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Every senior session tells a story.

But occasionally, a session becomes something more — a homecoming.

This fall I had the incredible honor of photographing three triplets who returned to Richmond for their senior portraits, traveling all the way from Wisconsin to do it. Their family had lived here when the triplets were younger, and even though they moved away when the kids were heading into middle school, Richmond never stopped feeling like home.

When it came time for senior portraits, they knew exactly where they wanted to come back to.

And let me tell you…
Richmond absolutely showed up for them.

Instead of squeezing everything into one session, we decided to do something a little different each triplet had their own day, their own story, and their own locations. Sometimes we spent time one-on-one, sometimes the siblings joined in, and sometimes the whole crew came together.

It was three days of memories, meaning, and golden Richmond light.

And it was magic.

Starting at Libby Hill Park with Andrew

We began our first afternoon at one of my favorite places in the entire city: Libby Hill Park.

At first it was just Andrew, his mom Kelly, and me walking the park and wandering along Franklin Street. Andrew loves architecture, history, and brick buildings, so we took our time exploring the areas that spoke to him most.

Some of my favorite moments during senior sessions happen during these walks.

There’s something really special about hearing seniors talk about who they are becoming. Andrew shared about upcoming college tours and what he hopes to study and I always love those conversations where you can see the excitement of the future starting to take shape.

Later that evening, his sisters joined us back at the park.

And if you know anything about fall sunsets at Libby Hill, you know what happened next.

Golden light poured across the overlook, the city skyline lit up, and we captured some beautiful moments of all three siblings together, standing above the city that still means so much to them.

Libby Hill in the fall just hits different.

Carytown & Music at Plan 9 Records

The next morning, Andrew and I met again and this time in Carytown at Plan 9 Records.

The owners were unbelievably kind and let us come before the shop opened, giving us the run of the store to create something really special for Andrew.

Music and records are a huge part of his world, and photographing him surrounded by album covers and stacks of vinyl felt perfectly him.

This was also one of those rare moments where I got to pull out the off-camera flash and gels, which is always a fun creative twist inside a record shop.

Plan 9 is one of those Richmond institutions that holds decades of memories for people — and getting to photograph a senior there felt like a perfect blend of personal story and Richmond culture.

Ava at the Virginia House

That afternoon I met Ava at one of the most beautiful places in Richmond: The Virginia House.

This stop meant a lot to her.

Some of Ava’s favorite childhood memories were spent there with her Girl Scout troop, and she knew she wanted to return during her senior portrait experience.

Thanks to a generous friend at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, we were gifted time on the property so Ava could revisit that special place.

Richmond really does show up like that — and I love this city for it.

The afternoon light spilled across the gardens and fields in the most beautiful way. At one point Ava asked,

“Can I just go dance in the field for a minute?”

Of course the answer was yes.

Watching her twirl barefoot in the grass with the golden light pouring over the property was one of those pure, carefree senior moments I wish every graduate could experience.

A Surprise Storm & Historic Tuckahoe with Emily

Next stop: Historic Tuckahoe to meet Emily.

When we arrived the weather was gorgeous — until suddenly it wasn’t. Dark clouds rolled in out of nowhere and rain started threatening our plans.

But our friends at Tuckahoe were unbelievably kind and invited us inside the historic home while we waited out the weather.

This wasn’t part of the original plan…

…but honestly?

It ended up being one of the most beautiful parts of the day.

Emily moved through the rooms and staircases like she had stepped straight out of another era. The light inside the house was incredible, and I am forever grateful to our big-hearted friends at Tuckahoe (I see you, Holt!) for welcoming us so warmly.

Richmond hospitality at its finest.

Silhouettes, Violin Music & Sunset Magic at Independence Golf Club

You might think that after Libby Hill, Carytown, Virginia House, and Historic Tuckahoe, the day would be over.

Not even close.

We made one more stop — Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, where my photography studio is located. Independence has become one of my favorite places to photograph seniors because the property offers these incredible open skies and rolling hills that create the most beautiful sunsets.

Ava has played the violin since she lived in Richmond, but she was nervous about bringing her instrument on the plane. So I made a quick Facebook post asking if anyone had one we could borrow.

Friends… the response was incredible.

So many people offered violins, and one of our neighborhood friends came through and loaned us one. When Ava saw it she smiled and said,

“I bought a violin from this exact shop when I lived here.”

It felt like one of those full-circle Richmond moments.

As the sun dipped below the horizon at Independence Golf Club, Ava stood on the hill and played violin while the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and gold behind her.

It was breathtaking.

Emily, who is a runner, took her turn next — sprinting across the hill as the sky exploded with color behind her. The wide-open sky at Independence makes silhouettes absolutely magical, and it was the perfect place to celebrate Emily’s love of track.

Those silhouette moments? Pure Richmond sunset magic.

A Classic Studio Portrait

Before the day ended, we stepped into my studio for something timeless: a classic portrait of all three triplets together.

Clean, simple, and elegant. The kind of image that families treasure forever.

One Last Stop: Belle Isle Family Photos

Our final session together was family day.

Triplets, mom, dad, and their younger sister.

We met at Belle Isle, one of the most iconic locations in Richmond. We started near the Civil War museum before walking across the suspension bridge toward the James River.

The family wanted one last photograph together overlooking the city — a way to remember the place that shaped so many of their early years.

As the sun set behind the Richmond skyline, we captured those final moments.

Laughing. Talking. Soaking it all in.

And honestly… it was hard to say goodbye.

A Richmond Story I’ll Never Forget

Looking back on those few days together, what stands out most isn’t just the locations.

It was the conversations.
The laughter.
The dancing in fields.
The sunsets and music and big skies.

It was watching three siblings — each completely unique — stand on the edge of their next adventure.

Andrew with his love of history and architecture.
Ava with her music and joyful spirit.
Emily with her determination and strength.

Three different paths.

One incredible family story.

Thank You for Trusting Me With Your Senior Photos

To this wonderful family — thank you for trusting me with something so meaningful.

Traveling across the country to return to Richmond for senior portraits is not something I take lightly, and it meant the world to be part of this chapter.

And Kelly, their amazing mom — thank you for your vision, your trust, and your heart. It was truly a joy spending those days with your family.

Ready for Your Own Senior Portrait Experience?

Senior portraits should be more than just photos.

They should be an experience that reflects who your senior truly is — their personality, their passions, and the places that matter most to them.

If you’re looking for a Richmond senior photographer who loves storytelling, meaningful locations, and golden hour magic, I would love to create something special for your family.

✨ Senior sessions book months in advance.

Click below to start planning your senior’s portrait experience:

Because these moments only happen once — and they deserve to be remembered beautifully.