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Portraits.

Stories.  Connection.

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Documenting the beauty and
complexity of being human.

Lens of Hope is a portrait and storytelling initiative rooted in connection, compassion, and community. Launched in 2015 by photographer Kristin Seward, it explores the dualities of being human- grief and joy, struggle and resilience, the ordinary and extraordinary- through photography, writing, and collaborative projects. 

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Explore the Work

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*now booking 2027 senior portraits

May-Oct 2026

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Current Projects

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FACES

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44 random people will be given an invitation to be seen and photographed.

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They just don't know it yet.​ 

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CARE IS RESISTANCE

A photo project and collective call to action led by Health Brigade to confront the ongoing threats to public healthcare by building community around their long-standing legacy of care to those in need. 

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Anastasia, age 3, for the

Connor's Heroes 2026 Art Ball.​

Impact
Projects

By using a combination of both portraits and writing, I help organizations tell meaningful stories that build deeper connections for mission building and fundraising campaigns.

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"On Being Human" 
Field Notes

"Legacy is really just an extension of gratitude- an intentional participation in the idea that what we have is meant to be given away. All of it. It's how our hope manifests itself once we're no longer here."
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find me on Substack

Hi, I'm Kristin.

I'm a portrait photographer, writer, and photojournalist based in Richmond, Virginia. 

 

From the first time I picked up a camera, hope has been a central theme in my work. I've spent more than a decade documenting it, most of my adult life deconstructing it (recovering pastor's kid, here), and learning to lean into the both/and of it in my daily life and creative work.  I've been honored to witness

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I believe that hope is one of the most intrinsic and powerful forces we can access.  

​I believe that our stories matter; they keep us connected to each other- and to our own humanity.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Work 

Together

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Portraits 

Commission a portrait session for yourself or a loved one. Fees vary and are based on your specific vision for the shoot.

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Projects

Partner on a community or impact project through both photos and storytelling.

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Stay Close to the Stories 

Join the Lens of Hope newsletter for new projects, essays, and opportunities to participate.

Thanks for submitting!

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