Story-Driven Wedding & Family Photographer in Northern Virginia

Real moments, meaningful portraits, and photography that feels natural not staged.

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I am a Northern Virginia wedding and family photographer specializing in story-driven, natural photography. My work blends candid moments with relaxed, thoughtful direction, creating images that feel real, connected, and true to the people in them. I photograph weddings and families throughout Northern Virginia for those who value meaningful relationships, calm guidance, and photographs that reflect how moments actually felt not just how they looked.

If you’re looking for a documentary-style photographer in Northern Virginia who will capture real candid photos but also gently guide family portraits so nothing feels chaotic, that’s exactly how I approach my family sessions and wedding days.

beautiful summer wedding bouquet coral and peach flowers
A bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors near a lake, surrounded by lush green trees, on their wedding day.
Greenspring Garden spring senior photo session
A couple standing outdoors in a park or garden, smiling and laughing, surrounded by blooming trees with white flowers.
Woman with long gray hair holding a colorful bouquet of dried flowers outdoors in a garden.
A wedding ceremony with two women and one man standing outdoors under a stone arch or gateway. The man is holding the hands of one woman, and all three are smiling and laughing. The background features leafless trees, indicating it is likely winter o
A wedding ceremony taking place inside a church, with the bride and groom standing at the altar surrounded by guests, religious icons, and ornate decor.
Manassas Battlefield engagement shoot - field at sunset
A wedding celebration outdoors with a bride and groom walking hand in hand, smiling, surrounded by guests, children, and family, under trees and festive decorations.
A happy couple sitting on a wooden bridge in autumn, smiling and embracing each other.
A bride and groom standing outdoors under a large tree, smiling, with a floral arrangement on the ground in front of them
A woman holding a young child outdoors in a forested area, both smiling and looking at the camera, with sunlight filtering through the trees.
Rixey Manor Wedding Venue
seven oaks lavender farm
Two women, one in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet and the other in a red dress, smiling and laughing outdoors near a body of water and trees.

real life

Moments from Newborns to Weddings

Hello there! If you are searching for a “photographers near me” you found your girl! I'm Amanda, of Amanda Kahnell Photography. I'm so thrilled to welcome you to my corner of the internet. I strive to do more than just take family photos; I aim to freeze those precious moments in time that truly encapsulate the essence of family connections, love, and happiness.

Warrenton virginia engagement session with beautiful greens and backlighting

In a world where perfection often dominates, I find beauty in the messy and chaotic moments of motherhood and family life. I believe that true joy lies in the candid, unfiltered expressions, the spontaneous giggles, and the heartfelt embraces that happen when nobody is posing for the camera.

bride and groom walking down the isle at the troy
“The essential things in life are seen, not with the eyes but with the heart.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Couples Click here to Connect
documentary style wedding photography
Family and Newborn Click Here
local photographers newborn photography
Senior Portraits Click Here
Woman in a white dress holding a graduation cap and gown on a columned walkway.
A bride and groom standing hand in hand outdoors near a lake, with a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky.

Wedding Story

Wedding Story

Riverside on the Potomac — Northern Virginia
A story-driven wedding photographed with a candid approach, focused on real moments, connection, and presence throughout the day.

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  • beautiful spring photoshoot at lavender farm

    “Amanda Kahnell Photography does it every time. She captures the best moments of our family."

    The Wakeley Family

  • Old Town Warrenton fall family candid photoshoot

    “Amanda is absolute gold. She has captured my family for over 6 years and her photos do exactly what she aims to do... she freezes precious moments in time. She always gets the candid shots that showcase my children's personalities Her calm and relaxing demeanor is an added bonus."

    The West Family

  • colorful and fun gardening photo session with loving grandparents

    “Mandy was absolutely wonderful to work with. She knew how to make us feel natural and not feel awkward at all, and she knew exactly how to work with my little ones to get some beautiful shots of my family! She was professional, kind, affordable and VERY talented. I wouldn't hesitate to hire her anytime I need photos!"

    The Cook Family

  • old town warrenton extended family session by the red caboose

    “For years, we have been wanting to take our familv photos locallv in the heart of this amazing community. As soon as the mural was completed in Old Town, I knew it was time! Amanda was an easy choice, as her work and reputation proceeded her. Each step of the process, from setting up our session, to the morning of our shoot, through our gallery delivery...was seamless. Amanda is relaxed, easy going, and was up for anything that we wanted to do. If you are looking to capture lifestyle photos that uniquely reflect your family's personality, Amanda will surpass vour expectations!"

    The Williams Family

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Serving Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC

A Documentary and Lifestyle Wedding Photographer