One Year Milestone Session at Home | DC Family Photography

Babies grow so fast and it’s really important to have a way to slow down time!

This family reached out to me because they had family in town to celebrate their daughter’s first birthday and wanted to get updated family photos.

This one year milestone session combined my love for in home family photos and including all family members, even grandparents!

The little girl had just woken up from nap and I captured some really sweet moments with her mama, then with dada, and then moved onto the family’s bedroom to get a variety of images and locations. We ended in the living room when we had the entire family together and both sets of grandparents.

Lifestyle family sessions will always be laid back, capturing connection, snuggles, and emotion.

Not only do I focus on family members I like to take individual portraits of each child.

In home sessions are really special because the session takes place in the family’s natural environment and children in particular seem to be really comfortable at home. I love to include items that are special to a family as well.

Have you considered taking family photos at home? Send me a message! I’d love to photograph special moments of your family.

How to Choose a Family Photographer | DC Family Photography

Have you ever hired a photographer to take your family’s photos? It might feel a little overwhelming because there are so many choices when it comes to finding the best family photographer for you. There are several family photographers in the DC area, and it might be helpful to know what to look for when choosing a family photographer.

I’ve listed out a few things that you can ask yourself when choosing the best family photographer for you.

what is the photographer’s Style?

Each photographer has their own style. This can be how they compose their images and if they zoom in close or include all elements of the environment. It can be their editing style and if they like bright images with lots of contrast or if they like dramatic light and moody images. Does the photographer take standard portraits or do they focus on lifestyle photography and connection? Consider the photographer’s style when choosing who will be best fit to photograph your family.

I’m a lifestyle family photographer focused on capturing joyful and emotional family connection. Which brings me to the next topic - emotion!

what Emotions do you see in the photographer’s photos?

When you are looking at the photographer’s portfolio - do you see a recurring emotion in the images? It is joy? Is it happiness? Is it vulnerability?

I love photographing my families connecting with each other and capturing joyful, happy moments. At the same time if the toddler is having a meltdown I like to capture the tender moments of being held and comforted by their family members.

do you like the photographer’s Personality?

When you browse the photographer’s website and social media do you have a connection with how they write and communicate? Does it sound like someone you will want to create a relationship with and does it sound like someone you want to hang out with for an hour?

I use a lot of exclamation points and I like imperfection! I am not afraid to be myself, act silly, and be humble. I want you to feel connected to me so that you are comfortable when you’re in front of my camera.

what is the Price of family photos?

Of course you can’t hire someone without knowing how much the service will cost. What is in your budget for family photos? Think about how often you will take family photos and what the final images will mean to your family.

I like to think of family sessions as an investment. Sure, it’s not something you should budget every single month by any means, but if you value a yearly family photo session investment, think about what your budget will be in order to be satisfied with the final product.

Overall-

The last thing I want to mention when you are looking for a family photographer - can you imagine yourself in the photos that you’ve seen?

If so, send me a message!!

Photos I like to take at each Family Session | Maryland Family Photographers

So you want to take family photos, that’s great! I’m so glad you’ve made it here on my website. I’m Tabitha and I’m a family and newborn photographer in the DC area. I offer lifestyle family sessions that are joyful and connected.

It’s so important to me to document your family in a way that is organic and accurate. You would be surprised how many photos I can take within the hour of your family session. Sometimes we even do it in less than an hour! There are several different photos I like to take at each family session because I think it helps to have a variety of images in your gallery. Maybe you want to print the photos, maybe you want to put them in an album! Kids can be unpredictable so I don’t guarantee any specific images in your final gallery, but here’s a general flow of what your family session with me will be like.

Keep reading if you want to see all of the photos I like to take at each family session.

your family engaged & connected

I will guide you all to interact with each other. This can mean hugging, being close, singing a song, or doing an activity specific to your family.

a “money shot” photo

Some families do want 1 or 2 photos of everyone looking at the camera. Whether this specific “money shot” is for the grandparents or the holiday card, it’s best to take this one at the beginning of the session just in case the children lose interest.

portraits of each child

I think it’s important to take a few minutes to get photos of each child. I will talk to the children, play, sing, and do whatever it takes to make them relaxed and eliciting a natural expression. Sometimes the portraits will be the young child in their parents arms too. It can still be a beautiful portrait even if the little one just wants to be held in their parent’s arms.

sibling shot

Sibling shots can be tricky so I don’t have really high expectations for these. Of course it’s great to have them looking at the camera, but I don’t sweat it if they don’t. After all I’m not looking for picture perfect sibling shots here. I’m a lifestyle family photographer. It’s more important to document your family and focus on the emotions and interactions, whatever that might look like for your family.

each parent with children

We definitely want to get each parent with the children to document the relationship, however silly, playful, or loving the relationship is.

parents

We can’t forget about the parents! I usually do these at the end once I know I’ve gotten the rest of the photos with the children.

extras

There are definitely going to be moments and cute things that happen throughout, or maybe these happen at the end.

