FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER IN VIRGINIA
Meet Anna Dobrovolskaia, a documentary-style family photographer capturing timeless, artistic moments
Hi, I’m Anna
A motherhood photographer who focuses on honest, documentary storytelling for maternity, newborn, and family sessions. I have been photographing families for over four years, after leaving her six-year office career to pursue something that felt meaningful and personal. Photography quickly became more than a job — it became a source of calm, joy, and purpose.
I am drawn to the everyday moments that often go unnoticed: the quiet routines, natural interactions, and the rhythm of real family life. I believe that the most ordinary moments are often the ones people miss the most later, which is why I am passionate about capturing motherhood as it truly feels — warm, imperfect, emotional, and real.
Although I photograph in many different settings, my favorite place to work is a family’s home. I see homes as the heart of a family’s story — each one completely unique, filled with details and energy that can’t be recreated anywhere else. Home sessions allow me to build the most personal, intimate stories, where families can simply be themselves and the memories feel genuine.
People often describe my work as nostalgic and film-like, with a natural sensitivity to light and shadow. I gravitate toward a gentle, honest aesthetic that focuses on mood rather than perfection. Every session is deeply personal to me — I pours my heart and emotions into each story, treating every family’s memories with care and respect.
For me, photography is about preserving the moments that matter: the small gestures, the warmth of connection, the feeling of a particular season of life. I love working with families who value natural, relaxed storytelling and who believe, like I do, that there is beauty in everything — especially in the quiet, everyday moments of motherhood.
The other day, a client asked me why I chose to photograph families, newborns, and maternity — what led me to this field of work. It got me thinking. The answer feels both difficult and easy at the same time.
When I first picked up a camera, I was photographing everything. I was curious, excited, and eager to try it all. But over time, I began to notice which sessions left me feeling the most fulfilled — and it was always the ones centered around family. There’s something about being invited into that intimate, everyday world that just feels right to me. It’s where I feel most comfortable and most inspired.
I love exploring each family’s unique dynamic, learning who they are, how they connect, and what makes them them. No two families are ever the same. I especially love working with children — they usually warm up to me quickly, and it’s such a joy to watch them just be themselves. They’re open, expressive, full of life, and they don’t worry about the camera. It’s all so natural.
At the heart of it all, I think what draws me in is witnessing love and connection. That’s what I try to capture in every session — a real, honest story of one family. I want someone looking at those photographs to feel who these people are, what they mean to each other, and the quiet beauty in their everyday life.
That’s why I do this. That’s why I love family photography so much.
Serving Richmond, VA and beyond
Meet Anna Dobrovolskaia — timeless, artistic family photography in Richmond, VA, capturing love, connection, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Specializing in documentary-style newborn, maternity, and family sessions, serving families who value authentic storytelling and heartfelt moments.
Brooke Kleyman
We love working with Anna. We have worked together for three different family sessions and we adore all of our photos! She instantly puts our whole family at ease. She makes the experience “real”—never stiff or awkward. Anna just lets us be ourselves and somehow captures the most special, genuine moments in between. We’re so grateful for the memories she’s helped us preserve. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for natural, beautiful family photography.
Madison Stout
Anna has a gift for capturing real, meaningful moments. She made us feel so at ease during both our maternity and family session. Her warmth, patience, and natural connection with our baby made the experience even more special.
Brittany Goodwyn
Working with Anna was a delight. She truly helped me realize the vision that I had for our session. I could not recommend her enough. She has great energy and knows how to get the most out of each person. She captured our family in exactly the way I envisioned, and I adore our photos.