RICHMOND, VIRGINIA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
ANNA DOBROVOLSKAIA
Artistic Photography that Honors Your Story
I’m Anna — a lifestyle and documentary photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. I travel throughout the state to capture the real, unscripted parts of parenthood, artistic maternity, and the first days of newborn life.
If you’re looking for something gentler than a traditional photo session — an experience where you don’t have to perform or pretend — you’re in the right place. Many families come to me because they want to feel comfortable and truly seen. They are looking for a family photography that feels like an honest reflection of their lives, rather than a pursuit of perfection.
You deserve photographs that actually feel like you. My goal is to create images with depth and weight — pieces of your history that you can return to for years.
My process is built around that ease. You don’t need to fit into a certain mold of what a maternity or newborn session is supposed to look like. Your story is already enough. My role is to create a space where you can settle in and trust that your experience is what matters most. The moments that happen when you aren’t trying are usually the ones with the most meaning. I handle every session with care so you can just be present with your people.
What you take away are images that feel real. Photographs that reflect the actual energy of your home, the way your family connects, and the significance of this season. It is work that feels honest because it belongs to you.
“This work exists to honor the truth within your story. The softness and the change, the depth and the identity that come with parenthood. Photography becomes a way to preserve that truth, not by performing for the camera, but by being fully yourself”
Documenting In-Home Family and Newborn Stories
There are so few places in the world where people truly feel seen; so few moments where someone pauses long enough to say, “You matter, and your story matters.” Parenthood is one of those rare, profound transformations, and I believe that documenting motherhood through in-home photography creates a space for that truth to be recognized.
In these moments, you may feel vulnerable, tired, and deeply changed — yet this is exactly where your value is most visible. Every parent carries a story that deserves to be heard, held, and told with care. Every body that has carried life deserves to feel significant, especially during the tender postpartum season. This is where I find the heart of my work.
I believe that photography is more than just taking pictures; it is a way of witnessing. Every small moment in the early days of becoming a mother or father is a reminder that you are worthy and deeply meaningful. Through the way I speak to, support, and witness your family, my goal is to help you feel heard. Sometimes, that gentle affirmation—seeing your own strength reflected back at you — is exactly what a parent needs to find their footing again.
My in-home newborn sessions are designed to be a sanctuary where you can simply be. In my documentary photography, I try to honor the depth and honesty of your life, revealing a sense of presence and beauty that you might not always see on your own.
Newborn, Maternity & Family Photography
SESSION OFFERINGS
Motherhood
Family
Maternity
Newborn
Turn Your Memories Into Art You Can Hold
There is a different kind of value in seeing your photos off the screen and in your hands. After our session, you’ll have the option to print your favorite images as fine art prints or heirloom-quality albums — pieces made to be felt, flipped through, and lived with for years to come.
Printed on premium, vegan-friendly paper with archival inks, these aren’t just keepsakes. They are physical pieces of your family’s story, made to be passed down and held by the next generation.
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.
