I'm a
photographer
Stephen Lawson
About Me
As a Richmond-based photographer, I specialize in capturing the authentic moments that tell your unique story. My approach combines artistic vision with technical expertise, whether I'm documenting the intimate emotions of your wedding day or creating timeless family portraits. For weddings, I offer comprehensive coverage that includes everything from candid ceremony moments to carefully crafted couple portraits, complete with engagement sessions and a curated online gallery of edited images. My portrait sessions are tailored to showcase your personality, whether it's celebrating milestones, updating family photos, or creating professional headshots. Every image is professionally edited and delivered through a secure online gallery, where you can easily share, download, and order premium prints. I believe photography is about more than taking pictures – it's about preserving emotions and creating heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Let's work together to capture your story in a way that feels genuine and timeless.
Services & Pricing
Capturing your special moments with professional quality and artistic vision. Browse my most popular packages below or view all services for complete details.
Elegant Essentials
- 4-6 hours of coverage
- 300-400 edited photos via online gallery
- Personalized consultation
- Small weddings or elopements
Timeless Memories
- 8 hours of coverage
- 600-800 edited photos via online gallery
- Personalized consultation
- Full-day wedding coverage
Enchanted Bliss
- 10 hours of coverage
- 900+ edited photos via online gallery
- Personalized consultation
- 2 rolls of 35mm film
- Engagement session
- Larger weddings with multiple locations and detailed coverage
Basic Graduation Session
- 30 minute outdoor session
- Cap and gown photos
- One additional outfit
- One location (campus or local park)
- 15-20 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
Essential Graduation Session
- 1.5 hour outdoor session
- Cap and gown photos
- One additional outfit
- One location (campus or local park)
- 25-30 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
Deluxe Graduation Session
- 2.5 hour session
- Cap and gown photos
- Two additional outfits
- Multiple campus locations
- Friend/family mini session included
- 50-60 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
- Basic retouching
Essential Portrait Session
- 1.5 hour outdoor session
- One outfit
- One location
- 40-50 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
Professional Portrait Session
- 2 hour session
- Two outfits
- Two locations
- 50-60 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
- Basic retouching
Classic Family Session
- 1 hour session
- One outdoor location
- One outfit
- 40+ edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
- Up to 5 people
Extended Family Session
- 2 hour session
- One location
- Outfit change opportunity
- 50+ edited photos
- Group and individual family combinations
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
- Up to 25 people
Premium Family Experience
- 3 hour session
- Two locations
- Multiple outfit changes
- 80+ edited photos
- Group, individual, and candid shots
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
- Premium photo album
- Up to 15 people
Simple & Sweet
- 1.5 hours of coverage
- One location
- One outfit
- 30-40 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
Love Story Session
- 2 hours of coverage
- Two locations
- Two outfits
- 50-60 edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
Deluxe Engagement
- 3 hours of coverage
- Multiple locations
- Three outfits
- 75-100 edited photos
- Film photos included
- Online gallery delivery
Spring Mini Sessions
- 30 minute outdoor session
- One outfit
- One location (park or location of your choice)
- 30+ edited photos
- Online gallery delivery
- Personal printing rights
Need something custom?
I offer tailored photography packages to meet your specific needs. Contact me for a personalized quote.
Get in TouchMy Photography Process
From our first conversation to delivering your finished photos, here's what you can expect when working with me.
Initial Consultation
We'll start with a phone call or meeting to discuss your vision, preferences, and goals for the photoshoot. I'll answer all your questions and provide guidance on location, outfit choices, and timing.
Booking & Planning
Once you've chosen your package, I'll send a contract and invoice for the deposit. Together, we'll plan the perfect photoshoot—selecting locations, establishing a timeline, and addressing any special requests.
The Photoshoot
On the day of your session, I'll arrive prepared with professional equipment and backup gear. My approach is relaxed and collaborative, guiding you through poses while capturing authentic moments. Sessions typically last between 1-3 hours depending on your package.
