Yorktown Beach Maternity Photography | Bowles Family Beach Session

This maternity session took place on a beautiful May evening at Yorktown Beach, where the golden hour light met the quiet rhythm of the water. As the community celebrates 20 years of memories, it felt like the perfect place to mark a new beginning — a sweet family preparing to welcome a baby girl.

Big brother, full of energy and curiosity, stole a bit of the spotlight in the best way. With pinecones and sticks in hand, he dashed to the water’s edge, delighting in every splash as he tossed them into the river. At one point, we found some smooth shells along the shoreline and started a little game — carefully balancing them on our heads and trying not to let them fall. Inevitably, the shells tumbled down, sending us into bursts of laughter.

Yorktown Beach, with its soft sand, open skies, and views of the York River, has long been a favorite spot for families looking to unwind and reconnect. Whether it’s walking the nearby Riverwalk, watching boats glide by, or simply listening to the gentle waves lap the shore, there’s something grounding and peaceful about this place. It’s the kind of setting that invites you to slow down — perfect for a family session.

If you’re looking for a Virginia family photographer or thinking about scheduling a Yorktown Beach session, I would love to capture those special moments for you!

A Cozy, Cloudy Day on the Chickahominy | Akrie Family Photo Session

There’s something truly special about cloudy days—the way the light softens, colors deepen, and time seems to slow just a little. That was exactly the feeling during this beautiful family session near Ed Allen’s Boats & Bait in Lanexa, Virginia, nestled along the peaceful stretch of Chickahominy Lake.

This family of five brought so much warmth and connection to an overcast afternoon. What made this session especially memorable was how effortlessly everything came together. The soft, filtered light from the clouds created the perfect setting—gentle and even, with no harsh shadows. It allowed every emotion, every little glance and laugh, to come through in a natural and timeless way.

The kids roamed freely—picking up pebbles, climbing over roots, and exploring the shoreline—letting their personalities shine in every frame. Their golden retriever mix was right there with them, tail wagging and full of boundless energy, adding even more life and joy to the scene. Behind them, Chickahominy Lake shimmered with gentle ripples. A pair of ducks floated by as if they had been placed there just for us. The air was rich with the scent of pine and a hint of smoke from nearby campsites—an earthy, grounding mix that instantly made you want to slow down and stay a while. For a couple who loves camping, this wasn’t just a pretty setting—it was a place that felt like home.

I left this session feeling grateful—not just for the images, but for the reminder that the most beautiful light doesn’t always come from the sun. Sometimes, it’s found in the strength of a mother, the joy of childhood, and the quiet, steady love of two people who’ve built a beautiful life together.

Tulips and Sunset Rays | Landry Family Spring Photo Session

Some places seem made for memory-making and Colonial Williamsburg is definitely one of them.

This session with the Landry family, back for their second round of family portraits, took place right in the heart of the historic gardens, and it felt like stepping into a painting. The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the crushed-shell paths, and the breeze carried the scent of blooming tulips—hundreds of them, in every shade from buttery yellow to deep violet. The gardens were alive with color, framed by weathered brick walls, white picket fences, and the gentle hum of history all around.

Colonial Williamsburg isn’t just a backdrop—it feels like part of the story. There’s a quiet charm to it: 18th-century houses with ivy climbing up their sides, winding garden paths that invite wandering, and little pockets of calm that are perfect for stealing a sweet family moment. It’s a place where history feels beautifully present, but never staged.

And into all this stepped the Landry family, full of life and laughter. There was a rhythm to their connection, the kind that doesn’t need posing or prompting—just space to be together.

Thank you, Landrys, for trusting me again to capture your family's story. Your energy, your love, your joy—it’s what every sunset session dreams of being.