RICHMOND, VA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
ANNA DOBROVOLSKAIA



Artistic Family Photography — Honest, Heartfelt, and Timeless
Anna Dobrovolskaia offers a documentary-style photography experience for families who value emotion over perfection. Based in Richmond, VA, she specializes in family, newborn, maternity, and motherhood sessions that feel natural, unforced, and deeply personal.
For those who struggle with stiff, overly posed sessions or worry their real life isn’t “picture-perfect, ” Anna helps you slow down and see the poetry in your ordinary moments. Her calm, observant approach creates honest, artistic imagery that preserves not just how it looked — but how it felt.
“Your candid moments through my lens”
Welcome!
I’m Anna Dobrovolskaia, a documentary-style family photographer based in Richmond, VA. Originally from Russia, I spent over 11 years in Shanghai before making Richmond my home. With over three years of professional experience and more than 350 sessions behind me, I’ve developed a deep love for capturing families in a way that’s honest, emotional, and lasting.
You want more than just pretty pictures — you want to remember how it felt.
If stiff poses and picture-perfect scenes don’t feel like you, you’re not alone — and you don’t need to fit into that mold. Through a calm, intuitive approach, I help you slow down and simply be with the people you love. No pressure to perform, no need to be perfect — just space to connect, to be present, and to let your story unfold naturally. The result? Photographs that feel like your family. Honest, emotional, artful images that reflect not just how you looked, but who you were in that moment. These are more than memories — they’re reminders of what truly matters.
Weekday Storytelling Session — $395
*Limited Offer
If you’ve been drawn to my work and want to get a feel for what it’s like to be photographed by me — without committing to a full session just yet — this is the perfect opportunity. These 30-minute sessions are calm, intentional, and focused on capturing quiet connection and everyday beauty.
We’ll meet in a carefully chosen outdoor location that reflects the light and atmosphere I love working in — think golden sun, soft textures, and space to just be together.
Included:
• 30 minutes of shooting time
• 10 hand-edited high-resolution images of your choice
• Option to purchase more
This is not a mini session — it’s a quieter, shorter version of my signature storytelling experience. Simple, heartfelt, and beautifully you.

Newborn, Maternity & Family Photography
SESSION OFFERINGS

Motherhood

Family

Maternity

Newborn
Turn Your Memories Into Art You Can Hold
There’s something magical about seeing your photos off the screen and into your hands. After your session, you’ll have the option to turn your favorite images into beautiful fine art prints and heirloom-quality albums — made to be felt, flipped through, and treasured for years to come. Printed on premium, vegan-friendly paper with archival inks, these pieces aren’t just keepsakes — they’re part of your family’s story, ready to be passed down.

Published in Heartful Magazine
Published in Heartful Magazine and named one of the top 20 family photographers in the Spring 2025 Ones to Watch list, my work has been recognized for its honest and intimate storytelling. Heartful Magazine highlights photographers who are redefining family photography, capturing raw, soulful moments that reflect real connections. Being selected from over 10,000 submissions is a true honor and a reflection of my passion for creating meaningful, authentic images.

Q&A

We’re awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
Absolutely. Most of my clients tell me they were worried about feeling awkward but ended up feeling relaxed and pleasantly surprised by how easy and stress-free the experience was. My approach is all about living in the moment rather than posing. I focus on capturing genuine connection, movement, and those unique, fleeting moments that make your story yours. If you ever feel unsure, I’m always there to gently guide you and suggest ideas that feel natural and true to you.
What is your photography style like, and how do sessions usually unfold?
My style is a blend of documentary and lifestyle photography. That means I focus on real moments, genuine emotions, and natural interactions rather than stiff poses. During our session, I’ll gently guide you if needed, but most of the time I encourage you to simply be present — with your family, your baby, your partner — and enjoy each other’s company.
In classic, more posed photography, the goal is often to create a “perfect” image where everyone looks at the camera and smiles. In documentary and lifestyle photography, the goal is to capture the feeling of the moment. It’s about creating a collection of images that feels personal, alive, and true to you.
How long is a session, and what if my children can’t handle being photographed for that long?
Most of my sessions last between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the flow of the day and your family’s needs. I know it can feel a little worrying, especially for moms, to imagine young children lasting that long — but I promise, my sessions aren’t about standing still or forcing smiles. Children usually enjoy the experience because they’re free to be themselves — running around, exploring, snuggling with you, or just being playful. The focus isn’t on being “perfect” or posing a certain way; it’s about spending meaningful time together, connecting, and letting real moments unfold.Many parents tell me afterward that the session felt more like a slow, joyful pause in their busy lives than a photoshoot — and that their kids had a great time.
Do you offer mini sessions?
I typically don’t offer mini sessions because the heart of my work is about connection, storytelling, and capturing genuine moments — and that takes time. My approach is slow, relaxed, and focused on letting you settle into the experience without feeling rushed. Mini sessions, by nature, are quick and often more posed, which doesn’t leave space for the depth and authenticity I aim to capture. I want your photos to feel meaningful, not hurried. On rare occasions, like around Mother’s Day, I offer limited short sessions designed very intentionally to still reflect my style. Otherwise, I focus on full-length sessions where the magic can unfold naturally.
How do we book you?
To reserve your session, you’ll sign a simple contract and pay a retainer. Once that’s complete, your date is secured! I take a limited number of sessions each month to ensure a personalized experience.
Can we order prints or albums from you?
Yes. I offer fine art prints and custom-designed albums made with high-quality materials. These heirlooms are crafted to last and are a beautiful way to hold your memories in your hands.
When will we receive our photos?
You’ll receive an online gallery with your final edited images within 3 weeks after your session. I spend a lot of time carefully editing each image to preserve the feeling and beauty of the moment.
What should we wear?
Clothing that feels comfortable, flows with movement, and reflects your authentic style photographs best. I love soft tones, soft textures, and pieces that allow for connection — think cozy knits, linen dresses, or bare feet on the grass. After your session is booked, you will receive my outfits guide.
Where do sessions take place?
Most sessions happen in your home, where you feel most comfortable, or outdoors in beautiful natural settings. I can recommend locations that match the feeling you’re envisioning — soft, intimate, and full of natural light.

