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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Over the years, I’ve had so many families inquire about how to gift loved ones with a session. Experience gifts are so special, and while it’s easy enough to send an email that says “I got you this!” – there’s something even better about a tangible card to share the sentiment. Im excited to offer […]

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local, personal

Charlottesville VA gift guide

As I poked around online to get some gift ideas for my own family for the holidays, I couldn’t wait to share what I found! This Charlottesville, VA gift guide is full of some of my favorite items on shelves in our area to help narrow your hunt and shop local for the holidays. *Most […]

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products by professional family photographer that make great gifts by

for photographers

Black Friday Deals for Family Photographers

As a lifestyle family photographer, my gear list is minimal, but it still takes a host of tools and products to run my business well… and costs can add up. That’s why it’s such a good opportunity to take advantage of Black Friday deals for family photographers on software, education, gear, etc that can help […]

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instagram-for-family-photographers

for photographers, personal

Do I need Instagram for my photography business?

Last week, my privacy was violated. I got a disturbing text to my personal phone from an unidentified number saying they got it from Instagram (and other creepy things). That text coupled with a few unwelcome phone calls AND a hacking scare really shook me about the open online world. It got me thinking – […]

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newborn photos at home with charlottesville photographer

featured, newborns

Summer newborn photos at home with baby Wilder

Every new baby melts my heart, but it was a first time experience to walk into a session and simply start weeping. Baby Wilder is the first baby boy to my very best friend whom I’ve known since I was 7. She and her husband welcomed him into the world after years of infertility, a […]

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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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client tips, families, featured

Reasons to love a summer family photos at home | The Pillar Family

Want to know the magical solution to getting all the pros of summer family photos without the heat, bugs, and late start times? Plan your summer family photos at home. Summer can be a tricky season to schedule family photos outdoors because the days are so long and hot. A sunset session when the light […]

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what to wear for outdoor summer family photos by charlottesville va photographer

client tips, families

What to wear for outdoor family photos when it’s hot

You want an outdoor family session… but it’s a million degrees and you don’t want to turn into a pool of sweat. How do you look pulled together, casual, and summery, but still keep cool and comfortable during the session? How do you decide what to wear for outdoor family photos when it’s hot?! The […]

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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.