Washington DC Relaxed Family Photography | Bishop's Garden

Today on the blog I’m sharing a little bit about relaxed family photography. I live in Kensington Maryland and I offer relaxed lifestyle family and newborn photography within the Washington DC area.

I have many sessions in DC, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia. This relaxed family session took place at the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral. The Bishop’s Garden is one of my favorite places for family sessions because there is so much variety! And depending if we are shooting there after morning sunrise or evening sunset there is beautiful foliage all around.

Related:

• Getting Natural Expressions from Kids (Bishop’s Garden)

• Playful Family Session in Washington, DC

At the beginning of each family photography session I start by talking with the kids and introduce myself. Once I meet each family member we usually start with family portraits and parents with the kids. I’ve been lucky to photograph Courtney from DC Moms and her family for the last 3 years so it’s always fun to see how much the kids have grown over the years!

Things such as family dynamics, family size, and ages of children vary family to family so this is more of a loose workflow of a session. We move onto portraits of the children and try to get images of siblings as well. Since I focus on lifestyle photography, the sessions tend to be a little more relaxed.

We don’t need every single picture Holiday Card Perfect, but we want enough images of your family to document what your life is like, document the children’s interests, and really just capitalizing on what makes your family unique.

We had quite a few more images from this family session but I just wanted to show the highlights. Family portraits, a few girl twirls, portraits of each child, and of course sneaking in a few extra poses of mama with the kids. We are usually the ones behind the camera, isn’t that right?

If you live within the Washington DC area and you’re looking for a relaxed family session and you can see yourselves in pictures like this, I’d love to work with you!

Northern Virginia Lifestyle Family Photography

I look forward to photographing this family each year. Some examples of the sessions we have done together include newborn, 6 month, and 1 year photos. I’m so grateful for families that return each year to document how their families grow.

This blog post includes information about lifestyle family photography with two young children!

If you have two young children you know that it might be a little unrealistic to have super high expectations of how the children will act on the day of their session. Children often have their own agenda and it’s not unusual for them to want to explore a little bit during an outdoor family session.

As a Northern Virginia family and newborn photographer, Tabitha Maegan Photography offers laid back sessions for families that are looking to embrace the “right now” even when it feels chaotic.

At the beginning of each lifestyle family session I find it helpful to take the family portraits with everyone close. When possible, I love when the parents are holding onto the little ones. We only get a few years when they are this age so I make sure to tell parents to hold them for a few photos!

If the children aren’t really interested in the posed portraits of the family, we move onto another idea. Instead of forcing smiles, we go with the flow and embrace their feelings and emotions (within reason).

We spent some time getting portraits of each of the boys. Portraits of children can include them standing or sitting and looking at the camera and smiling, but portraits can also look like a child not wanting to leave their mother’s arms because they feel safe. We will make it work! They are both portraits and both beautiful.

During outdoor family photo sessions in the Northern Virginia area, it’s important to know that kids will explore, they might get fussy, they might laugh uncontrollably, but I guarantee one thing you’ll have a chance to present with your little one.

There’s usually time during the family session when children want to be with a preferred parent or want to play a game. These types of interactions create genuine connection and emotions. As your family photographer, one of my jobs is to document those moments. For you, for your children. For this moment in time.

It’s such an honor meeting new families and seeing families return. I get to play with the kids, talk with the parents, and help to photograph this moment in time.

I find that when parents and children are more relaxed during the session, we get the best family photos.

Can you imagine what a session of your family would look like?

Send me a message and let me know ideas you have for your family photos and we can take a look at our schedules!

Location Ideas for your In Home Family Session | Bethesda Maryland Family Photography

As a Bethesda, Maryland family photographer that offers in home and outdoor sessions, I love sharing tips to families that will help them prepare for a lifestyle family session.

In this blog post I have written about some areas in your home that we can include for your next in home Bethesda family session.

living room/couch

We started this family session in the living room. Once we got a few everyone-look-at-the-camera shots we moved onto the more fun stuff!

