Loved this golden hour family photo session with one of my favorite friends!

Photographing other photographers is always a unique honor—and a little nerve-wracking if I’m being honest! But when Sarah of Sarah Wood Photography asked me to do a golden hour family photo session this fall, I was so excited to make it happen.

Sarah is not only a talented Williamsburg VA photographer, but also a good friend. We’ve supported each other through new ventures, shared editing sessions, and swapped countless tips on lighting, gear, and running a photography business. So getting to photograph her beautiful family during golden hour felt extra special.

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Choosing Golden Hour for a Reason

We both knew golden hour was the obvious choice. As photographers, we’re always chasing that soft, glowing light that makes skin look amazing and adds a dreamy warmth to every photo. The hour before sunset is when the magic happens—and this session was no exception.

The light that evening was absolutely perfect. Soft, golden, and low in the sky, it wrapped around Sarah and her family like a hug. We shot in a quiet field just outside of Williamsburg, where the open sky and tall grass gave us the ideal backdrop for natural, relaxed portraits.

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The Best Kind of Session: Real and Connected

Because Sarah is also a photographer, she came into the session knowing exactly what she wanted—simple, natural photos that captured her family as they are right now. No stiff posing, no forced smiles.

Her two boys were full of energy (as most kids are!), so we kept things playful and easy. We let them run, snuggle with mom and dad, and do their own thing while I captured the in-between moments—the ones that often turn out to be the most meaningful.

As a family photographer in Williamsburg VA, these are the kinds of sessions I love the most. The ones that feel more like a hangout and less like a photoshoot.

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Why Every Photographer Should Be in Front of the Camera, Too

Sarah and I have both said it: it’s easy as a photographer to make sure everyone else has updated photos and completely forget to schedule our own. But your kids won’t care who took the photo—they’ll just be glad you’re in it.

That’s why I was so honored to help Sarah be present in her own family story. As a Williamsburg VA photographer, I believe in the value of showing up in your family’s legacy—not just as the one behind the camera.

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Ready for Your Own Golden Hour Family Photo Session?

Whether you’re a fellow photographer or a parent looking to update your family photos, I’d love to create something beautiful for you. Golden hour photo sessions fill up fast, especially in the fall, so reach out to book your spot!

Contact Me!