Richmond, VA

A Sentimental Session at Chatham Manor

As a Richmond family photographer, some sessions carry a weight that goes far beyond beautiful portraits, and this one did exactly that. On a warm August afternoon at the historic Chatham Manor, I had the privilege of photographing the Cromarite family of five before dad left for deployment. Their session wasn’t just about getting updated photos; it was about preserving a moment in time they’ll never get back.

With three children: an energetic little boy, a curious toddler girl, and the sweetest baby sister, the session was full of movement, laughter, and tiny hand-holding moments that felt both fleeting and profound. Watching their parents soak in every second made this session feel deeply meaningful from start to finish.

Why Families Book Sessions Like This

Family photos are often seen as something to do once a year, but there are so many reasons families choose to get in front of the camera:

• Before a deployment (like this one!) to hold onto a chapter that’s about to change
• When welcoming a new baby to document a growing family
• Seasonal updates that capture how fast children change
• Milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and new homes
• Simply because your everyday moments deserve to be remembered

These photos become heirlooms, physical reminders of laughter, connection, and belonging. For the Cromarite family, this session became a gentle pause before a period of distance, creating something they can look back on throughout the coming months.

Details That Made This Session Unique

Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg was the perfect backdrop for this chapter of their story. The winding garden paths, brick architecture, and late-summer blooms created a dreamy setting where the kids could run, explore, and be authentically themselves. Mom’s neutral floral dress tied beautifully into the soft colors of the garden, and the baby’s headband stole the show in almost every frame.

As always, I encouraged movement, hand-in-hand walks, lifted giggles, and chasing siblings through the grass. These interactive moments not only kept the kids engaged, but also made space for real expressions and genuine emotion. Those tiny curls bouncing as big sister laughed, the proud look on big brother’s face as he held his baby sister, and the way dad held each child a little tighter, these were the moments that told their story.

Why Sessions Like This Matter

Life moves quickly. Little ones become big before we realize it, and seasons shift without asking permission. As a Richmond family photographer, my goal is to give families something they can return to again and again—not just pictures, but feelings they don’t want to forget.

This session wasn’t about perfection. It was about togetherness. And that, more than anything, is what makes family photography worth doing.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

If you’re hoping to freeze a chapter of your family’s life—whether you’re welcoming a new baby, preparing for a deployment, or simply wanting updated photos—I’d love to help you hold onto those moments. Click below to inquire about a session and start planning meaningful images you’ll treasure for years.

📩 Inquire here!