As a parent to my very own young child I know the importance of getting cute photos of the children. These boys have a very strong interest in cars and trucks so naturally we included the toys into the session.

Lifestyle family photography isn’t about forcing everyone to be somewhere they don’t want to be and forcing them to do something they don’t want to do.

The lifestyle family sessions that I offer as a Bethesda family photographer are laid back and it’s understood that we have to be flexible and not have super high expectations for children. When we allow them to lead the activity everyone is happier!

entrance/front door

The front door is another area that I like to use when I’m photographing a family for indoor family session in the Bethesda Maryland area. There’s usually an abundance of natural light which helps to use for the images, while also allowing room to create more dynamic images with shadows.

I love the dramatic image of the little one standing in front of the door!

a window

When I’m photographing families for inhome sessions there are usually some amazing windows that can be used in an interesting way. I told this mama to sit in the window with her youngest so I could focus on her connection with her baby boy. We didn’t want to exclude big brother so we brought him into the photos too.

an area with toys or books

Kids will be kids and it’s important to have an area set up for the child to engage in an activity. This could be a social game like running, playing chase, hide and seek and/or dancing. It could also be a toy area such as a playroom or nook of a family room to embrace play.

We incorporated this special rocking horse and spent some of the session reading books outside to keep the boys interested and engaged.

outside

I knew upon being in this family’s home that we needed to use their sunroom for family photos. We gathered everyone on the floor and got this gem of a photo. Is it perfect? Probably not. Is it silly? You tell me! I love this one. Each family member is making a genuine expression and it helps to tell the story with two young boys.

While we were in the sunroom we took advantage of the time and got some photos of mom & dad and some with the kids.

The very last photo is included here to show really what to expect from a lifestyle family session. It can be chaotic! And I’m totally here for it.

Interested in scheduling your family photos? Send me a message!

Rehoboth Beach Delaware Family Photography Beach Session

Have you ever thought about having a family session in Rehoboth Beach? I absolutely loved this session! Rehoboth Beach is around 2.5 hours from the Washington DC Area and it’s such a great beach within a short drive from DC.

Rehoboth is very family friendly and there are so many great restaurants in downtown Rehoboth! If you have a young child I would also highly recommend FUNLAND!! It’s right on the boardwalk and it’s like a mini amusement park with rides, games, arcades, and kids absolutely go crazy for it!

We go to Rehoboth once to twice a year and I’m pretty certain we’ve never not gone to Funland, even before we had a child!

This Rehoboth Beach family session with this family of 3 took place over the summer. At this beach family session we started out taking portraits of the family and the little one and then focused on movement poses with the family!

One of the things I really love about being a lifestyle family photographer is no two family sessions are the same. There’s such a range between family size, personality, locations of the photo session, interests, connection, and family dynamics.

This lifestyle beach session was so perfect to do with this family. I think when anyone books a family session on the beach they naturally have to be flexible with things that come their way, such as the wind! It was pretty windy but we embraced it. This family was also adventurous by exploring the water and getting a little bit wet!

Are you living in Rehoboth Beach or visiting Rehoboth Beach and looking to take family photos? Send me a message on my contact page or send an email and we can chat more!

Benefits of In Home Family Photography | Washington DC Family Photography

When you are planning your upcoming family photo session and figuring out all of the details, what comes to your mind when you’re deciding on location?

Do you think of outdoor locations such as this or do you prefer to an in home photo shoot?

Since lifestyle family photography can happen either at your home or within the Washington, DC area the decision is up to your family and what helps to capture and tell your story.

Still thinking about which one is for you?

In this blog post I am sharing some benefits of in home family photography.

1. Children are comfortable in their natural environment

   Your family will have a great experience being in front of the camera if your children are happy! Your home is a perfect place for family photos because it’s a familiar place with all of your family items.

   One secret that tends to help children relax in front of the camera is that I ask the children to show me around the house. Kids love to show off their rooms! I’ve found that is a nice way to make a child comfortable and they are more likely to engage with family.

