A date with mom to Splendora's Gelato Shop | Charlottesville Family Photographer

Last month, I opened up a model call for a mom and kids to meet me at Splendora's Gelato in Charlottesville for a fun afternoon date.

Afternoons like this of course feel so magical for kids — but I know they do for moms, too. My vision was to capture that joy through expressions, color, and light. The sunny, terracotta-painted walls of Splendora's made for the perfect backdrop!

Shot entirely on 35mm film, this session felt so warm, even on a February day. The kids were so happy to share their gelato with mom, too! Other than few light prompts when the moment felt right, I really let our time together unfold naturally, which always yields more magic than when I plan things out.

To have our kids see us moms happy in these special moments is so powerful, don't you think?

If you'd like to honor and celebrate an afternoon with your kids and the beauty of motherhood that follows, I'd love to help you plan a custom session! Charlottesville and Richmond moms — let's take family photos out of the random field and into spaces that feel like home.