The Dawson Family: A fall family session at Carvins Cove

10/4/2017

I have two confessions to make about this gorgeous Carvins Cove family session.

First, I was a little worried these photos wouldn't look "fall-y" enough. After all, I'd just finished another session here a few weeks before that had perfect, end-of-summer vibes. How much really could have changed? I wondered.

But Carvins Cove pulled through for me once again. The leaves along its hiking trails had just begun turning, the evening light had a lovely autumn warmth to it, and the temperatures were the coolest they'd been all week. It also helped that Chelsea has an amazing knack for putting together the cutest fall outfits!

Speaking of outfits, here's confession No. 2: I'm a little obsessed with baby suspenders after this session. I had never really thought about them until I saw adorable little Lee completely rock them the entire session. I might have to find some for Tucker soon!

A fall family session at Carvins Cove in Roanoke, Virginia, by Laura Richards Photography

I think this was the first shot I took. Off to a good start!

I love this one of Chelsea and Bryan!

Lee couldn't get enough of his big brother Gavin during our session! When I met with Chelsea before our session, she told me about their close relationship and what a great brother Gavin is. Witnessing and capturing it with my camera was such a joy.

This one on the left is a favorite!

This is another favorite. As soon as I began editing their photos, I was so drawn to images like this one — these warm, authentic moments between Chelsea and her step-son Gavin.

The photo on the right is a special one. For Chelsea, who endured years of chemo during her battle with melanoma, the top item on her bucket list was to become a mom. Lee is her little miracle baby!

See? Rocking the suspenders.

I love, love, love Gavin's serene expression in this photo. To me, it shows his confidence in and love of being a big brother. And that light is absolutely gorgeous!