Family Portraits at Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia
A Timeless Family Portrait Session at Maymont’s Italian Gardens
There’s something truly special about photographing a family year after year watching the kids grow, seeing how dynamics shift, and being trusted to preserve each season of their lives through portraits.
This session, set in the stunning Italian Gardens at Maymont, marked my sixth year photographing this beautiful family of four. Over time, we’ve created a rhythm together. The boys know what to expect, the parents come relaxed and ready, and every session feels like picking up right where we left off.
The Italian Gardens provided the perfect formal backdrop. With stone staircases, lush greenery, and timeless architecture, it offered the elegance and structure that paired beautifully with their classic wardrobe choices. The soft summer light and manicured textures brought a refined, storybook feel to each image.
The boys, now confident and composed, still have the same spark I’ve captured since they were younger. It’s always fun to see their personalities evolve and how they show up in front of the camera. This year, they were polished but playful, allowing for portraits that feel both poised and personal.
One of my favorite parts of working with families long term is the trust that builds over time. I know how they move together, which side mom prefers, how dad makes the boys laugh, and the pacing that keeps everyone comfortable. That familiarity brings a natural ease to the session and it shows in the photos.
Family portraits are more than just images for the wall; they’re milestones. They hold space for who you are right now and quietly honor where you’ve been. I’m always honored when families return year after year to let me help tell their story.
There’s a special kind of light in summer — soft, golden, and full of warmth — and this family brought just as much glow to their session as the sun did. Capturing them in the middle of nature, surrounded by tall trees and sun-drenched paths, was the perfect way to preserve this chapter of their story.