Editing & Selection
After your session, I carefully select and professionally edit the best images. Each photo receives individual attention to ensure perfect color, tone, and style consistent with my artistic vision while honoring your preferences.
Delivery
Within 2-3 weeks (weddings 4-6 weeks), you'll receive access to your private online gallery where you can download high-resolution images, share with friends and family, and order prints directly. Your complete satisfaction is my priority!
Professional Equipment
I shoot with professional Sony Alpha digital cameras and use Sigma, Rokinon, Viltrox, and Tamron lenses. I also shoot 35mm and medium format film! Your raw files are stored safely on two different storage media with a secondary offsite backup. I always have backup equipment on hand and on location.
My Galleries
Wedding
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and commitment—a story that deserves to be beautifully captured. From the heartfelt 'I dos' to the lively moments on the dance floor, our wedding photography ensures every detail is preserved.
Portraits
Every person has a unique story to tell, and our portrait photography is designed to capture yours. Whether you're looking for professional headshots, creative artistic portraits, or casual lifestyle images, we work with you to bring out your personality and style.
Engagement
Your engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful journey together, and our photography is here to celebrate that love. Whether you envision a romantic sunset shoot or a playful session in your favorite spot, we create images that reflect your unique bond.
Graduation
Celebrate your academic achievements with a stunning graduation photoshoot! Whether it's capturing the excitement of turning the tassel or preserving the pride in your cap and gown, we create timeless images that commemorate this milestone.
Event
From corporate gatherings to milestone celebrations, I capture the energy and excitement of your special occasions. Every handshake, every smile, every spontaneous moment tells part of your event's story.
Couples
Your love isn’t posed—it’s inside jokes, stolen kisses, and goofy moments. I’m here to snap the real stuff: relaxed, unscripted, and 100% you
Family
Preserving your family's genuine connections and precious milestones through natural, heartfelt photography. Whether it's tender moments between siblings, multi-generational portraits, or candid playtime at your favorite park.
Film
You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams. Film is deliberate, unhurried, and rooted in craft. No filters, no undo button—just light, chemistry, and intention. Let’s create, not click.
Get in Touch
Let's discuss your photography needs! Fill out the form below and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
"Stephen took family photos while we were on vacation in Virginia. He was generous with his time and took photos at various locations. He was particularly good about catching candid photos throughout the process. I recommend his services."
April 17, 2025
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"Amazingly kind photographer with a wonderful talent. I would definitely like to plan another photo session in the future!"
April 12, 2025
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"Stephen was a great photographer for our elopement! Easy to book and work with. He was great with our pets!"
April 11, 2025
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"I had the pleasure of working with Stephen for my family shoot, and I could not be happier with the photos! Stephen has a remarkable talent for capturing candid moments that tell a story and he was incredibly professional throughout the entire process, from initial booking to the final delivery of the photos. The photos are exceptional, and they perfectly capture our family's connection! I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking for a photographer in Richmond!"
April 11, 2025
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"I highly recommend Stephen for any photography job. He was very professional from the moment I booked the appointment to the actual photo shooting day. He suggested a call or video meeting prior to the session to ask what I wanted. I explained that we have two boys in Military colleges and with one graduating soon, I wanted to capture them in uniform together. Stephen listened and gave me suggestions for locations. On the photo shooting day, Stephen showed up on time with all his equipment which included multiple cameras and a large flash unit. He was very meticulous before taking each pic and..."
March 20, 2025
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"Stephen was very professional. He was friendly and had good ideas. We enjoyed his work"
March 10, 2025
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"We hired Stephen Lawson Photography to capture our elopement at the last minute and he was extremely accommodating! To be clear, we contacted him about 14 hours before the wedding. He was on time, extremely professional, and took an ample amount of photos. He even used a vintage camera to get a really cool shot at the end! He showed us some of the photos on the camera itself, and they looked absolutely flawless. As a person with a darker complexion who takes iPhone pictures for fun, I’m always concerned the camera will not highlight my features properly due to weak performance. This did not ha..."
February 17, 2025
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"Stephen is wonderful to work with. Despite the holidays, he was able to turn the pictures he took around really quickly."
