extended families
come as you are.
01 process
02 portfolio
03 pricing
At home and on-location extended family photos in Charlottesville, VA and beyond. Planned and led with intention. Made to capture your family just as you are in a mix of timeless portraits and the relationships that span generations.
When You all get together, it's a big deal.
It probably doesn't happen a lot. It's probably big and loud and messy and hilarious and a little dramatic, but also really fun.
My style for capturing extended families is a lot like that of my regular family sessions. We do lots of natural posing and breakdowns for each smaller grouping, cousins, grandparents, siblings, the whole bit.
We also have fun. I encourage families to incorporate some activities like preparing a meal or fishing or playing a game. After all, some of the best photos we cherish of our families are those that capture their spirit through the way we connect with them.
→ you want timeless portraits, but nothing stuffy or cheesy
- you're not really a "family pictures" family, but you still actually do want those family pictures
→ You want the experience to feel painless and fun with someone who will take the lead so you don't have to
- you want to work with someone who is open and accepting with all kinds of families
For you iF:
That means, yes, grandpa can hold his martini and yes, dogs are family, too.
what's included
Every family session comes with your full gallery of high-resolution digital images, curated to an intentional selection, fully edited and ready to download, share, and print however you like between all members of the family.
You'll also get a print credit to spend on the pieces you'll hold and keep. Use it in the shop towards a keepsake album for the grandparents, prints for everybody, or however else you like.
Images shift in meaning over time, and I don’t want you to have to choose between the classic portraits and in-between moments. All of it matters and deserves to be held without the overwhelm of decision-fatigue.
Clear, intentional Pricing from start to finish.
Prep & Planning support
It's not all on you to make every choice. We'll work together to decide what location, activities, and timing works best to achieve the kinds of photos that feel appropriate for your family. I'll even provide guidance for clothing to help you all decide what to wear so you're not matching but not clashing.
All digital files
Part of my expertise is curating a gallery of all the best images from our time that tell a full story - not dumping 200 images in a folder and leaving you with a case of overwhelm.
You'll receive the full digital gallery of final, edited images to download, print, and share with family within 2 weeks of your session.
Print Credit
Every session includes a print credit- consider it a gift certificate back to yourself to use within your digital shop towards albums, loose prints, and wall art. You'll have access to quality, curated options, time to decide, and support to help you make sure it actually happens.
These photos aren't just for Instagram - they're for your heart, home, and legacy.
more about me
I’m one of the first to meet your newborn baby, the one who won't judge your clothes baskets and unmade beds, and the one who can preserve the way your husband looks at you with a twinkle in his eye after 12 years of marriage. My life's work is about honoring people and telling stories.
I believe art has the power to light up the world in dark places, starting at home.
I'm a mom of 3 who loves mornings and words. I rely heavily on black coffee and a sense of humor.
Leah
Meet the photographer
- Clients can choose their level of comfort with sharing images online. Your images are yours and it's up to you how or if they're shared publicly.
- All sessions are culled and edited by human touch. Your images are never uploaded into cloudbased softwares for AI training at any part of my workflow.
- I do not record "behind-the-scenes" video during paid sessions to use for my own marketing. Your home is your haven. Everything you experience in your session will allow you to remain in the moment with privacy among your people and spaces.
Safety and respect
"I am over-the-moon-thrilled with these photos. I can not think of a more precious gift than these photos."
- Karen
The Narrative Session / $2000
Best for: extended families & the bigger seasons that deserve more space to breathe
Two unhurried hours to document a meaningful chapter like a milestone birthday party, exploring the family farm, or incorporating multiple locations and more.
2 hours · 100+ edited images · $200 print credit · all digital files included
travel up to 1.5 hrs from charlottesville included
custom sessions
There are a lot of extrenuating circumstances when it comes to extended families, so if you have a special event, gathering, or session request in mind that doesn't align with the standard extended family option, please reach out. I'm always happy to talk through what would make a good fit for your crew.
the nuts and bolts
you reach out
step 1
Send me a note via the contact form to get the ball rolling.
Tell me a little about your family and what you're hoping to capture. We'll settle on a date and you'll reserve it with an online booking proposal of Contract + Questionnaire + 50% deposit. If you need a different payment plan, just let me know - no problem.
Finalize the plans
step 2.
Based on your questionnaire, I can make suggestions and work through details with you for what would make the session feel unique and fun. You'll get a client prep guide with tips for framing the session, choosing what to wear, etc and we'll lock in timing, location, activities, etc. so you feel excited about what's coming up.
We play & Create
step 3.
Your only job is to savor your people. Enjoy the time you get to step away from regular life and into this family time - I take care of the rest. We don't need to "get through it" or "do a few photos before we can go play" - this is the play. We are always most alive when we are in our happy places and feeling like ourselves, so that's the goal. You'll walk away with images that hold all the joy, love, and connection that stems from that place.
Bring your favorites to life.
step 4.
You'll receive your final gallery within 2 weeks, including your print credit and access to a private shop where you can view your images in various frames, sizes, and styles. Keep the ordering simple and all in one place, soured through environmentally-conscious print labs and quality you can share with your grandkids one day.
"We are totally thrilled and floored by these photos.
[My husband] especially couldn't part with any of the photos as they have captured such a time of healing in his life. I can't emphasize enough how much this art means to us. "
- Hannah
Charlottesville, Richmond, and everywhere in between
Photographs that celebrate the people we know best and choose to love anyway.
the heart of it all