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Leah O'Connellphotographer based in charlottesville, va
Reach out
Reach out
A Charlottesville family photographer catches a mom and two girls in a clapping game by a sunlit window.

In-home and on-location family photos in Charlottesville, VA and beyond

families

Planned and led with intention. Made to capture your family just as you are - grass stains, missing front teeth, bear hugs and all.

Reach out to get started

Maybe nothing big is changing at all

You just looked around one ordinary day and realized that you don't want it all to blur together.

Maybe the baby’s turning one or your oldest just started losing teeth, or you're about to leave the house where you brought them home from the hospital.

family photos with teens at home, charlottesville photographer

For you if:

  1. You've scrolled past enough golden-hour fields and prairie dresses for one lifetimeyou want photos that feel like your family, not a fancy version of it
  2. You want prints on the wall & in your hands, not 100's of files in a folder
  3. You want someone who makes it feel natural and won't make you stand in awkward poses
winter family photos in the snow, charlottesville va photographer

what's included

Clear, intentional Pricing from start to finish.

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.

You'll also get a print credit to spend on the pieces you'll hold and keep, including loose prints for sacred frames throughout the house and heirloom albums that holds the story like a family treasure box.

Images shift in meaning over time, and I don’t want you to have to choose between what feels beautiful now and what may feel beautiful later.

the nuts and bolts

  1. step 1.

    Get started

    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.

  2. step 2.

    Finalize the plans

    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 a smooth session, choosing what to wear, etc and we'll lock in timing, location, activities, etc. so you feel excited about what's coming up.

  3. step 3.

    We play & Create

    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.

  4. step 4.

    Bring your favorites to life.

    You'll receive your final gallery within 2 weeks, including 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, sourced through environmentally-conscious print labs and quality you can share with your grandkids one day.

  • A close black-and-white portrait shows two parents kissing their giggling baby on both cheeks.
  • A blurred father watches his son take a batting stance in the driveway under blazing orange fall trees.
  • An adult cartwheels through the yard while cousins climb a wooden playset and a mother holds her baby.
  • A father rests his cheek against his toddler's head in a quiet, green-lit forest moment.
  • A Charlottesville family photographer captures a mom leaning through an open window to kiss her girl on a tricycle.
  • multigenerational photos on the front porch with charlottesville, va photographer
  • Three kids jump together on a trampoline, hands linked, mid-air and laughing.
  • On a backyard patio, a dad feeds his son a slice of apple while a girl snacks nearby.
  • Two kids pile onto a sunlit bed with the family cat, framed by a bright window.
  • In black and white, a girl holds a finger to her lips beside her parents and baby sibling.
  • A Charlottesville family photographer catches a mother and baby laughing together on a living room rug.
  • Seen from above, a brother and sister giggle together under a blanket tent in tall backyard grass.
  • A couple relaxes on brick porch steps with drinks in hand, surrounded by blooming flowers.
  • In black and white, a young rider in a helmet leans toward a pony at the fence line.
  • Two boys in life vests leap off a wooden dock into a green pond mid-summer.
  • A girl in a yellow sweater arches back playfully while being swung across the lawn.
  • A Charlottesville family photographer silhouettes a mother touching noses with her toddler at a big window.
  • Two women share a laugh while playing piano together.
  • A girl in an apple-print dress raises her arm on the stairs as grandma holds the baby by the window.
  • On a windswept beach, a mother swings her son by the arms as waves roll in behind them.
  • Seen from overhead in black and white, a family of four lies together in the grass.
  • A Charlottesville family photographer finds a mother kneeling with her baby in a dim hallway lined with a world map.
  • A toddler stomps through a rain puddle downtown while his laughing parents crouch beside him.
  • Seen from above on a bed, a dad tickles his daughter while mom cuddles a toddler close by.
  • In black and white, a multigenerational family strolls a garden path with their pug on a leash.
  • A family of five gathers on farmhouse porch steps with their golden retriever at golden hour.
  • A family of five laughs mid-stride through a leaf-strewn autumn field as golden hour light fades.
  • A mom watches her helmeted kids race scooters down the driveway past the garage.
  • playful photos at home with charlottesville photographer
  • relaxed outdoor posing for family of 3 with charlottesville photographer
  • home photos in dark bedroom with mom and son by charlottesville photographer
  • poses for parents in relaxed family photos by charlottesville photographer
  • outdoor poses with mother and daughter, summer family photos in charlottesville, va
  • In black and white, a Charlottesville family photographer frames parents and their toddler over a tiny wildflower.
See packages

It is very rare for me to look at photos of myself and feel happy with how I look, but I am so thankful to have photos of me with my family that I can look at and feel nothing but love.

