Capturing a Christmas Surprise: A Special Studio Session for Three Brothers

Professional Family Portraits in Richmond, VA | Children's Portrait Photographer | Henrico, Hanover, Bon Air, Short Pump, Richmond, Virginia Family Photography |

When Johnny’s dad reached out about a surprise Christmas gift for his wife, I knew this session would be extra special. Years ago, he had portraits taken of their first two sons at the 2.5-year milestone, and now it was time to complete the tradition with their youngest, Johnny. He wanted a large wall print to match the others, capturing Johnny’s personality in a timeless, classic way.

To make sure Johnny felt comfortable in the studio, Dad brought along his two older brothers, Charlie (5) and Lennox (7). It was the perfect plan—having his big brothers there gave Johnny the confidence to be himself, and we got to capture not just his milestone portrait but also some sweet sibling moments along the way.

It was clear from the start that these boys share an incredible bond. Johnny looks up to his older brothers and tries to keep up with everything they do—whether it’s playing sports, chasing each other around, or quoting their favorite shows like Ninja Turtles, Super Mario, and Power Rangers. Their energy was contagious, filling the studio with laughter and playful banter.

During the session, we focused on making Johnny feel at ease, letting him explore, play, and show off his personality. His bright eyes and little grin told the story of a boy who’s always ready to join in on the fun. And while the main goal was capturing that perfect portrait for their wall, we also took advantage of the opportunity to snap a few heartwarming images of all three boys together—pictures that their mom will surely treasure forever.

This session was a reminder of why I love what I do—helping families preserve these fleeting moments and create meaningful traditions. I can only imagine the joy on their mom’s face when she unwraps this heartfelt surprise on Christmas morning!

If you're looking to capture a milestone for your child or a special moment for your family, I'd love to help create something you'll cherish for years to come. Reach out, and let’s plan your perfect session!