A family stands together in a vineyard with mountains in the background.

Charlottesville, Virginia's Best Family portrait Photographer

Aaron Watson Photography is an award-winning family portrait photography service, right here in Charlottesville, Virginia. Each portrait is a heartfelt reflection of the moments and milestones that matter most to you. Whether you're gathering your family, expecting a new member, or celebrating a personal achievement, every photograph will tell your story and stands out as a work of art with exquisite detail.

As Seen In:
A gray sectional sofa with blue and white pillows faces a wooden coffee table with plants.
Four people standing together in a vineyard with green vines and mountains in the background.

Capturing Life, Framing Memories

Portrait Services

Portraits to Capture Your Life's Most Memorable Milestones

From the joy of new life, to celebrating an academic milestone, your family portrait sessions with Aaron Watson Photography will honor your family artfully. With a blend of passion, skill, and craftsmanship, Aaron Watson Photography creates vibrant, meaningful portraits that become the legacies of your tomorrow.

A pregnant woman in a pink dress stands on a pier by a calm lake.
A person stands on a rocky ledge at sunset, arms outstretched, surrounded by trees.
A group of people sits on a rocky hill watching the sunset over distant mountains.
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A man in a suit sits and smiles, looking to the side.
Why Aaron Watson

These moments will live on in photographs for your kids.

Every photo I take at Aaron Watson Photography is more than just a picture; it's a vital chapter in your family's ongoing story, a precious memory that I am committed to preserving.

My own journey into photography was deeply influenced by the loss of my father. This loss was made even more painful by the disappearance of many of our photographs together. This experience reshaped my approach to photography. It became my mission to not only capture images but to protect those irreplaceable family moments.

As a parent myself, I understand the unmatched value of capturing and preserving every giggle, every step, and every family milestone. These are not just photos; they are your legacy, tokens of time that speak to both the joyous and the everyday moments you share as a family.

At Aaron Watson Photography, I specialize in preserving the narratives and significant milestones of Charlottesville families. I'm devoted to producing beautiful, long-lasting prints, ensuring that the tender memories of growing up, the significant firsts, and the unique bonds you share are remembered and appreciated every day.

I invite you to join me in capturing the magic of your family's journey. Together, we will make sure every cherished moment is beautifully preserved, ensuring they continue to bring joy and nostalgia to your family for generations to come.

An ornate green letter "W" with decorative scrollwork and floral details.

How Will You Build and Celebrate Your Families Legacy?

At Aaron Watson Photography, our portraits go beyond digital. We transform your memories into artful printed masterpieces. Choose from our in-house portrait prints, custom framing options, and more to create pieces that adorn your home with personal significance and elegance.

Preview the Studio
A cozy living room with a lit fireplace, modern furniture, and a large framed photo above the mantel.

Custom Portraits

Our portraits and custom framing are premium quality art pieces that enhance your Charlottesville home with memories you’re proud of. Meticulously matched to your home’s style, each piece is a personalized work of art, making your cherished moments a part of your daily life.

A woman sitting in a colorful flower garden is featured on the cover of a photo book.

Heirloom Albums

For those who value legacy, our handcrafted albums are a treasure. They carefully narrate your family's journey, crafted with the finest materials for a lasting legacy. A tangible piece of your history, these albums are meant to be cherished for generations.

A smartphone displays a family photo, flanked by two smaller family pictures on either side.

Social Files For Sharing

Ideal for families looking to share life's special moments quickly, our digital files are beautifully edited and ready for social media and online sharing. Perfect for updating loved ones near and far with your family’s milestones and everyday joys.

Custom Design

Your Style On Display

Tailored to reflect your personal style, our offerings include an array of custom materials like canvas, framed prints, and acrylic prints. With premium framing options and high-level customization, we ensure that every piece not only enhances your space but also resonates with your personal taste.

