Leah O'Connell PhotographyCharlottesville, VA
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When the world feels upside down, there’s still that moment. The one when you brush a fallen hair out of her eyes and tuck it behind her ear.There are tiny red cheeks, soft and supple, grinning about things like sparkles and raspberries.Sun-dripped nooks of warmth.Hugs like fuel. Books of encouragement and stories of escape. Friends
client tips, families, Featured sessions
Want to know the magical solution to getting all the pros of summer family photos without the heat, bugs, and late start times? Plan your summer family photos at home. Summer can be a tricky season to schedule family photos outdoors because the days are so long and hot. A sunset session when the light
You want an outdoor family session… but it’s a million degrees and you don’t want to turn into a pool of sweat. How do you look pulled together, casual, and summery, but still keep cool and comfortable during the session? How do you decide what to wear for outdoor family photos when it’s hot?! The
Behind the project The Big Feelings Little Houses project is an ongoing experiment celebrating the big personality that unfolds in the nooks and crannies of home. It was born out of a desire to bring a new angle to representing artistic family photography in media through more diverse environments than only those that are ultra-styled
families, Featured sessions, for photographers
Making family photos with special needs kids can offer some unique challenges, but is also such a beautiful collaboration between the family and artist. Each time I work with this family, their radiating joy spills over in multitudes. I’ve photographed them at home several times, but this time, they wanted to give my petite sessions
It seems like so many of the things people frame as “avoid at all cost” scenarios in photography – the things that you’re supposed to try to work around or prep against – are the exact things I find most inspiring. A dark lit nursery. A cloudy day. Wind. Full sun. A home with no
Between reheated coffee breaks and lego towers, we wonder if any of it matters. Mothering. Dish-washing. Waking early to move, create, breathe. If the 10 minutes of coloring with your kid matters.If saying ‘i love you’ for the millionth time still matters.If art and music and words and walks and twirls and sips and squeezes
client tips, families, for photographers
I was recently interviewed by sleep and wellness coach Allison Egidi, the host of How Long Till Bedtime, about how to take the stress out of family photos. Allison’s podcast tackles important topics around health and wellness for parents and kids, and given that fall photos are a popular but often stressful event for families,
Sweet, juicy peaches and bright summer sun. All the ingredients for a super special family session celebrating this 3rd baby girl’s first birthday at Chile’s Peach Orchard. Add some wildflowers and a light breeze bouncing off the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it was a true treat to savor the richness of family joy with them
client tips, families, favorites, Featured sessions
So many clients preface their summer sessions with either “we’re so awkward, please help us” or “it’s so hot, this could get interesting” — so consider this quick tip the best way to have fun with outdoor summer family photos and address both concerns. First, let’s get real. The summer in Charlottesville, VA is HOT.
Photographing a family with special needs children can be a challenge, but also a beautiful opportunity. These families are largely underrepresented but desire and deserve the impact of beautiful, meaningful family photos just as much as any other family. As I walked into this home on a Saturday morning, two kids were pouring bowls of
families, Featured sessions, newborns
Instead of doing a roundup of my favorite photos like I do most years, this time, I’m going big and celebrating my families with some fake virtual awards. As a family and newborn photographer, every single session is unique and there are so many little quirks that make each one special. If you didn’t get