Southwest Virginia Family Photographer Sarah Laughland at Abingdon Vineyards

Fall is a special time of year, and not just for the leaves. As a photographer in her first official year of business, I’d always heard about the “busy season”. I finally got to experience it for myself and honestly, I loved it! Even during a pandemic, it felt safe to meet families and couples outdoors and document their lives. Just because the past year feels like a blur doesn’t mean it won’t hold importance in our lives when we look back.

Abingdon and Southwest Virginia feel like my second home. I lived in Abingdon proper for almost 5 years, and I guess you could say it’s my first “adult home”. By that I mean, I’ve been a part of communities, but never ones that I joined without the help of family or friends. Abingdon is the place I grew up during my twenties, and I still make a point to keep one foot in the door at all times. The close-knit community is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I refuse to take that for granted.

One of those special places is Abingdon Vineyards, a little wooded oasis hidden among the mountains. Even when bigger musical acts come through, it remains a small town affair. The wine is fantastic and if you go often enough, you’ll find folks to hang out with, dance with, all the good “day off” things! There’s a creek for kids to play in, and it’s connected to a river where they offer kayaking during the summer months!

Cameras for a Cause

As part of a fundraiser for continuing their pandemic programs, I partnered with the YWCA of Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee to hold Fall Mini Sessions at several locations around the area. Kim and her family signed up for a slot at Abingdon Vineyards! It was such a treat meeting their family, and the richness of the fall colors suited the generational love so well. Their daughter didn’t hesitate to oblige when I asked her to play in the leaves!! We recreated an image from their wedding, and added the kids in the following image…these moments are so special. They represent the passage of time and the way we learn how to make room in our lives for others. I learn from each client in not only photography, but life. Ok…cheesy moment over 🙂 Enjoy!!

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