Sunrise Family Photos in Virginia Beach | Rachel, Nathan & Henry

Jan 19

Sunrise family session at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Some families truly understand the value of preserving memories now. Rachel, Nathan, and their son Henry drove from Yorktown, VA to Virginia Beach for a sunrise family photography session back in November, and it meant so much to be part of their story again.

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography3_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography16_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography22_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography24_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography29_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography37_.jpg

This session was especially meaningful because I previously photographed Rachel’s maternity photos while she was pregnant with Henry. Getting to document their family in this season felt full-circle.

woman embracing son in an intimate playful moment on a beach

After experiencing personal heartbreak last year, Rachel knew she didn’t want to wait for a future season to celebrate her family. She wanted to honor life exactly as it is right now.

family of three snuggles on a beach while the sun rises over the ocean behind them in virginia beach, virginia

We focused on slower, in-between moments throughout the session. Henry was free to explore while Rachel and Nathan patiently guided him, which allowed us to capture natural interactions and authentic connection. While Henry played, we took family photos as well as individual moments of Rachel and Nathan.

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography145_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography60_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography68_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography73_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography89_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography124_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography133_.jpg

hicksfamilysession_virginiabeach_victoriahartellphotography140_.jpg

As a family photographer, I believe the smallest moments matter most… a hand being reached for, a dad pulling his son in close, or a quiet pause while watching your children play. Sunrise sessions in Virginia Beach offer soft light, peaceful beaches, and space for families to simply be together.