Welcome to the blog

Here you'll find featured family and newborn photography, photography education, and tips for stress-free sessions that feel wild and true. Dig deeper wtih personal stories of simple joys and the inspired details in everyday life that ignite my work, thoughts, and heart for making art in the world. 

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Before this session, the mom and I chatted on the phone to iron out the details. We talked about letting the kids have input about their outfits, choosing things they already loved from their closets, and about her biggest concern – the light. She was worried about their crew of 6 doing family photos in […]

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backyard family photos in the summer by charlottesville family photographer

families, featured

One year old family photos at home | The Dunn Family

This crew invited me to their home on a bright summer day for a family session to celebrate baby boy turning one. While many families will choose to have lifestyle newborn photos at home, I met this little guy when he was just hours old for a Fresh 48 session in the hospital. This made […]

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client tips, families, local

Reasons to love spring family photos

Families (predictably) flock to fall photos as their annual go-to, but spring is too good to pass up and most people just don’t realize it! Last spring, I was on maternity leave but this year, I’m excited to dance with some families in the sunshine, play in backyards, and re-discover all the reasons to love […]

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for photographers, motherhood, personal

Top 10 Discoveries of 2023

Full disclosure, I first got the idea for this from one of my favorite podcasts – The Lazy Genius. I weirdly enjoy these types of episodes and proceeded to come up with a list of my own so easily, I couldn’t not share it. My top 10 discoveries of 2023 include the art, products, practices, […]

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families, featured

Backyard extended family photos in Charlottesville | The Murphy Family

Many photographers shudder at the thought of extended family photos, but to me, they’re a thrill. There are so many different personalities and so much potential for spontaneity and honest delight. All it takes is the right prep and energy to set the tone. Take these sessions to the backyard of a home where the […]

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A morning person, nostalgia- obsessed, book-loving dreamer + doer

Hi, I'm Leah.
Family photographer and educator.

I am endlessly curious. I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself and love a good kitchen dance party. My kids inspire and delight me daily. My superpower is seeing magic in the mundane and thinking way too deeply about it. I’ll talk your ear off about business, purpose, and the ways art can fuel both. I believe the best way to care for people is to really see them. Every man in my life taught me that strength starts with black coffee and every woman showed me that you can be both sweet and spicy. 

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The Firefly Letters

Wednesday night words to get you through the week. Relatable stories and lessons on creativity, family, art, and simple joys with a dose of humor. 

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Services

Looking for family photos that go deeper? The kind where you can practically feel those knock-you-over-hugs, baby skin and the life you've built over 15-years-of-marriage... I'm your person.

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motherhood, personal

Favorite books of 2023

Oooh how even the best laid, most conservative and graceful plans can go awry. This was the year I’d be having a baby, and given that this was the third time I’d be doing this, 2022 Leah knew – hey, don’t set any lofty reading goals. BE REASONABLE. To her credit, I did only give […]

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maternity and newborn photos at home with sibling

maternity, newborns

Maternity and newborn photos at home with the Barnes family

Is it possible to photograph sessions at home in any season, through family changes and growth, in any time of day or weather? Absolutely! I photographed maternity and newborn photos at home along with a one year family session with the Barnes family as they welcomed of their first son, Theodore. So when they reached […]

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Behind the scenes

Learn about photographing families in any home - even in low light, tight spaces, with wild kids, you name it. My class joins 26 other family photography instructors from around the world for this super valuable resource.

freebie

Grab this 30 minute walkthrough of my behind-the-scenes thoughts, prompts, and direction to make these images of a backyard family session.