The Wood Family's At-Home Newborn Session | Charlottesville Lifestyle Newborn Photographer1/23/2019 I first heard from Hillary back in October, when she and her husband were still two months away from meeting their baby boy. In that time, I got to know them first as a couple during their gorgeous fall maternity session, then as new parents and a family of three. This is such an amazing transformation to witness and document — and one of the most rewarding parts about being a photographer and artist. I have so many new all-time favorites from their cozy at-home newborn session. The light that morning was perfect, and their green bedroom wall gave such a deep pop to their images! Their son's nursery is decorated so carefully with special mementos — like books from their many adventures and Hillary's dad's bronzed baby shoes — and antique, travel-themed toys. I love capturing these details, because one day his room will look completely different and reflect his own interests. Together, these photos tell such a beautiful and rich story. Hillary and Adam — I feel so honored that I was able to help you preserve one of the most important chapters in your lives! "Laura is AMAZING! She was so patient with us and our little one. We ... were super impressed [by] how she could use only natural light to get such wonderful pictures. It was so nice to have pictures that were truly us and not in a studio. Thank you again Laura!" One of my favorite moments from their session as the heirloom frame I offer. It's handmade with hand-torn, float-mounted fine art paper and Italian wood. Now, check out several of Hillary and Adam's maternity images in this post. 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 here.
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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! Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving 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.
Sometimes newborns are sleepy heads, and sometimes they're curious and wide-awake. Either way, I go with the flow and let real life lead the way. Baby Wyatt must've known something was going on, because he wanted to be up for all the action — which was totally okay with me because he has the prettiest blue eyes! If you missed Jessica and Josh's sunset maternity session on Roanoke Mountain, be sure to check that out after. Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving 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 recently heard a fellow photographer say, "Storytelling photography is giving a gift to your family they don't even know they need." As soon as I heard that, I thought of these two sessions, shot in June and July at my client's "forever home" in New Castle, Virginia. Now, while I try to make sure all my sessions tell a story and capture their season of life, these particular sessions take that to another level. They are a true depiction of life at their home, their adventurous little boy and three generations of love. For our first session, I knew they were a little nervous about having a photographer in their home. Anyone would be. But by the time we headed outside to their beautiful little creek oasis, I think everyone felt more comfortable. This family is definitely in their element when they're outside! They're so present, and that's so refreshing to see. For our second documentary session, Jackie's dad, sister and niece were in town. I loved this opportunity to capture a different family dynamic, and I especially love the little moments between Bowman and his grandpa. Jackie, thank you so much for inviting me into your home — and your life — and trusting me to capture beautiful, real moments. Thank you for understanding that the small moments are actually the big ones. Thank you for being such a kind, wonderful person and momma! ”Our pictures are perfect. A true reflection of our life. A handful of moments and beautiful memories to last a lifetime. I just cannot get enough of these pictures! I keep finding myself looking at them over and over again, finding little details in each of them that I adore. They truly tell a story of us, little moments that we share with each other every single day that are really the core of life.” Laura Richards is a family, newborn and maternity photographer serving 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'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 feel very old saying this, but I have known Brittany for more than 20 years! 20 YEARS! We met somewhere around 1995, in our Kindergarten class at Clearbrook Elementary School. Back in our day (OK, wow), there were fewer than 100 kids at our whole school, so we were always in the same class. Through school events, birthday parties and field trips, Brittany and I watched each other grow up. Fast forward through middle and high schools (we also went to those same schools!), college and weddings, we both found out we were pregnant around the same time. She and her husband Taylor were living out-of-state at the time, but returned home to Roanoke just before their daughter Emma's first birthday. I was so excited I got to be a small part of this big milestone, and to do some catching up with Brittany. Emma is one of the sweetest little girls I've ever met. She's so expressive, has the prettiest brown eyes, eats birthday cake like a champ and even shares with her doggie! I was so impressed at how well she was walking (basically running!) at our photo session. She was a girl on a mission for sure! Brittany and Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your family during such a fun time of your lives! She did such an amazing job! Our daughter was quite grumpy that afternoon, but you would never know that from the amazing pictures she took! They turned out great, I will most certainly be using Laura for future photo shoots! She is very easy-going and laid back, and she did great [with] Emma and captured all the best moments on her special day. 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 sets her apart from other photographers in the area here.
I can't let summer slip away without sharing my favorites from this beautiful family session at Carvins Cove. Kristie McCallum is a Blacksburg photographer whose work I just adore! So about a year ago, she and I arranged to do a session swap. She did a family session for me back in October, and I did hers this past May. It was so fun to catch up with Kristie again, meet her sweet husband and kids and document a gorgeous evening at Carvins Cove. Laura Richards is a natural light family, maternity and newborn photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. She specializes in turning her clients' images into heirloom-quality albums, wall art, folios and prints. Learn more about her full-service experience.
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! Laura Richards is a natural-light maternity, newborn and family photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. Learn about the LRP experience.
I think this might be my favorite first birthday session to date! When I suggested to Emily that we kick things off with a stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream, she was totally on board. Like Tucker, their little boy is a big fan of eating everything in sight, so I had a feeling he would like the idea, too. Turns out — he LOVED it, and he even showed me the proper way to eat ice cream (headfirst). After ice cream (and a much-needed outfit change), we walked down to the Greenway for more photos. The evening light was so pretty coming through the trees along the river — and you'd never know there were walkers and bicyclists right beside us, or a busy bridge above us. I had the best time watching E play and read with his parents. I think it was the perfect way to celebrate his first year on the outside! Laura Richards is a natural-light maternity, newborn and family photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. Learn more about the LRP experience.
I'd like to say that Kristina and Gary traveled all the way from New York City just to have me do their engagement photos, but that's not entirely the case, haha. Kristina and I have been the best of friends since meeting our freshman year at JMU. Over those four years, we've shared so many pee-your-pants laughs, adventures coast to coast, two apartments and even a cell phone for a short period. Since graduation, I've loved watching where life has taken her — from meeting Gary and moving to New York to seeing her take on amazing jobs, and now watching her become a wife. Her engagement to Gary was something I'd been looking forward to ever since her move to NYC in 2016. Then in January, on the last night of their vacation to Barbados, he proposed! These two are such an amazing, fun couple. They love traveling, music festivals, obsessing over puppies and trying new restaurants. As Kristina and I planned our session, she told me she wanted a very green location. I was up for the challenge of finding somewhere that would look lush in March! When I suggested the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, it was a done deal! Not only did she love the look, but she was born in Hahn, Germany — so it was basically meant to be! I am so in love with how their session turned out. There's something about it that doesn't feel at all like we were in the New River Valley, and certainly not part of a college campus. Maybe it's the greenhouses, Kristina's gorgeous floral dress or the tropical bouquet she arranged herself. Either way, Gary and Kristina totally rocked their session, and I can't wait to see them become husband and wife! Love you guys! Laura Richards is a natural-light, authentic-moment-loving photographer based in Roanoke, Virginia. Learn more about my sessions 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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