If you ask the Kaisers, they might say their session at the University of Virginia didn't go as planned. Their usually happy, silly twins were having a hard afternoon. There were tears and meltdowns, and I know mom and dad left wondering if we had captured anything good. But if you ask me, it was totally normal. Session day isn't always the kids' day — and that's okay. Because where you see tears, I see the way you hold them close. Where you see a tantrum, I see the moment your silly songs make them smile again. (And when those don't work, I have some tricks up my own sleeve.) Just like life, sessions are often about the in-between moments. They might only last a few seconds, but they always add up to a beautiful memory. When I met with the Kaisers again for our Reveal Session, they were so in love with the final images. They couldn't believe these were from the same evening! And that's really all I want as a family photographer — to show you that there's beauty even in chaotic moments, even through tears and hard times. "She captured our family beautifully and was incredibly patient and flexible in her approach. We are so grateful for her talent, and the sweet pictures she captured are now hanging in our home. The candid pictures make our house a home." Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photographer that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers in the Charlottesville area here.
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For a laundry list of reasons, I have never hosted a big back-to-back portrait event. But as a new name in a big town, I felt like it was time to meet lots of families at once! Cue my Limited Edition Kids' Portrait Event, held at the beautiful Chisholm Vineyards (Adventure Farm), just outside of Charlottesville in Earlysville. Over the course of two dates this month, I had the honor of photographing so many adorable kids of all different ages. It was a whirlwind, but I am IN LOVE with how each of these 5-minute sessions turned out. Not only did I meet several new Charlottesville families, but I had a past LRP client travel 3 HOURS to attend — and also some friends from Richmond! To each family who came out: A giant THANK YOU for trusting the new girl in town. I couldn't have asked for a better group of sweet, funny, polite (and stylish) kids. Hope to see you all again! And to Andrea at Chisholm Vineyards: Thank you for letting me use your stunning slice of heaven. It was the perfect backdrop to a magical evening. Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photographer that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers in the Charlottesville area here.
A gorgeous, autumn-hued evening with the Sink Family | Charlottesville Family Photographer9/18/2019 While we wait for their stunning heirloom album and matted prints to arrive, I couldn't resist sharing some highlights from the Sink family's lovely session. I knew their images would be gorgeous (cute family + amazing style + all the love), but I didn't expect our 88-degree, early-September session to look like such an autumn dream. The leaves around us had already crisped and fallen, and the glowy sunset had cast the trees in the background the perfect shade of golden yellow. I love when Mother Nature pulls through for me! It was such an honor to spend time with this family and witness just how much they adore their sweet, beautiful girl (who, by the way, was SO sweet during our session, even though it was past her bedtime!). Rose and Caley, thank you so much for trusting me to document this moment in your lives and create an album worthy to pass down to your daughter one day. Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity fine art photographer in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for generations. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
I'm so excited to share this session, because it marks my first one as a Charlottesville photographer! Our session took place just a few days after we moved in, and I'll be honest, taking a break from unpacking boxes to photograph an at-home newborn session was just what I needed. Spending time with a newborn makes everything better! Emily and Jake, thank you SO much for making me feel at home in a new city. You created the perfect baby boy, and I'm so honored I got to document all his newborn sweetness and the love you share for each other. Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity fine art photographer in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for generations. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
The Saul Family: A Dreamy Summer Session at Carvins Cove | Charlottesville Family Photographer6/30/2019 Cotton-candy skies, rippling blue water, and the most fun family of four — if I were ever to dream about photographing a session, I know this is what it would look like. Admittedly, it's been a while since I've photographed a family with older children. But it was such a refreshing change of pace. Families go through so many stages, and lately it feels like the newborn and baby stages are the only ones that get professionally photographed. I'm so happy that Brooke and Adam chose to treasure and document this stage in their lives — I mean, when else will a teenage boy spend a Saturday evening giving hugs and kisses to his momma?! (Just kidding — Kaiden was very sweet about it, and it melted my boy-mom heart.) My favorite part about my time with the Saul family, though, was actually a few weeks after their session, when I delivered their gorgeous print art — a Glass Memory Box with prints and a Linen Folio displaying three of their favorite photos. They were just finishing up a birthday celebration, and had several guests over. Watching them open each piece and share their photos with their family was an absolute joy and 100 percent the reason why I do what I do. Brooke and Adam, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your beautiful family. It was an honor. Most important, though, thank you for being yourselves around me (and for sticking your feet into the water illegally with me). You guys are the best! Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity fine art photographer serving Charlottesville and Roanoke, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for generations. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
