances are, they haven't been professionally photographed as a couple since their wedding! They'll love the experience of creating new memories together — as well as having beautiful, tangible artwork from their session that they can pass down to you one day.

Know anyone who makes or sells something beautiful? I would love to help a fellow local business owner create imagery and art for their store!

I was driving home from a late July session when one of my oldest friends popped up on my phone. I answered the call with a sneaking suspicion of what she was about to say... 

"Get ready for a maternity session this fall!" she said. AHH! YES! I'd been waiting for this news for so long! I asked her a million questions and made her send me an ultrasound picture right after we hung up. 

Megan and I have known each other since sixth grade — that's 15 YEARS' worth of sleepovers, birthday parties, beach trips, Mill Mountain coffee dates, long phone calls, shopping trips and a lot (like A LOT) of embarrassing moments. We've seen each other through hard weeks, awkward years, wedding days and now motherhood. 

Megan and Brian — thank you so much for letting me freeze this time in your lives. Baby C is so lucky to have you as parents. If he's anything like you two, he'll be funny, smart, handsome and a loyal friend. I can't wait to meet him!

I'm blogging this a little out of order, since I posted their Fresh 48 newborn session a couple of weeks ago, but their maternity photos are just too pretty not to share! 

When Heather got out of the car for our evening session in Roanoke County, I couldn't believe how gorgeous she looked in her light-blue maxi. It was perfect for her, and it looked stunning against the green and golden-yellow backdrop. And of course, her boys looked handsome in their complimentary blue plaids :)

I had so much fun capturing this time in their lives, focusing on special moments between just Heather and Zach, and as a not-for-long family of three!

I love these highlights so much, and their session even inspired me to write a post all about how to treat yourself before your upcoming photos!

Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving the Roanoke Valley. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn what makes her different from other photographers in the area here.

I think photographers talk a lot about the physical ways to prepare for a session (what to bring, how to coordinate outfits, the perfect locations) and forget about the self-care part. So this post is me remembering that!

Self-care (and a little bit of treat yo'self) can go a long way in making you feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. And when you feel great, you're able to connect with your family on a whole other level. 

So before your next maternity or family session, give some of these a try!​

1. Drink lots of water. This one is a biggie! Drinking plenty of water not only helps your skin look fresh and hydrated, but it also leads to a healthy, flake-free scalp, stronger hair and nails, and clear, bright eyes. 
2. Buy a new outfit. This one seems "physical," but when you look good, you feel good. Maybe you're like me and tend to spend more money on your kid than yourself, but a photo session is the perfect excuse to buy that dress/shirt/jacket you've been eyeing. When you see how amazing it/you look in photos, you won't regret it, either. 
3. Get a mani-pedi. Not only does it feel ah-mazing, but it's noticeable in photos. Locally, I love Polished by Claire V. They focus on creating a positive experience (did someone say free champagne?) and work only with your natural nails (so no harsh chemical smells or toxins — perfect for pregnant moms!). They also make their own exfoliants daily in-house. 
4. Go on a date with your spouse. This one is so important! Whether it's a night out or pizza and wine on the couch, take some time to rekindle the magic and reminisce about the adventures you've shared and what's to come. Feeling extra-connected during your session will make for some beautiful, tender moments you'll treasure forever. 
5. Get a massage. Whether you're pregnant, already have kids or both, you need a massage. That's just a fact. Take an hour (or an unheard of 90 minutes!) to yourself and clear your head. Your newly relaxed self will radiate in your photos.
6. Exfoliate with a DIY face & body scrub. Ok, so I've been watching a lot of "Queer Eye" lately, and Jonathan has me into do-it-yourself face masks and scrubs. I recently tried this coffee-coconut scrub and absolutely loved it (so did my husband!). It takes less than a minute to throw together, and it made my face super smooth. This is great to do 1-2 days before your session. 

This was my second maternity session on Roanoke Mountain, and I'm convinced there's something magical about it. It's usually very quiet, and when you time it just right, the sunset light is unbelievably dreamy. 

Jessica and Josh are expecting their baby boy in just a few weeks, and I was so happy we were able to squeeze in a maternity session. I love when couples take time out and capture this precious time. Life will change so fast and furiously soon! 

These two got married on top of a mountain in Lexington, so they thought it would be fitting to do their maternity session on one, too. I loved getting to know them during our photos — they are so in love and can't wait for their little guy to join their team. 

