I’m inspired to photograph little faces and the people that love them. It’s their wide-eyed looks and ping-pong between sullen and joyful that is always exciting to capture. That, and how it’s acceptable and adorable to photograph a child 12 inches away from their face to capture every last detail. Adults seem to not like that so much…go figure. We’ve all heard it – the advice not to blink because the time with our children goes by fast, but it’s just SO true. And what really sticks with me is how as your baby grows into a toddler, child and teen, we never again get to spend time with those earlier versions of our little ones. The one that said “banana” wrong or refused to smile for 6 months or stared at everything placed in their hands with wonder. But, if you’re like me, you treasure the photos that help you remember them as they were. 

And if you’re a child at heart (perhaps a high school senior, expecting mom, or business owner in need of a headshot?), I’d love to photograph you as well. 

I offer natural light photography, on location in and around Richmond, VA, and studio newborn photography in Midlothian, Va. No stiff, posed shots, but bright, colorful images that are real in their representation of this time in your life. We will work together to select a location and style for your session. I carefully curate and individually hand edit your images to bring out the best light and color, while maintaining a natural look. Most images will also be presented in black and white, and with a matte effect, if it suits the image. After your session, I have an in-house (literally) graphic designer that can help turn your photos into custom announcements, cards, invitations, etc. that look like no one else’s.

Remember that there is beauty in the imperfect. 

Long before I had my own child, I spent ten years working for a wonderful children’s hospital in Baltimore before making the move back to Virginia, where I grew up. Now I live outside of Richmond with my graphic/web designer husband and our daughter, where I drink a lot of tea and think about all the things I would do if I had any spare time. I print my photos (thousands of them) and you should too.

If you would like to schedule a session, or simply want additional information, please send me an email at elise@elisewelker.com so that we can plan a time to talk. To subscribe to an email newsletter and be the first to receive notice of mini-sessions and other specials, please fill out the contact form here.