Hey there!
My name is Anna Dobrovolskaia, and I am a photographer based in Richmond, VA. Originally from Russia, I spent over 11 years in Shanghai, China, before moving to Richmond a year ago. Photography has been my professional career for the past 3 years, during which I’ve conducted over 350 photo sessions.
When I take photos, I’m not just creating images — I’m preserving emotions. My goal is for you to feel the photos every time you look at them. I want you to see them and be transported back to that moment — the warmth of a hug, the soft laughter, the quiet pause when time seemed to stand still. These photos are meant to be more than pictures on your wall or in an album; they’re windows into your life, your love, your story. My hope is that these images evoke more than memories — they bring back the feelings. The connection. The love. The joy. The tenderness.
When I capture your story, I’m not chasing perfection — I’m chasing emotion, depth, and truth. I want the photos we create together to speak to you, to remind you of who you are and the beauty of your life as it is, right now. Every time you see them, I hope they make your heart skip a beat and remind you of what really matters. Because the photos I take aren’t just to be seen — they’re to be felt.
I’ve come to see that true beauty in photographs lies not in their perfection, but in their authenticity. It’s the way a child’s laughter lights up a parent’s face, or how a couple’s fingers instinctively intertwine during a quiet moment. It’s the subtle tilt of a head, a shared glance, the joy, or even the vulnerability that’s exchanged without words. These are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives — the real moments that carry weight, meaning, and emotion.
When I look through my lens, I’m not searching for flawless poses or magazine-worthy perfection. I’m searching for you — the real you, in all your beautifully messy, wonderfully imperfect glory. I’m drawn to the way the sunlight filters through your hair, the way your child clings to your leg, or the way your eyes crinkle when you laugh. These are the details that make your story uniquely yours, and they’re the details I want to preserve.
Yes, I’ll guide you with gentle suggestions to ensure your photos feel cohesive, to help colors and textures complement the emotions of the day. But those suggestions are only there to enhance the story, not define it. Because at the heart of it all, it’s not about the perfect dress or the perfect backdrop. It’s about connection. It’s about the life you live, the love you share, and the moments you hold dear.
Life is unpredictable, beautifully unscripted, and full of surprises. And that’s what makes it so special. Those imperfect, unplanned moments — the giggles, the quiet tears, the way the wind plays with your hair — those are the moments you’ll cherish most. So, let’s embrace the chaos, the imperfections, the rawness of life, because that’s where the magic truly happens. Let’s capture your story, exactly as it is. Real. Honest. Unforgettable.
“Your candid moments through my lens”
I’m thankful for the work you do bringing so much value to people’s lives. You do incredible work!
I will be with you every step on the way
If we work together, I will help you with everything: I will answer all your questions, help to select the location and outfits and will create a mood board for you. I will help to direct you and make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the photo set. Magic happens when all parties involved, invested and comfortable with each other!
What do I offer?
Motherhood
Family
Maternity
Newborn
