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.
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.
“Liz Cook is an incredibly talented and attentive professional. Her sweet and gentle countenance is paired with her ability to capture the most tender and joyful moments of the births that she photographs. Liz’s photos will bring you years of enjoyment as they draw you back to the delight and bliss of your birth experience.”
