One of my favorite events of the entire busy holiday season is our very own Santa Experience here at Liz Cook Photography where we offer Santa Pictures in a personal, private setting here in Central Virginia. For multiple days in a row, my team and I get to watch magic unfold before our eyes as children enjoy one-on-one conversations with Santa in the privacy of our studio.
Every year I have the privilege of getting to reconnect with families during the Fall Portrait Season. For three to four weeks every October/November I squeeze in as many sessions as possible and I love hearing all the life updates from my repeat clients at every one of them. I especially love when I get to meet NEW faces and capture new families!
As a photographer based in the heart of Central Virginia, I feel so privileged to capture the meaningful moments and connections of families in this beautiful region. From the charming small towns like Lynchburg, Bedford, Roanoke, Appomattox, Charlottesville, and Danville, to the stunning natural backdrops of rolling hills and fields, there’s endless inspiration all around me. Every photography session allows me to celebrate the lives of the wonderful people here.
My journey to professional photography began when I established Liz Cook Photography in 2006. What started as a passion quickly turned into my true calling as more and more friends, friends of friends, and even strangers began hiring me for family portraits. Since then, I've had the immense honor of documenting precious memories for families across Central Virginia.
Through my camera's lens, I get to witness some of life's most profound moments - growing baby bumps, those first newborn snuggles, toddlers' curious explorations, the tight-knit bonds between siblings. There's something incredibly special about being trusted to capture such personal, fleeting periods of transition and growth.
The beauty of maternity and newborn sessions is preserving that miraculous beginning, freezing in time the awestruck expressions and overwhelming love. Family portraits create lasting heirlooms celebrating the unbreakable connections between parents, children, and generations. My images become treasured reminders to look back on when the whirlwind of life forces us to miss so many subtle moments in real-time.
This region's natural scenery is a photographer's dream, especially in the soft fields and blooming gardens that I adore. I focus on capturing the beauty of nature mainly in three locations: my studio, serene fields, and lush gardens. Whether your choice is indoors or outdoors, I aim to highlight the authentic emotions and romantic intimacy between you and your partner. I tend to make you and your partner (anyone involved in the maternity photos) feel comfortable and capture their true personalities. This way, the resulting images radiate pure joy and connection.
More than just creating beautiful photos, the greatest gift of this work is the personal bonds I form with clients by being invited into their lives during profound times of change and growth. I become a friendly source of reassurance for expectant mothers, a calming presence allowing genuine emotions to shine, and oftentimes a trusted resource to turn to for recommendations on anything family-related.
It means everything to me when clients return year after year, watching their families evolve and expand with each visit. Knowing my images will be cherished for generations as constant reminders of their most precious memories - that's the true magic of photography.
Being based in Central Virginia has allowed me to build a strong network of support around the families I work with. From connecting new parents with caring birthing professionals to sharing trusted contractors and small businesses, I strive to be a resource for far more than just photos.
This incredible community drives me to constantly improve my skills, evolve my art, and use my business to uplift local families. As a Central Virginia photographer, each session is an opportunity to celebrate the lives, connections and beauty that make this area so unbelievably special. I feel tremendously grateful to do this meaningful work in such a wonderful place.
If you want to capture long-lasting memories with your lovely family, contact me today.
This family holds a special place in my heart! Some of my Santa visitors may recognize Lauren as she often helps me during our Santa Experience weekend! I first met Lauren when her husband, Gerald, bought her a mini session as a gift to capture the season of life when their oldest daughter, Hailey, was just a toddler! Since then (9 years?!), I have had the honor of not only photographing more of their life’s special events, but also growing closer to their family! Our husbands are friends, our children are friends, and we and have even been on a few vacations together. They are truly a gift. <3
Booking opens for my fall session calendar on August 1st, 2022! I have 16 only openings available for fall mini sessions this year. One of the most common questions I have received recently is What Exactly is the Difference Between a Full Session and a Mini Session? Today I will be answering this question as well as a few other FAQs that have come through!
“Liz Cook is an incredibly talented and attentive professional. Her sweet and gentle countenance is paired with her ability to capture the most tender and joyful moments of the births that she photographs. Liz’s photos will bring you years of enjoyment as they draw you back to the delight and bliss of your birth experience.”