2. In home sessions don’t have to be rescheduled due to weather challenges

   Another benefit of doing the session at your home is not being dependent on the weather. We will use the best pockets of light in your home to tell a story. I also bring a flash at every in home session as a back up option if we are really struggling with light!

   No need to chance the rain, wear big coats and clunky boots, we can stay cozy right at home!

3. Your home is unique

The ways you decorate your home and the colors you use are an indication of your style and what is important to you. I am always looking for color, texture, pattern, and uniqueness and what elements are better than these for your family photos?

Do you have an accent wall and want to show off some art or wallpaper? Let’s use that as a backdrop during your family session!

4. Toys help to tell a story

As you can see in this in home family session, our goal was to take family photos. We started out with portraits of family members and when we noticed the kids wanted a break we were able to move onto something else without the pressure of “performing” in front of the camera!

I loved the Bluey and Bingo play scene (IYKYK) so it absolutely had to be photographed and included in this family’s gallery!

Children are only little once and it’s so important to document these little stages of life.

5. light can be used differently

One of the differences in homes and outdoor settings is that with outdoor settings we are dependent on where the sun is placed, how high or low in the sky, and location. For in home sessions I’m able to use light in a much different way and it tends to lead to a different creative style.

Lighting in home can be bright or can be dynamic and dramatic. It all depends on the home.

If you have a large bay window in your home there is a 99% chance we will take photos in front of it.

6. Kids rooms

The last benefit I wanted to include in this list is the kids rooms! This was one of the girls’ rooms and I was so in love with the blue of the room and how it contrasted with the bed and rainbow blankets.

I loved the idea that the girls brought the toys and it created such a beautiful connection and playful interactions between family members.

Was this helpful for you? As you were reading were you thinking about different areas in your home that would work for your next family session?

Related blog post:

One year birthday celebration at home

Lifestyle Cake Smash in Washington, DC

Today I’m sharing all about this lifestyle cake smash session in Washington DC!

I get inquiries sometimes for cake smash sessions and I love when the family chooses to do the session at their home. I photographed this little guy when he was a brand new little newborn and I was so excited to see the family again and to see how big he got!

Related Blog Posts:

Cupcake Smash Cake Session

1 Year Photos at Home

We started out with some portraits and I couldn’t resist those little diaper shots before getting him dressed! I wanted to highlight the busyness of being a curious toddler that likes to climb and explore. He played with some toys and then we got some images with mom and dad.

This session was so fun because not only did his parents have the idea for the cake smash, they also cooked him an amazing steak!

He is such a good eater and I loved documenting such a cute little breakfast and celebration!

Did you know that cake smash sessions don’t have to be super elaborate and you don’t need a million decorations!

This was perfect. We had the family at home, we focused on the child turning 1 and the family and we also got his cake smash and some cute high chair decorations!

Does your baby have a one year birthday coming up? Please send me a message to chat about how to document such a big milestone!

Brookside Gardens - Family Session in Wheaton, Maryland

Today on the blog I’m sharing photos of this beautiful session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Maryland.

Brookside Gardens is such a great place to bring your family, go for a walk, and check out the beautiful scenery. Brookside is part of the bigger Wheaton Regional Park, and if you’ve been you know it’s a huge place!

I’ve met up with friends here, gone on walks, and even checked out the Dahlia Show! I’ve been to the gardens several times and each time I find a new thing to love about the gardens. It also serves as a beautiful venue for weddings and other celebrations.

Related Blog Post:
Family Session at Brookside Gardens

We had this photo session during the fall season. Fall is such a wonderful time to schedule a family session at Brookside. Look at the beautiful foliage!

There are several areas that are a little “hidden” away from the more popular areas and that’s one of the reasons I love having sessions here.

Can we talk about how cute this family is? Young toddlers are so much fun to photograph! You can tell this little one has so much fun with her mom & dad and loves to explore!

I think one of my favorite things about this session was photographing the sweet family connection and documenting her curiousity.

