Family Photographer in Richmond, VA
I photograph warm, natural family portraits in Richmond, Short Pump and Glen Allen, VA, from a family of three to grandparents, cousins and everyone in between. Sessions are relaxed and lightly guided, and your hand-edited photos arrive in a private online gallery within 7 days.
Family Photography: from $250, 2 hours. Hand-edited photos in a private gallery within 7 days.
A relaxed approach to family photos
Good family photos come from connection, not from everyone standing still and smiling on three. I start with one or two classic group portraits while everyone is fresh, so the photo for the wall is done early. After that I give simple prompts - walk together, pile into a hug, whisper a secret, lift the little one up - and photograph what happens next.
Kids get breaks and parents get to relax. You don't need to be comfortable in front of a camera; most people aren't, and handling that is my job. I'll tell you where to stand and what to do with your hands, and keep the mood light.
The result is a mix of portraits everyone looks good in and candid frames that feel like your family on a real day. I explain why that balance matters in why candid photos matter more, and you can see examples in my family and events portfolio.
Extended family and generations
Extended family sessions are some of the most meaningful photos a family can have, especially when grandparents are visiting or relatives are in town for a holiday. With more people, a little planning goes a long way, and I'll help you with it.
How I organize bigger groups
- Start with the full group while everyone is together and energy is high
- Move through each household or branch of the family
- Photograph the generations: grandparents with their children, then with their grandchildren
- Finish with candid moments and any special combinations you've asked for
Send me a short list of must-have groupings before the session so nothing is missed. For elders, I keep standing time short, bring chairs into the frame where needed and choose spots with level, easy walking.
If the gathering is really a celebration, like an anniversary or a reunion dinner, event photography may suit you better.
Where to take family photos in Richmond, Short Pump and Glen Allen
Choose a location that suits the size and ages of your group. For big groups, open space and easy parking matter more than a famous backdrop.
- Maymont - mature trees and broad lawns that fit large groups comfortably
- Libby Hill Park - a hilltop view over the James River and downtown for a city-feeling family portrait
- Byrd Park - water, trees and paved paths, good with strollers
- Meadow Farm Museum in Glen Allen - fields and fences with a relaxed countryside look
- Your home or backyard - ideal with babies, elders or anyone who'd rather not travel
Most parks and gardens have their own photography rules, so check current photography rules before we lock in a spot. For outdoor sessions I plan around the softer light of early morning or the last hours before sunset; my guide to the best time of day for outdoor photos shows the difference. Spring and fall are popular in Central Virginia, so book a little ahead.
What to wear and what you receive
Coordinate, don't match: pick two or three colors that sit well together and let each person wear them in their own way. Solid colors and soft textures photograph better than big logos or busy patterns, and comfortable shoes help everyone move naturally.
After the session, every photo is edited by hand and delivered in a private online gallery within 7 days. The number of photos depends on the session and the size of the group, and the gallery makes it easy for each household to download its own favorites.
To book, message me on WhatsApp or use the contact form with your preferred date, location and roughly how many people will join. I'll reply with availability and a quote. If you'd like individual portraits of a teen or grandparent during the same visit, see portrait photography.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can be in a family session?
Anywhere from two people to a large extended family. Tell me your group size when you inquire so I can plan the time and location; very large groups may suit a custom package.
How much does a family photoshoot cost?
Family sessions start from $250 for 2 hours. Larger groups or extra locations are quoted individually.
Should we do our family photos indoors or outdoors?
Both work well. Outdoors gives more variety and room for big groups, while a home session is easier with babies or elders, so choose whatever keeps your family comfortable.
What if it rains on the day?
Outdoor sessions can be rescheduled based on availability, or we can move the session indoors to your home.
How soon will we get our family photos?
Within 7 days of the session, hand-edited and delivered in a private online gallery you can share with the whole family.
See the Family Event portfolio
From the journal
Other services
Check availability