Fall Family Mini Sessions
Three Oaks Manor in Central Virginia
Three Oaks Manor in Amherst County, Virginia, has quickly become one of my favorite places to photograph families. As a Lynchburg family photographer, I love discovering new locations that feel both timeless and inviting—and Three Oaks Manor is one of those hidden gems in Central Virginia.
Owner Alexis always does an incredible job decorating the greenhouse for every season, but even without any decor, the property itself is breathtaking. From the soft fields of tall grass to the way the sunlight filters through the trees, it’s a dream backdrop for family pictures near Lynchburg.
Earlier this summer, I photographed a precious family session at Three Oaks Manor without stepping foot near the greenhouse—and it reminded me just how much variety this property offers. This year, the team at Three Oaks Manor even transformed their garden shed into an adorable Gingerbread House—the perfect whimsical touch for holiday portraits!
Below are a few of my favorite images from this year’s Three Oaks Manor Fall Family Mini Sessions, featuring five wonderful families who came out to celebrate the season with laughter, color, and connection.
If you’re searching for family pictures near Lynchburg, Amherst County, or Central Virginia, or if you’ve been dreaming about a session at Three Oaks Manor, I’d love to help you plan something truly special.
Click any image thumbnail below to enlarge the picture.
Are you looking for a Lynchburg or Charlottesville family photographer? I would love to work with you at Liz Cook Photography to create portraits you will cherish for a lifetime. Contact us and we will share with you our special memory collections such as family portraits, maternity + newborn, or newborn + baby milestone packages.
Large, extended family sessions are a common request two times of the year: Summer (families vacationing nearby at Smith Mountain Lake) and around the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks). My preference is always to do them in the winter and that’s for one major reason: Sunset times are much earlier in the day during the winter months. This allows us to take advantage of more energy and less exhausted kiddos than we typically find during a summer sunset session.
I loved spending time with Baby M, her mom, dad, and big brother. They celebrated her first birthday in style! She wore a sweet pink‑striped jumper and a pink bow, and ended the session with the fun, messy, adorable “cake smash” moment.
These fall family pictures at Three Oaks Manor capture five beautiful families enjoying golden light, laughter, and connection across this stunning Amherst County property. From cozy snuggles in front of the Three Oaks greenhouse to playful portraits around the open fields, every image reflects the warmth of autumn in Central Virginia. If you’ve been searching for family pictures near Lynchburg, these highlights will show you exactly why Three Oaks Manor has become one of my favorite locations for family photography.
The first day of school always seems to sneak up on us. One minute, your little one is chasing bubbles in the backyard, and the next, you’re packing backpacks and sharpening pencils for a brand-new school year. Those first-day jitters, oversized backpacks, and toothy grins are fleeting, but back to school portraits freeze those memories in time.
Of all the seasons in a year, I find summer to be the most challenging to work in. There are multiple reasons why, some of which include a later sunset time (not the most ideal for young children), the heat (and sweat beads and discomfort of my clients), and of course the risk of bugs, too. Most local photographers will tell you, summer simply is not the most comfortable season to be planning an outdoor portrait session.
One of my favorite events of the entire busy holiday season is our very own Santa Experience here at Liz Cook Photography where we offer Santa Pictures in a personal, private setting here in Central Virginia. For multiple days in a row, my team and I get to watch magic unfold before our eyes as children enjoy one-on-one conversations with Santa in the privacy of our studio.
Every year I have the privilege of getting to reconnect with families during the Fall Portrait Season. For three to four weeks every October/November I squeeze in as many sessions as possible and I love hearing all the life updates from my repeat clients at every one of them. I especially love when I get to meet NEW faces and capture new families!
As the crisp air settles over Lynchburg and the leaves turn into a golden masterpiece, families across Central Virginia are gathering for one of my favorite times of the year—fall family photo sessions. As a Lynchburg family photographer with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve learned that one of the most impactful ways to ensure you love your final gallery is choosing your outfits with care. The right wardrobe not only elevates your portraits but also sets the tone for timeless images you’ll treasure for decades.
This family holds a special place in my heart! Some of my Santa visitors may recognize Lauren as she often helps me during our Santa Experience weekend! I first met Lauren when her husband, Gerald, bought her a mini session as a gift to capture the season of life when their oldest daughter, Hailey, was just a toddler! Since then (9 years?!), I have had the honor of not only photographing more of their life’s special events, but also growing closer to their family! Our husbands are friends, our children are friends, and we and have even been on a few vacations together. They are truly a gift. <3
