Private Client Lounge
Richmond Newborn, Maternity & Family Lifestyle Photography
If you’re here, you’re not just looking for photos.
You’re looking for something that feels like you: warm, honest, and deeply connected.
Welcome. I’m Erin, a natural light newborn and family lifestyle photographer serving Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and surrounding Central Virginia communities. I photograph families who value presence over perfection and connection over performance.
This is where your experience begins.
My Approach to Motherhood Photography
At Erin E Gallagher Photography, sessions are relaxed, gently guided, and emotionally intentional.
I blend documentary storytelling with refined portraiture so your images feel vibrant, natural, and full of life. You will never be stiff or overly posed. Instead, I create space for movement, laughter, and the quiet in-between moments that often matter most.
My work should feel like a warm hug…emotionally real, softly luxurious, and timeless.
The Experience
Before Your Session
We plan intentionally. I have a number of resources available to help with wardrobe, location recommendations across Richmond and surrounding cities, and timing suggestions for the best natural light.
During Your Session
I guide gently without over-directing. Your children are allowed to be children. You are allowed to breathe.
After Your Session
You receive a full gallery of digitally edited images, designed to feel like a preserved chapter of your life. Artwork and heirloom options are available to transform your images into lasting pieces for your home.
Photography Services in Richmond & Central Virginia
Family Lifestyle Photography | Richmond, VA
Family sessions are playful, relaxed, and emotionally rich.
Whether in your home or outdoors in natural light, these sessions capture the way your family truly interacts: the laughter, the movement, the small gestures you barely notice now but will treasure later.
As a Richmond family lifestyle photographer, I create artwork designed to live on your walls for decades. This is quiet luxury … intentional, refined, and meaningful.
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Together we’ll choose a place that feels right. Maybe that’s your favorite trail at sunset, your cozy living room, or even your backyard where your kids feel most themselves. I have many options that will be perfect for you all.
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If we’re outdoors, golden hour (the dreamy light right before sunset) is always magical. Indoors, mid-morning light tends to be best.
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Sessions run about 30–45 minutes. This is long enough to capture plenty of variety but short enough that kids (and grown-ups!) stay engaged.
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What you wear should feel like you. Comfortable, effortless, and a little polished—never stiff or overly “matchy.” Instead of identical outfits, think more about colors and textures that work beautifully together. Soft neutrals, earth tones, or muted pastels always photograph well and keep the focus on your connection.
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I typically keep things simple and let the natural interactions between you and your family be the focus of the session. However, if you have something special in mind, let me know! Iʼm happy to work it into the shoot in a way that feels organic and meaningful.
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Preparing Kids (and Parents!)
Kids don’t need to “perform” for me. If they’re shy, silly, or wild—that’s perfect. I’ll work with their personalities, and often the moments in between the “poses” end up being the most beautiful. The best thing you can do as a parent? Take the pressure off. If you’re relaxed and having fun, your kids will be too.
✨ Read more here: How to Prepare Kids for Family Photos
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To make the most of the beautiful light weʼve planned for, itʼs important to start on time. Please plan ahead for any traffic or parking issues, and aim to arrive a little early if you can. This way, we can get started right on schedule and make the most of your session.
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We’ll get a few “look-at-the-camera” shots at the start when everyone’s fresh, and then I’ll guide you into movement, games, and snuggles. Think walking, twirling, tickling, chasing—things that feel natural and keep everyone relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifestyle Newborn Photography | Richmond & Central Virginia
Newborn sessions are slow, gentle, and centered around connection.
Typically photographed within the first 2–3 weeks after birth, lifestyle newborn photography focuses on real moments rather than elaborate props or stiff posing.
You will hold your baby.
You will sit by the window.
You will sway in your living room.
We follow your baby’s rhythm.
As a newborn photographer in Richmond, VA, I also serve families in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.
These galleries feel like a time capsule: honest, intimate, and deeply personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your newborn session will take place right in the comfort of your home—the place where your story is unfolding right now. I know those first days (and nights) can feel like such a blur, so my goal is to make this experience as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
My approach is lifestyle photography with a fine art touch, which simply means I’m not looking for stiff poses or perfectly styled rooms. Instead, I’ll guide you into natural moments while capturing the little details that make this season so fleeting and beautiful—the way your baby fits in your arms, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, the quiet pauses in between.
And here’s the good news: your home doesn’t need to be spotless. All I need is a window with good light and the love you already have for your baby. We’ll follow your baby’s lead, taking breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or snuggles whenever they’re needed. Truly, the pauses are part of the story too.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about preserving what life really feels like in these first tender weeks.
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When I arrive, I’ll take a quick peek around to see where the light is best—that’s what really matters most. Sometimes it’s the couch, the nursery, or even your bedroom. I’ll adapt to whatever space feels right for your family. And please don’t stress about cleaning before I come. I know life with a newborn is beautifully messy, and I’m not looking for perfection. If we need to shift a blanket or tuck something out of sight, we’ll do it together in seconds. What matters is you and your baby, not the state of your living room.
What Not to Worry About
I want you to know there are a few things you absolutely don’t need to stress over before your newborn session:
A spotless house – I promise, I’m not here to judge. Laundry piles, dishes in the sink, toys on the floor… that’s real life, and it’s beautiful. I only need a pocket of good light, and we can clear a tiny space together if needed.
Perfectly behaved siblings – Toddlers will be toddlers, and older kids might be silly or shy. That’s all part of your story. I’ll work with their personalities, and often the “in-between” moments end up being the most treasured.
Pets wandering in – If your dog hops on the bed or your cat curls up nearby, it just adds to the authenticity of your family’s story.
