Annual Children’s Portrait Sessions in Lynchburg, Virginia
As parents, we know how quickly childhood changes. From toothy grins to the first day of school, from shy giggles to big belly laughs — each season of your child’s life is worth remembering. That’s why I created Annual Children’s Portrait Sessions at my Forest, Virginia studio. These sessions are designed to give families a beautiful, consistent way to celebrate growth year after year while creating timeless heirlooms that will be treasured for generations.
Whether you’re looking for a classic heirloom portrait, a modern twist with expressive photography, or a short and sweet mini session to keep up the tradition — I offer three unique options for families who value documenting their children in meaningful ways.
Why Annual Portraits Matter
Most parents start out taking plenty of snapshots of their children. But over time, life gets busy — and suddenly, years slip by without a single professional photo to mark your child’s growth.
Annual portraits create a visual story of who your child is becoming.
These portraits do more than freeze a moment. They:
Capture personality and expression at every age.
Provide consistency year to year, so you can see side-by-side growth.
Give children confidence as they see themselves represented beautifully.
Create heirloom pieces you’ll proudly display in your home.
Preserve fleeting details — the mischievous smile, the dimpled hand, the sparkle in their eyes.
As a mother myself, I know how quickly the days of childhood pass. Annual portraits are my way of helping you hold onto the little things that matter most.
We offer Three Options for Annual Children’s Portraits
timeless portrait sessions | traditional heirloom portraits | annual mini sessions
Timeless Portrait Sessions
Our Timeless Portrait Sessions are designed to showcase your child exactly as they are right now. With a simple white or black backdrop, the focus stays on your child’s face, expressions, and personality.
Each 10–15 minute session gives just enough time for me to guide your child through different prompts and expressions while also capturing the natural in-between moments that truly reveal who they are.
Details:
Best for ages 2 - 18
10–15 minute session
Choice of white or black backdrop
Focus on expressions and candid personality moments
About 15 final edited images, delivered in both color and black & white
These sessions are short, easy, and full of fun. Many families choose to do them every year as a tradition because the consistent backdrop allows them to line up portraits from different ages and see their child grow over time.
Pricing starts at $175
“We started working with Liz in 2021 to capture my daughter’s annual ‘Personality Portraits,’ and I haven’t looked back since. These portraits have become some of my most treasured photos each year. Liz has an incredible talent for capturing not only the physical details but also the unique personality of each child at every age.
With childhood being so fleeting, I love looking back through the years and seeing how my kids have grown. Each portrait brings back the fun, silly moments from that time for me. The portraits are timeless and beautifully displayed throughout our home.
Liz’s kind and gentle approach makes the experience easy even with camera-shy or energetic kids. We’re so thankful to have made this a cherished family tradition and look forward to many more years of portraits with her.”
Traditional Heirloom Portraits
For families looking for a classic, Southern-inspired tradition, the Heirloom Portrait Session is a beautiful choice.
With an all-white backdrop, your child dressed in a soft white blouse, and a soft oval vignette, these portraits have a timeless quality that mirrors traditional heirloom artwork. The goal is to create one final portrait that feels elegant, formal, and meant to last for generations.
Details:
Ideal for children ages 2–4 (but available at any age)
All-white backdrop
Child wears a simple, classic white blouse
Edited with a soft oval vignette for a traditional heirloom look
At least 20 digital images delivered for you to choose from, with one finalized heirloom portrait
These sessions are not always done annually — many families book them once in a child’s life as a way to mark those early preschool years. However, they can also be repeated each year if you’d like to build a consistent collection of heirloom portraits.
Pricing starts at $175
Annual Mini Sessions
For families who love tradition but prefer something short and simple, the Annual Mini Sessions are a wonderful option.
These sessions happen seasonally — such as Back to School Minis (both outdoors in the field and in the studio) and Family Mini Sessions in the Studio Driveway (where I always capture a quick portrait of each child during the session).
The goal is consistency: the same setup each year, allowing you to watch your child’s growth through outfit choices, facial features, and personality.
Details:
Ideal for any age
Short seasonal minis (Back to School, Family Minis, etc.)
Studio and outdoor options
Consistent setup year after year
Quick 2–4 final images delivered of each child
Many families love this option because it is easy, fast, and still creates a meaningful collection of portraits that reflect their child’s growth.
Pricing varies but starts at $50 per child for Back to School sessions.
Which Annual Portrait is Right for You?
Each of these options offers something unique for families:
Choose a Timeless Portrait Session if you want expressive, personality-filled portraits every year.
Choose a Traditional Heirloom Portrait if you want one formal, classic portrait of your child that feels like an art piece for your wall.
Choose an Annual Mini Session if you want something quick and consistent with just a few images each year.
No matter which you choose, you’ll walk away with photographs that capture the beauty of childhood in a way that will never go out of style.
A Note From Liz
As a motherhood and family photographer in Lynchburg, I have had the privilege of photographing hundreds of children over the years. What I love most about these annual portrait traditions is the way they bring families together — not just for one photo, but for a collection that grows and deepens as your child does.
Ten years from now, you’ll be so grateful to see the story of your child’s life told through portraits. The tiny changes from year to year may seem small in the moment, but when you look back, you’ll see how meaningful those details really are.
That’s why I am passionate about annual portraits — because childhood deserves to be remembered!
Annual Portraits in Lynchburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville & Forest, VA
Liz Cook Photography serves families throughout Central Virginia, including Lynchburg, Forest, Roanoke, and Charlottesville. Many families travel in from surrounding areas to make annual portraits part of their family tradition.
If you’re searching for:
“children’s portraits Lynchburg VA”
“heirloom portraits Roanoke”
“timeless child photography Charlottesville”
“annual child portraits Forest VA”
… you’re in the right place.
Start Your Family’s Portrait Tradition
Childhood only happens once — but with annual portraits, you’ll always have a way to look back and remember. Whether you choose a playful Timeless Session, a classic Heirloom Portrait, or a consistent Annual Mini Session, these photographs will become some of your family’s most cherished treasures.
Ready to begin your child’s annual portrait tradition?