My favorite part of their session was when I asked them if they liked to dance. They both seemed to light up as they clasped hands and started swaying. And the sunset dancing through the trees provided the perfect, magical backdrop.

Jessica and Josh — thank you for an amazing session. I can't wait to see you two as parents!

Jessica is such a stunning momma-to-be!

I love the photo on the left — Josh is telling her about the moment he fell in love with her!

A friend of theirs made this little fox — how adorable is he?!

Josh is a huge Top Gun and DC Shoes fan — so these were a must!

Yes, your pregnancy might be draining you. You don't feel beautiful or "glowing" as you spend your mornings over the toilet, or when you use your growing belly as a plate (though if I remember correctly, it was pretty convenient!). Maybe pregnancy is making you feel scared or stressed.

But at the end of the day, you are doing an AMAZING thing. Actually, two amazing things. First, you're growing a human, which takes an unbelievable amount of energy, strength and pain.

Second (and maybe most important), you're becoming a mother — one who sacrifices DAILY for the well-being of your baby, whom you've never met but already love with all your heart. And that alone means you deserve the opportunity to feel beautiful, loved and seen. 

Maternity photos are, of course, for you to enjoy and cherish, but they're mostly for your child and future children, so that decades from now (maybe when you're gone), they can hold them in their hands and see you for the strong, caring and beautiful person you are.

I recommend doing your maternity session about two months before your due date. Wait too late, and you'll likely feel miserable, swollen and just OVER IT. 

As far as time of day, I always try to schedule maternity sessions right around golden hour, so about an hour before sunset. Notice the gorgeous evening glow in all the photos on this post! 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your session:​

• If you're bringing your spouse or children along, expect to have fun interacting as a family! I love capturing authentic moments, laughter and personalities. 
• Props aren't necessary, but if you have something for baby that's special to you (a toy, special stuffed animal, booties, hat), feel free to bring it along.
• A maxi dress that shows off your baby belly is the perfect outfit! Layering also looks great, so throw on a cute jacket or cardigan
• Keep jewelry and accessories simple, and wear comfortable shoes. 
• Wear makeup a little heavier than normal, but don't overdo it.
• For husbands, I encourage wearing either a solid-color button-down or a solid t-shirt (no logos or graphics). Closed-toed shoes for him will look best.  
• Don't forget about your nails! They don't have to painted or anything fancy, just groomed. 

This session is extra-special to me, because this is my beautiful sister-in-law! I've been looking forward to her session for so long, and we finally got the perfect evening for it last week at Smith Mountain Lake. 

When I look at these images, the best thing I see is LaToya's gorgeous smile. Her pregnancy has been a rough one for sure, but she has pushed through with such resilience. Even when we took these photos, she had just driven almost five hours and didn't feel 100 percent – but she and her badass red lipstick totally rocked it!

That's something I learned while taking her photos (a message to all moms-to-be): Yes, your pregnancy might be draining you. You don't feel beautiful or "glowing" as you spend your mornings over the toilet, or when you use your growing belly as a plate. Maybe pregnancy is making you feel scared or stressed.

But at the end of the day, you are doing an amazing thing.  Actually, two amazing things. First, you are growing a human, which takes an unbelievable amount of energy and pain. Second (and maybe most important), you are becoming a mother — one who sacrifices daily for the well-being of your baby, whom you've never met but already love with all your heart. And that alone means you deserve the opportunity to feel beautiful, loved and seen.

Maternity photos are, of course, for you to enjoy and cherish, but they're also for your child, so that decades from now, he can hold them in his hands and see his mother for the strong and beautiful person she was.

A gorgeous mountain overlook, a warm spring sunset and a strong momma-to-be — is there a more beautiful combination?? 

I was so excited when Patrick messaged me saying he'd like to surprise his wife Ashley with maternity and newborn sessions, in anticipation of their first baby boy after two sweet girls. (Husband of the Year award is coming your way, Patrick!)

​Ashley was my favorite art teacher back at Cave Spring High School, so to capture these memories for her years later is such an honor. I love how this job has a way of bringing people back into my life!

​It's easy to see just how deeply their little boy is loved already — especially by his big sisters, who can't wait to teach him the alphabet, math and how to wrestle in the living room! I can't wait to meet him in a few weeks!

Their girls made Patrick this bracelet, and he wears it every day!

Gorgeous, Ashley!

These four photos are my favorites! 

I also love this one on the left — I asked Ashley to close her eyes and reflect on this journey with her little boy.