Select Room Type:

A beige sectional sofa with cushions and a round wooden coffee table in a well-lit room.
A beige sectional sofa with cushions and a round wooden coffee table in a well-lit room.
Living room
A neatly made bed with white pillows and linens, flanked by two wooden nightstands with lamps.
A neatly made bed with white pillows and linens, flanked by two wooden nightstands with lamps.
Bedroom
A wooden desk with a black office chair, flanked by two potted plants in a bright room.
A wooden desk with a black office chair, flanked by two potted plants in a bright room.
Office

Select Portrait Style:

Canvas
Framed
Acrylic
Oil painting
A beige sectional sofa with cushions and a round wooden coffee table in a well-lit room.A family with two children and a dog stands in a grassy park with autumn trees.
Frequently Asked Questions:

Portrait Photography FAQ

Q: How many people can be photographed in my group?

Aaron Watson Photography can accommodate groups of various sizes, from individual portraits to large family gatherings. Let Aaron know the size of your group in advance, and he can make the necessary preparations.

Q: What happens if it rains on the day of my session?

In the event of rain, your session will be rescheduled to the next available date that suits you, or you can select an alternative indoor location if you prefer to keep the scheduled date.

Q: Are you good with kids, and can you help my family pose?

Absolutely! As a father of two kids of his own, Aaron has extensive experience photographing children of all ages and excels in creating a fun, comfortable environment for families. Aaron will guide you and your family through various poses that look natural and capture your best angles.

Q: Do you only photograph in Charlottesville, or do you also photograph families in Richmond and DC?

Charlottesville, Virginia, and the surrounding areas provide some of the most stunning backdrops for family and senior portraits. While we’re proud to serve many local families, we also frequently work with out-of-town clients who have ties to the area and plan their portrait sessions around visits to Charlottesville.

With a growing number of wedding couples we've photographed, we’re excited to now offer dedicated portrait days in both the Richmond and Washington, D.C. areas. If you’re interested in scheduling a session closer to home, please reach out to Aaron Watson Photography for availability and options.

Q: Will you guide us on what to wear for our family photos?

Yes, Aaron will provide you with tips and advice on what to wear to ensure your outfits complement each other and suit the style of the portrait you are looking for.

Q: How soon after our portrait session do we get our images?

About a week after your portrait session, you’ll meet with Aaron (either in person at our home studio in Charlottesville, VA or virtually via Zoom) for your image reveal.

During this personalized session, you’ll view a curated selection of professionally edited images and work directly with Aaron to select and order your portrait pieces. This collaborative process ensures your artwork aligns beautifully with your vision and home decor.

After your Portrait Design and Ordering Appointment, production for portraits and albums typically takes 4–6 weeks. If you’re working with a specific deadline for a holiday or special occasion, please let us know—expedited options may be available.

Q: Do you assist in creating portrait art for my home?

Yes, Aaron Watson Photography offers custom portrait art creation services that include wall art, photo albums, and other personalized items to display in your home. Aaron will assist you on choosing the best formats and styles to enhance your home's décor.

Q: Do you offer mini sessions?

Mini Sessions have been replaced by Portrait Days. Often these are in collaboration with a school, sports team, or local organization. If you are interested in hosting a portrait day please inquire.

For families interested in a mini session, due to concerns about their child’s small attention span, please contact us. We have lots of experience engaging with children, to bring out the best smiles and capture their attention. While our high-quality experience will always remain the same, the length of our session can be customized to your family.

Q: How much can I expect to spend on a portrait session?

The investment for your portrait session will vary based on the type of session, its length, and the keepsakes you're interested in—such as wall portraits or custom albums. Please contact us with details about what you’re looking for, and we’ll be happy to provide personalized pricing information.

Q: Will I receive the digital files in addition to my portraits?

Yes, at Aaron Watson Photography, we believe families should enjoy the benefits of both printed and digital images. Our portrait sessions include social media–sized digital files, perfect for easy sharing and everyday enjoyment. All professional printing is done through our studio to ensure the highest quality and longevity of your portraits. For families who invest above a qualifying threshold, we also include a print release along with high-resolution digital files, giving you the flexibility to print additional images on your own.

A woman holds and smiles at a laughing baby outdoors.
Contact Us

Inquire For Portrait Services

Contact us today to discuss your next Charlottesville, Virginia portrait session. Let’s create beautiful, lasting memories together.