About Priya Shanu

Meet Priya Shanu, the photographer behind Lights & Story - documentary-style maternity, family, and event photography in Richmond, VA.

Hi, I'm Priya Shanu, the photographer behind Lights & Story. I've loved photography since 2001, and in 2025 I turned it into a business, photographing families across Richmond, Glen Allen and Short Pump, VA.

Most of my work is families at their big moments: maternity sessions, newborns at home (I bring the props), first birthdays and cake smashes, graduations, baby showers and dance recitals. I also cover community events and poojas, so I'm as comfortable at a housewarming ceremony as at a backyard birthday party.

My style is relaxed and candid. I'd rather catch the real laugh than a stiff pose, so I guide gently and let moments happen, using natural light where I can and flash when the room needs it. Every photo is edited by hand and delivered in a private gallery within 7 days, and full events can run to 400-600 photos. If rain cancels an outdoor shoot, we simply reschedule.