December 12, 2024
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"Stephen was very professional and responded to emails quickly and gave us the impression that nothing was too much trouble. On the day of the event, he was still very professional but also really friendly. He made everyone feel comfortable and at ease about being photographed. I’ll definitely work with him again."
November 30, 2024
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"Stephen was very kind and anxiety-reducing during the photography session by being so personable. The photos he delivered after were nothing short of awesome too. 10/10"
November 25, 2024
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"Working with him is a pleasant, professional, good quality work and easy to contact and responsive to communications."
October 28, 2024
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"Absolutely amazing work. Easy to communicate with and just an all around Professional. This man is amazing!!"
October 15, 2024
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"Stephen was amazing to work with for our wedding! He went above and beyond to make sure we took the most beautiful pictures for our special day. He was also professional, friendly and a great communicator. We highly recommend him!"
October 11, 2024
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"Stephen was terrific and the photos of my car were fantastic!! He was a real pleasure to work with and I highly recommend!"
September 15, 2024
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"Hired him for a big family reunion. Did a good job of getting all of us in one shot as well as numerous smaller groups"
August 27, 2024
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"I had the pleasure of working with Stephen Lawson Photography LLC, and it was an incredible experience! From start to finish, the session was fun and exciting, capturing not just stunning images but also the joy and energy of the day. Stephen has an amazing eye for detail and a unique ability to make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. The final photos exceeded my expectations, perfectly reflecting the moments we shared. I highly recommend Stephen for anyone looking for a top-notch photography experience!"
August 10, 2024
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"We are truly thankful to have Stephen help us share our engagement with some phenomenal photos!! He was able to capture beautiful shots in challenging weather and in a very busy location!! The finishing product made us feel like our story came right out of a novel!! Thank you so much for the lifetime memories you captured in our engagement photos Stephen!!!"
July 24, 2024
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"Stephen Lawson Photography exceeded our expectations in every way, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a professional and talented event photographer. The turnaround time for receiving the photos was impressive, and we were thrilled with the quality of the final images. Each picture highlighted the best aspects of our event and the people involved. Overall, working with Stephen Lawson Photography was a pleasure!"
July 06, 2024
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"Had my professional portraits taken by Stephen and they came out great. I recommended him to my coworkers."
July 02, 2024
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"I loved our photshoot with Stephen!! My son had a one year photoshoot with Stephen and he went above and beyond! I walked into the photoshoot with my one year old and to my surprise, Stephen had set up the studio BALLOONS and provided CAKE! for our cake smash. How many photographers do you know that will provide that? If you are already thinking about hiring him, just do it! Stephen was patient with my child and overall had a great experience! Thanks Stephen (sorry for the late review)"
June 07, 2024
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"Stephen was at our office recently to take professional headshots. He was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I love the quality of my photos. They turned out great! Thank you so much. I highly recommend the quality of his photography."
October 11, 2023
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"We loved working with Stephen! From start to finish, he has been so easy and a pleasure to work with. Our family photos turned out absolutely stunning and looked so natural. Definitely found our fave photographer in the area."
October 03, 2023
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"Stephen is amazing to work with. I needed some headshots to use for an upcoming audition and Stephen not only understood what I wanted but also made valuable suggestions to ensure that I best represent myself in the pictures once the end product is done. His communication was clear, direct and we got things done in a reasonable amount of time. In fact, he went above and beyond to make sure that I get my copies on time to send them for printing. If you are looking for a photographer, Stephen is your guy! Thank you Stephen!"
August 23, 2023
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"Stephen was the best! He took both my Airbnb and engagement photographs. I’m very pleased with his work. Prior to my photoshoot, my now husband and I had no idea what to expect from a photo session and posing was an out of this world concept for us by then. Stephen truly understood our vision and the essence of our love story; he managed to capture it all. He skillfully utilized various settings, lighting techniques and poses to create a diverse range of stunning shots. Stephen’s attention to detail is unmatched; from checking that my stray hairs stay away from my face, to helping us nail the ..."
July 13, 2023
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