Baby’s mood – Crying, cluster feeding, diaper blowouts—none of it fazes me. We go at your baby’s pace, pausing when needed. Those breaks are part of the story too.
Your only job is to be present with your little one. I’ll take care of the rest.
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A neutral onesie or simple swaddle is perfect. No fancy props needed—your baby is enough.
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Since the session takes place in your home, I recommend wearing neutral, comfortable clothing that makes you feel good. If you need any help deciding what to wear, feel free to reach out. Iʼve also put together a blog post and Pinterest board with outfit ideas to inspire you.
Iʼm so excited to capture these precious moments with you! If you have any questions leading up to the session, donʼt hesitate to email me. I look forward to seeing you soon and creating beautiful memories together!
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I usually recommend sessions within the first 2–3 weeks, but don’t stress—beautiful images happen whether your baby is 4 days old or 4 weeks.
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Item descSessions last about 60–90 minutes. Babies run the show—if we need to pause for feedings, diaper changes, or soothing, we will.ription
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Choose soft, neutral, and comfortable outfits. Flowing dresses, sweaters, and bare feet photograph beautifully. For siblings, keep it simple—think cozy textures and avoid loud logos.
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✨ Read more here: How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session
Fresh 48 Photography | Richmond & Charlottesville Area Hospitals
The first hours after birth are unlike anything else.
Fresh 48 sessions take place at your hospital or birth center within the first 24–48 hours after delivery. These are documentary-style sessions that preserve the raw, fleeting beauty of the beginning.
The hospital bracelet.
The first sibling meeting.
The way you look at your baby in disbelief.
As a Richmond Fresh 48 photographer, my role is to quietly observe and preserve these sacred hours exactly as they unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This session is meant to be simple and stress-free. Once your baby arrives, just send me a quick text, and I’ll make my way to you within those first 48 hours. Whether you’re in the hospital, a birth center, or settling in at home, I’ll be there to capture those fresh, fleeting first moments you’ll never want to forget.
And please don’t worry about looking “put together” or having everything just right—these sessions are about honesty and love, not perfection. The beauty is in the raw, real magic of those very first days with your little one.
• Hospital Birth: I’ll visit you before discharge, capturin g those tender first interactions and the special details of your newborn.
• Birth Center Delivery: Since discharge can be quick, I us ually meet you at home within the first 48 hours. Depending o n the timing, I may also be able to come directly to the birt h center.
• Home Birth: I’ll come to your home within the first two d ays to document those intimate first moments in your own spac e.
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What to Expect During Your Fresh 48 Session
Session length – About 45 minutes to an hour, just enough to capture a mix of details and family moments without feeling overwhelming.
What I’ll capture – Baby’s tiny details (hands, feet, hospital bands), your first snuggles, feeding or diaper changes if they happen, siblings meeting baby, and those quiet in-between moments you’ll want to hold onto forever.
What you don’t need to do – No cleaning, no styling, no “perfect” outfits. A simple swaddle or onesie is all your baby needs, and you can be in whatever feels most comfortable.
The flow – We’ll follow your baby’s lead. If they need to feed, snuggle, or cry it out—that’s all part of the story, and we’ll pause as needed.
Your only job is to soak up your new little love. I’ll take care of the rest.
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Those first hours after welcoming a baby are such a blur—it all moves faster than you can wrap your head around. A Birth Space Session is a way to pause time and hold onto those earliest moments forever. It’s not about staged photos or perfection; it’s about your story, exactly as it unfolds. The raw, honest, love-soaked moments you’ll want to remember years from now.
I’ll be a quiet, calming presence in the background, letting you stay fully focused on your baby while I capture the story as it naturally unfolds.
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Maternity Photography | Richmond, VA
Motherhood begins before your baby arrives.
Your maternity session honors this in-between space: the anticipation, the strength, the identity shift already unfolding.
As a Richmond maternity photographer, I use natural light, gentle movement, and thoughtful styling to create images that feel grounded and beautiful without being overly styled. Sessions can take place outdoors at golden hour, in your home, or in a softly lit studio space.
Partners and siblings are always welcome.
Also serving maternity clients in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.
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Choosing the right spot is key to capturing the essence of your family. Whether you prefer the comfort of your own home or the beauty of the outdoors, Iʼm here to help guide that decision. Some love the intimacy of a home session, where everyone can just relax and be themselves. Others opt for the natural light and open space of an outdoor location. I have a few favorite spots that I use regularly, but Iʼm always open to new ideas if you have a place thatʼs meaningful to your family. Together, weʼll find the perfect backdrop that reflects your unique style and personality.
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Including them is always encouraged! These sessions can be as intimate or family-centered as you’d like.
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Long, flowy dresses photograph beautifully and give you movement. Neutral tones or soft earth colors keep the focus on you. However, if you are more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, then wear that. Just be comfortable. W
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Our session usually lasts about 30–45 minutes—just enough time to capture a variety of moments without anyone getting tired or restless. My goal is to keep things calm, comfortable, and low-key. I’ll gently guide you along the way so you can relax, enjoy the experience, and focus on being with your people while I take care of the rest.
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The sweet spot is usually between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is showing but you still feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Mission
My mission is to create a joyful, relaxed experience that families want to return to year after year.
I blend lifestyle storytelling, documentary honesty, and fine art intention to create images that feel emotionally true… artwork that captures your family exactly as you are in this season.
Ready When You Are
If you are searching for a Richmond newborn photographer, maternity photographer, Fresh 48 photographer, or family lifestyle photographer who values connection and natural light storytelling, I would love to create something meaningful with you.
Let’s preserve your “right now.”