When I first approached Lee Robison, owner of the Golden Shoestring in Roanoke, about collaborating, I had lots of ideas running through my head. But I was most excited about the possibility of a styled shoot. I was eager to feature some pieces from the store's curated selection of high-end consignment clothing, and show off how beautiful they can look in a relaxed photo session. I had so much fun shopping the store and picking out the embroidered top (TINY by Anthropologie), embroidered dress (Umgee), and sandals (Talbots). My model JoAnn looked amazing in everything! When I met with JoAnn before the session, I told her that in addition to featuring some great clothes, I also wanted the images to really reflect the relationship she has with her daughter. I wanted her to be able to look at the photos years from now and hear her daughter's sweet giggle and feel the warmth of her hugs and kisses. I'm proud to say we accomplished just that! I absolutely loved getting to watch them laugh and play. JoAnn and Lee — thank you both so much for spending time with me and helping me create some magic! Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity fine art photographer serving Charlottesville and the Roanoke Valley in Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for generations. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
The Newcomb Family's at-home family newborn session | Charlottesville Newborn Photographer5/13/2019 There are so many things that make me smile about this at-home newborn session. First, the family dynamic. I love when older siblings are very involved. It really does provide a complete family picture. When I look through these photos, I see moments that will be so treasured decades and generations from now — by both brothers. Second, baby's facial expressions. They're incredible! He has such a deep stare, and his eyes already tell a story. He was such an active part of his session, and I absolutely love it (that may sound weird, but once you look at the highlights, you'll see what I mean!). Third, I see a lot of personal and artistic growth. Of course, I grow with every session, but for this one, I had recently invested in a wider lens, in the hopes that it would help me better tell my clients' stories. And it has. As I made photos during this session, I finally felt like my images could breathe. The Newcombs chose to preserve their newborn session images in a Handmade Glass Memory Box, which is delicately engraved with their son's name and birth date. It's a stunning heirloom that also stores newborn keepsakes, like the hospital hat, bracelet, and notes from loved ones. Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity fine art photographer serving Charlottesville and Roanoke, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photography that tells "the story of you" for generations. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
I love that phrase — "The Luckett Family" — because it means their little boy is finally here and my best friend is now a mom! I drove down to Megan and Brian's home in North Carolina when Carson was just 8 days old. He was the best baby and slept the whole time I was photographing (actually, the whole time I was there). Carson's session is filled with so many special details, like a quilt made by his great-grandma and a cradle made by his great-grandfather (that Megan slept in when she was a baby!). I always love incorporating storytelling details like this in any session. They'll make his newborn photos extra-special one day. Megan and Brian — thank you guys for having the sweetest baby boy and for letting me get in some extra cuddles with him before I left. Can't wait to see him soon! Missed Megan and Brian's gorgeous fall maternity session? Find all the highlights here! Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photographer that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
I always worry a little that outdoor winter sessions will look kind of bland or that my clients will look cold in their photos. This was not one of those winter sessions. We lucked out on a gorgeous winter evening, with warmer temperatures and the most magical sunset glow. Our little spot just off the Roanoke Greenway was the perfect backdrop for laughing, spinning around, jumping and playing. I have so many favorites from this family maternity session — like momma's stunning maternity portraits — but I think I'm most drawn to the images of their sweet little boy, who's soon to be a great big brother. These images radiate everything that is good and simple about childhood, like the joy of a favorite stuffed animal, stomping in the mud, and playing with your mom and dad. I'm so excited to share these highlights — but I'm even more excited about documenting their new baby soon! Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving Charlottesville and the Roanoke Valley. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photographer that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
I met Meredith at my favorite local toy shop back in October, where her son was test-driving an awesome train set that would soon become his Christmas present. We chatted about her upcoming due date and the excitement of having her first little girl. Fast forward three months and one coffee date, and I'm walking into Elowen's gorgeous pink nursery for her at-home newborn session. I loved watching each person love on their new girl — and one of my favorite moments was when she got a train lesson from her big brother! It was such an honor to get to know the Moore family and to transform such a long-awaited chapter in their lives into beautiful memories and heirloom art. Thank you, Meredith and Landon! "We loved every step of our experience with Laura. Her work is beautiful and a real glimpse into a special moment in our lives, but beyond that, we now have a keepsake photo album for our daughter to look through and enjoy when she is older. Having worked with other photographers for our engagement and wedding, we ended up with great pictures that simply live on a memory stick. We still have not made a wedding album years later. Laura did a fantastic job putting an album together for us, which we wouldn't have had the time to do with a newborn, and now we have something tangible that can be passed down for generations." Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in authentic, feel-good photographer that tells "the story of you" for decades. Learn all about what makes her different from other photographers here.
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Hello!Welcome to the blog! I'm Laura, a Charlottesville-area photographer specializing in authentic, natural-light photography and heirloom print art. Hope you'll explore my little online home and reach out if you have any questions! Archives
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