We have been so happy working with Leah in both the process of having the photos taken and the end results. She truly makes everything feel so comfortable and natural. I take so many photos all the time of my daughter and my husband and my pets, but the ones that bring me the most joy and that I look back on year after year are the ones Leah has taken.

Eleanor

Packages

The home sweet home session

$850

Home is a character in your family story, but at the end of the day, your family photos aren't about scenery - it's your people being fully themselves in the spaces you're building your lives and spending your days. These sessions are simple but artful reflections of your family's season.

  • 60 minutes at home - inside and/or outside
  • Session prep guide
  • Proof gallery of 75 final edited images
  • Your choice of 25 final images to download
  • Access to the fine art print shop
Parents sit together on a backyard play-structure while their kids climb, slide, and hang from the monkey bars.
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More about the Home Sweet Home session

The Story Session

$1400

For family adventures in your favorite spaces or right at home, including your favorite family traditions and activities, multiple locations, special milestones, and stories celebrating a full spectrum of connection with a little more space to breathe.

  • 90 minutes
  • Session prep guide
  • Planning call
  • Gallery of 75 final edited images
  • $100 credit for use in the print shop
  • all digital downloads included
A birthday cake arrives for a boy in his high chair as excited dogs and grandparents look on.
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More about the Story session

The Field session

$600

A relaxed half-hour in my favorite Charlottesville park. Best for those seeking a simple, outdoor session and classic portraits with a twist of lightness and play.

  • 30 minutes
  • Session prep guide
  • Gallery of 25 final edited images
  • All digital downloads included
  • Access to the fine art print shop
Seen from above, a brother and sister giggle together under a blanket tent in tall backyard grass.
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More about the Field session

The Narrative Session

Best for: multi-generational and extended families, small events

$2000

  • 2 hours
  • Session prep guide + Extended family wardrobe guide
  • optional Planning call
  • Gallery of 100+ final edited images
  • $200 credit for use in the print shop
  • all digital downloads included
An overhead view catches a large family lifting their glasses together in a toast at a reunion.
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More about the Narrative session
family photographer, northern virginia, dad with two daughters at home

Safety and respect

  • 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.

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

FAQs

What should we wear?
Once you book, you'll get my client guide with simple, non-fussy guidance on coordinating clothing for the type of session we’re planning. I’m always on deck to help you choose between this blouse or that one, but at the end of the day, you should wear clothes that look like you. If it’s a season of Elsa dresses and mismatched socks… let it be.
I like candid - but will we get at least a few of people looking and smiling at the camera?
Absolutely - I consider these shots a "bare minimum." They may happen right at the top of the session or we'll find our way into these portraits throughout the session, but I understand that even though these kinds of images aren't the main focus of the overall session, I always prioritize including them at some point in our time together.
What if my kids melt down or won't cooperate?
I've photographed families for 20 years so wiggly, shy, and big-feelings kids don't faze me. There's basically nothing I haven’t seen. I’m also a mom of 3 so truly, do not worry. In my experience, when the pressure’s off to “be on their best behavior” and we can frame the session as a chance to do something fun as a family - including activities they love - they’re usually on board. We let kids be kids, and even through the meltdowns, everything is temporary.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as you feel the desire. But at least a month in advance of your ideal session timeframe, ideally. Fall weekend dates tend to start booking around July, so reach out with more notice if you can around the fall and holiday seasons. I only take a handful of sessions a month so I can remain flexible and all-in for the families I work with. Regardless of if you’re envisioning something in a future season or 2 weeks from now, it never hurts to reach out as soon as your heart says yes.
Where should we do our session?
I have a whole bunch of favorite local spots, but the best choice is the one where you actually spend time. Whether it’s home, a favorite creek, a weekly ice cream date, a trail, the tennis courts, or the skate park… the most meaningful locations are the ones that have actual significance. At the same time, I feel like the background is the least important part of your shoot. Either way - I won’t leave it all on your shoulders to decide - we’ll find the best location for your family photos together.
Can we include our pets?
ABSOLUTELY! I love when the furry friends join - dogs, cats, and whatever other family pets are part of your lives. Home sessions are ideal for including all your pets easily, but you're welcome to bring them to any location if you'd like.
One small thing - pets are not allowed at the Field Session location, so Signature or Narrative sessions are required if you want to include these pals.

the heart of it all

Photographs that celebrate the people we know best and choose to love anyway.

in and around Charlottesville, Virginia

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