There is so much to appreciate with lifestyle photography and having unique photos with your family.

Learn more about scheduling a family session here.

Old Town Alexandria Session | Northern Virginia Family Photographers

Hello hello! Sharing a few images from this family session from this past fall!

The fall season in the DC area is so beautiful. I love having options for choosing the best outdoor location for family sessions - this can include not only Washington DC, but also Maryland and Northern Virginia!

Related Blog Posts:
Family Session at Green Spring Gardens
Old Town Alexandria Family Session

One area I love offering outdoor family sessions during the fall is Old Town Alexandria! Old Town is in Northern Virginia, really just over the bridge from DC. I’ve had quite a few family sessions in Alexandria, Virginia including this family and this family.

Old Town Alexandria is such a great location for family sessions. There are beautiful homes, greenery, landscaping, a cobblestone path, and even the water! There is also a beautiful colorful mural that I’ve used a few times!

There is enough variety in Old Town Alexandria to include for walking family photos, capturing family connection, and beautiful colors.

Have you ever thought about scheduling family photos in the Northern Virginia area? Send me a message to learn more about how to get your family session scheduled!

4 Ways to Get Natural Expressions from Kids

Hello hello! Thank you for being here! If you’re new here - welcome!

I’m Tabitha and I am a lifestyle family and newborn photographer in the Washington DC area. I offer sessions in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia!

Sessions with Tabitha Maegan Photography are laid back, child led, and full of movement and emotion. I want you to have a gallery of special images that represents your family! We can play some games, cuddle, and document your family.

We don’t want to spend the session forcing unnatural expressions from kids and adults - because we know no one likes that! I’ve found that it’s better to anticipate that kids want to move a little bit, and they will likely have better and more natural expressions when engaging with family members.

Here are a few ways to get natural expressions from kids at your Washington DC family session:

1. Let them follow prompts with their ideas.

   Here, I wanted to capture the siblings and I talked a little bit with the kids through my camera and then asked them to hug each other. I love their expressions, especially the one of brother and sister hugging!

2. Parents you all can step away for a few minutes!

   I have a little one and know it can be work to earn trust from a kid! I like to sing songs, ask questions, and make silly sounds to get the children to relax. I’ve found that when the kids are comfortable with me, it’s easier to get natural expressions.

   When the kids need a break for a couple of minutes, I continue taking photos. I love the image below of the little girl and her curly hair! I don’t think we would have gotten that collection of images if we had been forcing the little one to look at the camera and smile!

3. Engage with your kids and try to pretend I’m not there

   Typically once we get portraits of the kids they tend to relax and it’s easier to get images of family connection. Some ideas that will keep your child engaged with you can include - telling them a story, singing a song, and tickles!

4. go with the flow and let go of expectations

   Being a lifestyle family photographer to me means not forcing stiff poses and not making kids pretend they are happy when they are not! I like documenting this stage of life, meaning your child’s interests, silly faces, games, and bringing out your child’s personality. Portraits are important, photos matter. Even if your daughter is running around and her curly hair is covering her face. Or when your little one has a tiny bit if dirt on their pants but it means they had fun running around their session! There are so many ways during your lifestyle family session to get the photos that you will ultimately love. I’m looking forward to photographing your next family session!

   Are there any other tips you would include that would help get natural expressions from kids? Let me know!

Send me a message for my availability for scheduling a lifestyle family session!

1st Birthday at Home Photos

One of the best things about being a lifestyle Newborn and family photographer is being able to document milestones. All. of. the. milestones.

Let’s start with maternity sessions which helps to show off that glow as you are getting ready to welcome your baby. Then there’s fresh 48 sessions which take place at your baby’s place of birth so that you have photos from those first few hours with your fresh new baby because let’s be real, do we really remember anything within those first hours? We also have lifestyle newborn photography within the first few weeks to months of your baby being born so that you have photos of your sweet nursery you spent time, on, those adorable outfits that you had to have, and all of the sleeps, cuddle, and feeding sessions. After those newborn photos there are also those milestones such as your baby’s 6 months when they start sitting on their own. Or how about the crawling as they explore the world? And then there’s the big ONE!!

