Story-Driven Photography Across Northern Virginia

Real Moments. Genuine Connection.


Photography That Feels Like You

beautiful summer wedding bouquet coral and peach flowers at Troy Country Club
A bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors near the potomac at River Side Creek Country Club.
Senior portrait photographer at Green Spring Garden Northern Virginia.
Engagemnet photography at Greenspring Gardens Lincolnia Virginia with spring cherry blossoms.
Micro wedding taken on 35 mm in Washington DC at the war memorial couple and officiant laughing during vows.
Bride and groom standing at the altar surrounded by guests at St. Sophias Greek Cathedral in Washington DC
A wedding celebration outdoors with a bride and groom at Quattro Goombas.
Clifton Park NY engagement session under a covered bridge in fall.
A bride and groom standing outdoors under a large tree at Troy Country Club, NY.
Ellanore C Lawrence Park spring bluebell family session mom holding baby.
Rixey Manor Wedding Venue portrait session of family married there.
seven oaks lavender farm family photography session family of four.
Two women, one in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet at River Creek Country Club, Leesburg VA.
Bride and Groom ressional at Rasberry Plain Manor.
A traditional wedding ceremony with a bride and groom in ceremonial attire, participating in a ritual, surrounded by floral decorations.
A couple sitting closely in a field of tall, golden grass, touching foreheads with eyes closed, sharing an intimate moment.
families and seniors connect here

You don't have to be a "photo person." You just have to show up.

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You don't have to be a "photo person." You just have to show up. |

planning a Wedding? connect here

The Big Moments. The Quiet Ones. Everything In Between.

A bride and groom in traditional Indian wedding attire standing under a white canopy with greenery in the background. The bride is wearing a red saree with gold embroidery and a white ceremonial headpiece, and the groom is wearing beige and gold embroidered traditional clothing with a tall, white turban.
A young woman with long red hair and a white dress smiling as she is embraced by a man with long brown hair and glasses, in an outdoor setting with trees and grass in the background.
Family and maternity mom and daughter dancing in green spring garden.

Whether you're planning a wedding, celebrating a growing family, or documenting a milestone season, my approach is simple: create photographs that feel genuine. I'll guide when needed, step back when the moment deserves it, and focus on creating images that reflect who you really are.

Kind Words

  • beautiful spring photoshoot at lavender farm

    The Wakeley Family

    ā€œAmanda Kahnell Photography does it every time. She captures the best moments of our family."

  • colorful and fun gardening photo session with loving grandparents

    The Cook Family

    ā€œMandy 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!"

  • Old Town Warrenton fall family candid photoshoot

    The West Family

    ā€œAmanda 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."

  • old town warrenton extended family session by the red caboose

    The Williams Family

    ā€œFor 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!"

Wedding Story

Wedding Story

A bride and groom holding hands for bridal portraits at Riverside on the Potomac.

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

View the full wedding story

Hi, I'm Amanda

Photographer, mom, and high school photography teacher based in Warrenton, Virginia.

I believe the best photographs happen when people feel comfortable being themselves. My role is to create space for real connection while gently guiding you when needed.

Whether it's a wedding day, a family session, or senior portraits, my goal is always the same: photographs that feel like you.

Learn More About Amanda ā†’

A family of four smiling outdoors near a pond, with trees and mountains in the background during sunset.

Ready to capture your people? I'd love to hear about what you're looking for reach out and let's make it happen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • I'm based in Warrenton, Virginia, and I photograph throughout Northern Virginia ā€” including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Culpeper, Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, Alexandria, Herndon, Reston, and surrounding areas. I'm happy to travel for weddings and special sessions.

  • I specialize in three areas: family and newborn photography, wedding and engagement photography, and high school senior portraits. All of my work is rooted in a documentary, story-driven approach natural, candid, and real.

  • The easiest way to get started is to click any of the inquiry buttons on my site. I'll follow up quickly with availability, details, and next steps. You can also reach out through Instagram (@amandakahnellphotography) if you prefer something more casual first.

  • My style is documentary and lifestyle, I focus on capturing genuine moments as they happen rather than heavily posing or directing every shot. I give gentle guidance when it helps, but mostly I'm watching for the real stuff: the laughs, the glances, the in-between moments you didn't even know were happening.

  • For family sessions, I'd recommend booking 4ā€“8 weeks out, especially for spring and fall those fill up fast. For weddings, 6ā€“18 months in advance is typical. Senior portrait sessions book quickly in the summer before senior year, so don't wait! Iā€™m very flexible so always reach out and we can work to find a date that works!

  • Family sessions and senior portraits start at $500, and wedding coverage starts at $4500. Every session is a little different, so reach out and I'll share full pricing details based on what you're looking for no obligation, just a conversation.

Amanda Kahnell Photography is a Northern Virginia photography business based in Warrenton, VA. I photograph families, weddings, and senior portraits across the region, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Culpeper, Haymarket, Manassas, Gainesville, Centreville, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, and the greater DC area.