Welcome! I'm Laura Richards
Hello, friend! I'm a full-service photographer creating family imagery (mostly on film) that you can feel in your heart and hold in your hands. In other words, I make authentic, feel-good images — and then deliver them to you in the form of custom-designed heirloom albums, conversation-starting wall art, and luxurious Fine Art Prints. If you honor tangible, storytelling family photos, we're a match made in heaven!
Charlottesville family photographer for nostalgic hearts
All the beautiful ways to work together ...
new! limited edition
At-Home Holiday Memory Experience
Meet the At-Home Holiday Memory Experience, my latest and most exclusive session offering. Not only will we bottle up your family's unique holiday magic on film and video, but I'll also help you afterwards to design a gorgeous heirloom-worthy family album.
real moments
At-Home Family Session
Home is where my work and your relationships feel most authentic. Home is where you and your kids are most comfortable, a place where you're surrounded by the warmth you know so well. A mix of tender and playful, digital and film, all light-soaked and love-filled — that's what you'll enjoy with an at-home family session.
intimate &
heartfelt
Newborn & Maternity Session
I'm a Charlottesville newborn photographer, and I believe your home is the perfect place for your baby's first photos! At-home newborn sessions are relaxed and stress-free. There's lots of snuggling and kissing, all while making sure baby and mom have exactly what they need. I create imagery using both digital and film, as well as natural, dynamic window light.
Outdoor Family Session
If an at-home session just isn't your thing, we'll take the fun somewhere else! I'll help you select a location around Charlottesville that works best for your family. A few favorites include McIntire Park, Preddy Creek, and the trails at Martha Jefferson Hospital. We'll laugh, play, dance, and snuggle our way through a beautiful evening or sunrise!
family magic
On Film, With Love Session
A special film-only session that takes place outside at my home (on my deck, to be exact!). Choose from a canvas backdrop, or a colorful trio of vintage pink, dusty blue, and butter yellow. Film is not just how I shoot — it’s why this experience feels different. Each image I create is made with intention, so nothing is ever rushed or excessive.
honest &
relaxed
THAT One PHOTO
That One Photo is my new podcast-form passion project celebrating the family photographs that become part of our lives — not because they're perfect, but because of what they mean. The photos that remind us who we are. If you have a family photo with a great story or big emotion behind it, I'd love for you to share your story with me.
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Full-service family photography in Charlottesville, Virginia
A complete photography experience
1
Before our session
I'll get to know your family's needs, special relationships, and overall desire for the session. I can guide you through outfit planning, location options, or which rooms in your home will be best.
2
Session Day!
This is the time to leave any stress behind and just love your family while I find and document the magic. I'll work to ensure everyone feels comfortable — and trust me, I have lots of tricks up my sleeve for all types of kids!
3
Post-session
Once your images have been hand-edited to perfection, you'll view your photos through an online proofing gallery and decide how you'll preserve your favorites. Most clients invest in an album or a collection of luxury prints.
We'll turn your images into heirlooms
How will you preserve the magic we create during your session? Digital photos alone won’t do it — you’ll need something tangible, high-quality, and beautifully designed to seal the deal.
When you work with me, you'll want your treasured images transformed into heirloom-quality albums, handcrafted frames, and archival prints — pieces worthy of the images themselves.
This year, say yes to living on in print — and to having someone else do all the legwork!
Ready to preserve your family's magic?
Hearing from you would be the biggest honor. Looking forward to talking with you soon!