I photographed this little guy shortly after he was born and did lifestyle newborn photos. Fast forward to a year later the family reached out to me to document his first birthday! The family had a big celebration in their backyard with several friends and family. I felt so lucky to document a small window of such an exciting event!

The family decided to do a cupcake smash away from the party to keep it a little more intimate. While the guests were enjoying the party inside, we stepped outside of the family’s home and had these sweet moments.

It was such a fun way to wrap up the first birthday celebration and I am excited to do more of these!

I don’t do much event photography but since this was around an hour or so of documentary style, it was right up my alley. And of course the cake smash!

Are you interested in documenting an upcoming birthday for your little one? Send me a message!

1 Year Birthday Celebration at Home

Believe me when I say one of the best compliments is when I get an email from a family I’ve worked with before saying they want to schedule family photos again!

I worked with this family when their little girl was a fresh little newborn. We did the lifestyle Newborn photos at their home and included the family’s dog too! I was so excited when the family reached out about family photos to celebrate her first birthday!

We did this one year birthday photo session at the family’s lakehouse which was a very special place for this family.

We were able to include several areas that are special to the family such as the backyard, the lake, the pool, and even playing with the grandparents and the family dog again!

Do you have any places that are special to your family? Please send me a message to schedule a family session and let’s talk about the best place to do your lifestyle family session!

Related blog posts:

• One Year Milestone Session at home

In Home Holiday Family Photos

I am so excited to share photos from this sweet lifestyle holiday family photo shoot! Have you ever thought about doing in home holiday family photos? Keep reading all about this session!

This was my second time working with this family. For this particulate session the family wanted to do something a little different than last year’s session. This year the family decided to do Christmas jammies in addition to the formal outfits they picked out for the first part of the session! Don’t get me wrong the family looked BEAUTIFUL all dressed up but I’m really here to share the photos from this part of the session!

When I was younger we did some holiday celebrations but I don’t have photos of matching jammies (was that even a thing back in the 80’s?) or sitting on Santa’s lap, or any of those things so it’s really important that I take a LOT of pictures of my family & daughter along with being able to do this for families I work with each year. It’s so nice to document special holiday activities during in home sessions!

Little guy showed off some of his favorite toys, guessed what was inside the presents, and topped the session with drinking hot chocolate! I think the whipped cream was actually his favorite part!

Some other ideas that come to mind for an in home holiday photo session include activities such as, playing games, baking cookies, playing outside, and making holiday art.

Have you thought about scheduling an in home holiday photo session? Please send me a message!

Northern Virginia Family Photography | Green Spring Gardens

I want to start off this blog post showing gratitude for all of you that trust me to photograph your family! It’s such a honor to give families the gift of family photography because photos really do matter. A LOT!

This was my first time photographing this beautiful family of three. We had the session at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia.

Neither the family nor I had actually been to Green Spring Gardens before this session! The family was looking for something within the Alexandria area and this location came to mind!

They do require a permit but it is very reasonable and means I can do even more sessions at Green Spring Gardens! Most of my sessions are within the Maryland and DC areas and I am always up for the adventure working with families in Northern Virginia.

Related blog posts:

Family of Three - National Cathedral in Washington, DC

Family Session - Old Town, Alexandria

I am so happy with how the gallery came out for this lifestyle family session. One thing you’ll notice about my lifestyle family photography is that I move around a lot to get interesting and unique perspectives when photographing families. The session usually lasts around 45 minutes which often is enough time to get a full gallery of lifestyle family photos. I’ll prompt and guide some interaction to get genuine expressions from family members.

Keep scrolling to see a snapshot of some of the images you’ll receive in your family gallery when you book a session with Tabitha Maegan Photography!

Family of Three | National Cathedral in Washington DC

Does anyone else think this age is so fun?? This family reached out to me about scheduling family photos with their daughter. Upon getting to know the family I learned she is around the same age as my daughter and I was so excited about that!

