Child-Led Play Sessions at Shenanigans
Childhood deserves to be remembered exactly as it was lived.
Child-Led Play Sessions
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Childhood deserves to be remembered exactly as it was lived.
The best parts of childhood aren't carefully posed. They're curious, imaginative, messy, joyful, and wonderfully real.
Childhood is built through play. It's where towers are built, stories are invented, stuffed animals become patients, and tiny kitchens serve imaginary feasts. These moments may feel ordinary while we're living them, but years from now they're often the ones we remember most. That's what these sessions are designed to preserve.
Instead of asking children to stand still or smile on cue, these sessions simply invite them to do what children naturally do best: play, explore, imagine, and discover.
As both a psychologist and a photographer, I've long believed that play is the language of childhood. It's one of the clearest windows into a child's personality, imagination, and growing sense of self.
What to Expect…
Your Session
• 10 minutes
• Complimentary
• One digital image included
• Takes place inside Shenanigans
• Explore the store's toys and books
• Child-led experience
Location
Shenanigans Toy Store
601 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Childhood doesn't need to be staged to be beautiful. The small moments, carefully turning the pages of a favorite book, building one more tower, pretending in a toy kitchen, or proudly showing you something they've discovered, are often the moments families remember most. My job isn't to interrupt those moments. It's to quietly preserve them.
Why We Chose Shenanigans
Shenanigans has long been one of my favorite places in Charlottesville.
As both a parent and a photographer, I love that it encourages children to slow down, imagine, create, and play. It feels less like a store and more like a place where childhood is celebrated.
I'm grateful to partner with Shenanigans for this special event celebrating imagination, curiosity, and childhood.
What’s Included
Every participating family receives:
A complimentary 10-minute Play Session
One complimentary professionally edited digital image
A private online gallery to view your photographs
Optional additional images are available for purchase.
There is no obligation to purchase anything beyond your complimentary image.
Additional image options will be available after your gallery is delivered:
Individual digital image — $45
Three digital images — $80
Full gallery — $145
A Relaxed Experience
If your child is shy...
If they need a few minutes to warm up...
If they're more interested in playing than looking at the camera...
That's completely okay.
These sessions aren't about perfect smiles or perfect behavior. They're about preserving a season of childhood exactly as it feels right now.
Siblings Are Welcome
Have more than one child? Bring them along!
These sessions are designed to celebrate childhood, and siblings are welcome to participate together. We'll capture them naturally as they play, interact, and explore the store. Depending on ages and personalities, we'll photograph individual moments as well as sibling interactions whenever possible.
Reserve Your Spot
Reservations are encouraged for complimentary sessions. Drop-ins are welcome based on availability.
I'd love to help you preserve a little piece of this wonderfully fleeting season of childhood.