One of the things the family shared about their daughter was her excitement and joy and exploring new things.

We picked this location at the National Cathedral in Washington DC because mom & dad spent a lot of time here and wanted to have some photos of this special place!

If I had to use a word to summarize this session I would say curious and loving (I know that’s two words ha!).

I’m so grateful for families that trust me to photograph their family and document parenthood.

Related Blog Posts:

Playful Family Session at the National Cathedral

Send me a message to schedule your own family photos!

3 Reasons to Schedule Family Photos at Home | Maryland Family Photography

Have you ever been interested in an at home session? I absolutely love them! I get to do in home sessions most often during Lifestyle Newborn sessions, however, it’s not as often that I do in home sessions for family sessions with older children.

This blog post will give you a few reasons to convince you that your home is perfect for a family session!

Here are reasons why you should schedule a session at your home:

1. you don’t have to pack up the kids, snacks, etc!

   If you have small kids you totally know how long it can take to lay out all the clothes, make sure the kids have recently eaten and had potty breaks. Amiright? Save your self some time and schedule a family photo session at your home, outside!

   When you have a session at home all you have to do is walk outside and find the beauty of your front yard, backyard, side of your house, foliage, sidewalks, the list goes on and on!

2. kids tend to be more comfortable in a familiar setting

When working with young children, we know they can often be a little bit unpredictable. Children are likely to be more comfortable in an area that is familiar to them.

You probably already have a lot of memories playing outside of your home or in the yard and that will make it easier to get your kids to relax during the session!

3. you will see your home with a new perspective!

I’m just as guilty of not thinking there is “anything special” about different corners or small areas in our front yard or backyard until I actually have my camera and lens in hand.

When I am photographing your family, there is intention behind the image and the story and keeping certain elements in or excluding them. One of the things I love about outdoor family sessions at home is showing you a new perspective!

Related Blog Posts:

• Family Activities for In Home Sessions

Family Activities for In Home Sessions

I absolutely love in home sessions. There are several benefits to in home sessions and I’ll save the reasons why for another blog post - but - they’re amazing and sometimes you can’t do all of these goodies during outdoor sessions!

Keep reading if you want to learn about different activities you can do during your in home family session!

Dance

You read that right - dance! Put on a little music, or sing if you have to - it’s a fun way to bring the sillies out of both the parents and the kids!

*Party Freeze Dance song is currently stuck in my head. Ha!

read

A lot of the time young children have preferred books and this is such a fun way to document this young stage of life by reading one, or two, or three of your kids favorite (short) books!

complete a puzzle

This is another activity that will help tell your family’s story by freezing this moment of time with the little one!

snuggle on the bed

At some point of your family session it is highly likely I will ask most if not all family members to snuggle on the bed! It always connects the family and there are so many unique perspectives to show connection!

movement

This will of course depend on your child’s age but I do know many toddlers enjoy movement.

This can mean airplane, tickles, chase, gonna get you, or really anything to get the little one to squeal, laugh, and move!

favorite toys

I don’t know what we would have done if we decided that the little guy couldn’t play with cars during the family’s newborn session. Afterall this is an in home session and we want to include home elements! I loved all of the photos with the different activities little guy and his dad with the cars!

include a pet

I will admit that we have two cats and it’s very rare that they participate when we have family photos at home. I love when families ask if the cat/dog/other family pet can participate. Of course!

caregiving

Here’s another activity you might not think of when you think of family activities. Caregiving is one of those things that tells a story - diaper changing, changing stained clothes, handwashing, toothbrushing. They are more documentary-ish but I love those types of activities none the less.

play outside

Most in home sessions are scheduled for late morning but if the weather cooperates, going outside is a nice way to wrap up the session. Whether you want to play a sport, run around, or play with the equipment & toys, it’s a nice way to get some energy out!

Is there another activity you’d like to include during your in home family session? Let me know and I can’t wait to photograph you!

Fall Family Session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Maryland

One of the best compliments of being a Washington DC family photographer is having families come back to me each year! I met this mama in a local mom’s group and we’ve stayed in contact through the infant, baby and toddler years! I was lucky to photograph baby girl for her newborn session, 1 year photos, and these beautiful fall photos.

Related Blog Posts:
Maternity Session at Brookside Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions about Newborn Sessions

The fall in Washington DC is so beautiful. I’m from Atlanta and moved here in 2019 and I learned quickly how beautiful it is here! I don’t know if it’s just where I lived in Atlanta, but I don’t think we get the range of these fall colors as we do here.

This relaxed and playful family photo session was at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Maryland.

I’ve had a few sessions at Brookside and it’s an amazing place. They have the fall foliage as you can see here, a rose garden, and they even have cherry blossoms in the spring! Brookside also has a really great trail that is part of Wheaton Regional Park and it’s great for walking.

All this talk about Brookside makes me want to put on my walking (or running if I’m feeling up for it) shoes and enjoy nature!

Are you in the process of looking for a family photographer to capture natural images of your family?

Family Photos in Old Town Alexandria

Do you want to know one of the most fun parts of my job as a Washington DC Newborn & Family Photographer? Getting to see how big the family has grown since the last session! I photographed this family for the first time for an in home newborn session and they came back to celebrate 6 months with this little one!

We changed up the location and had the family session in Old Town Alexandria.

Old Town Alexandria is filled with several amazing locations, cobblestone, texture, trees, beautiful homes, and water. We found some fun areas that made the perfect backdrop for these family photos.

Related Blog Posts:

Family Session of 3 - Old Town Alexandria

In Home DC Newborn Photography

Scroll to the bottom to get a peek at some photos from the family’s newborn session!

Are you expecting or have you just had a baby? Send me a message to learn more about scheduling a lifestyle newborn session.

Colorful Family Photos in Blagden Alley DC

I was contacted by this family because they were traveling into DC from out of state and they wanted to book a family session.

I’m so happy they reached out to me and had a vision for this family session at Blagden Alley in DC!

There are so many spots for family photos at Blagden Alley. I love the brick walls, the murals and the urban feel to the photos. The kids didn’t take long at all to warm up. It’s so fun getting to know families and engaging with them to make families more comfortable in front of the camera. I will admit I too need a little bit of prompting and guidance to be comfortable in front of the camera.

When you book a lifestyle family session, the goal is to capture your family in a natural way. The session will NOT be spent getting everyone to look at the camera for all of the photos because that can get a little boring and it’s not unique to your family.

As your DC family photographer, I will help pose and guide your family to play and have fun. If you’re comfortable and happy with your family, you will love the photos in your gallery because you will look relaxed and happy in the photos. That’s the great thing about lifestyle family photography!

Do you have any questions about booking your lifestyle family session?

Send me a message to learn more!

Playful Family Session in Washington DC

Here I am sharing another blog post from a session I absolutely LOVED!

This playful family’s session was at the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

We started off with family portraits (9 times out of 10 I will ask you to pick up your children for these), moved around to get moments of connection, portraits of the children, mom and dad, and parents with the kids.

I’m a lifestyle family photographer and what I know time and time again, children want to play!

I want you to absolutely love your photos from your session and I know you will when we let high expectations go and let children play.

What I love about lifestyle family sessions is that they are relaxed and I tend to follow your child’s lead as much as possible.

At the beginning of the family session I focus on getting the “safe” shots of everyone looking at the camera and portraits of the children. Those two poses to be the hardest to get towards the end of the session if the kids lose interest so I try to get those within the first few minutes. These two girls were so much fun and they had a lot of energy and seemed to want to just play with each other and with mom and dad. The best part is that they didn’t seem to get bored of getting their photos taken!

Related Blog Posts:

• Spring family session Bethesda Maryland

• Maternity family session National Cathedral Washington DC

Have you already scheduled family photos this year? If not, send me an email or fill out my contact form and let’s chat if we will be a good fit to work together!