When you book a lifestyle session with me you aren’t limited to picking your favorite 5 or 10 images. You’ll receive all of the images that best represent the family connection at your family session. I don’t like to put away my camera until I get to my car because funny moments can happen at the very end of the session!

There you have it! I can’t wait to photograph your family!

6 types of light I use when taking photos

There are so many different styles of photography and I wanted to write a blog post to share some examples of different ways to use light at a photo session. I have a pretty consistent style to the photos I take, whether I’m in the family’s home or outdoors. The way I pose and guide, promote child and family connection, and compose my images are consistent across my sessions. It’s lifestyle photography! If I am in a home that is bright and has colorful decor and has a lot of natural light, it will be an easy choice to go with composing and editing the images to be bright with the setting. It drives me crazy to see photography edits that make a photo look super dark and moody when actually it was bright and daylight outside. I tend to go with the ambience of the session and location.

One reason that I choose not to be a studio photographer is that I like to use light differently, again, for the reasons I mentioned above. Time of day, location, and available light all contribute to what a final image will look like.

Keep reading to see the different types of light I like to use at family and newborn sessions:

backlight/rim light

The sun sets behind the trees at this location and it’s so beautiful to see the sun shining through the trees, illuminating the subjects and getting some rim light! These weren’t quite golden hour but I chose to backlight this mama and her son to have a brighter, joyful look in this image.

golden hour

Depending on the location of the session, we can choose to shoot at golden hour which is the hour right before the sun sets. There is a creamy golden haze that can only be seen twice a day. I’m all about a morning golden hour session but most often the evening golden hour is more preferred for families and young children!

open shade / flat light

This photo session was from an in home newborn session, where we started inside and then came outside for the second half of the session. By the time we came outside there was plenty of sun shining into the family’s backyard so we found an area that was under the trees and well shaded. This type of light is known as flat light. It’s clean and I use it a lot depending on how the light shines through the location. There isn’t as much dimension and the light is pretty even on the subjects which means no eye squinting! ;-)

flash

I always bring my flash during in home sessions just in case we need more light in the rooms. This maternity session was done in the early evening and there wasn’t much light coming through the windows. The nursery as you cam see, has bright color and details that I wanted to capture. We would have had a totally different feel had I used just the natural window light, but I purposely used flash to keep this image bright and colorful.

dappled light

It’s always fun to do something a little different and use light in a new way. I was just photographing this mama in another area of the bedroom when I happened to notice the way the dappled light was coming through the window. I chose to show the color image here but the black and white also looked great with the contrast of all of the lines!

dramatic light

I loved this corner at this family’s home and knew I wanted to do something a little different here too. We took several photos upstairs with the flash and I knew in this specific area I wanted to use the directional light from the window and a lower exposure to create a more intimate image. And of course to focus on this little girl’s beautiful red hair.

It’s always fun to push my creativity to be able to fill your gallery after your family session.

Send me a message to schedule your family session!

5 Tips for a Successful Family Session

You have your family photo shoot booked, now what? Have you ever had photos taken of your family? I’m glad you’re here! I offer family and newborn sessions in the DC area and it brings me joy to photograph children and families in a natural and organic way. I have included some tips in this blog post about how to make sure you enjoy getting special moments captured with your family.

Keep reading if you want to know 5 tips for a successful family session…

1. use flattering Light

   Light is one of the most important ingredients of what makes a good image. Most of the photos I take at family and newborn sessions use natural light. For in home sessions we will spend time in areas with the best window light in your home. We can think traditional rooms such as the master room, living room or bedrooms, or we can think outside the box and spend time in your kitchen or sun room! When I arrive to your home we will turn off all of the lights and open any window curtains or blinds and see where we can find nice creamy light. For outdoor sessions we will use natural light either first thing in the morning about an hour after the sun rises or about an hour before the sun sets. Midday sun is not flattering and a little harder to work with, so my favorite is golden hour or shaded areas outdoors!

2. wear comfortable Clothing 

   I want you to feel like yourself when you get photos taken of your family, but don’t feel the need to go out and buy super fancy outfits that you’ll never wear again. I usually recommend Mom choosing her outfit first and then dressing the rest of the family in colors and textures that are coordinated with Mom’s outfit. I encourage you to put fun outfits together and making sure you can move around comfortably. Think color, texture, pattern and season. Still not sure what to wear for family photos? Check out this blog post.

3. choose your Location 

   One of the first things I do when a family contacts me about booking a photo session is deciding which location is best for a photo session location. I’m a family photographer located in the DC area and can always recommend areas that I enjoy photographing. Depending on what you’re looking for, we can have your session in a park, an urban location, outdoors at your home. If there is a location that is special to your family we can use that location as well. Check out this blog post for photo locations for your family session in the DC area.

4. be familiar with photographer’s Style 

   As a lifestyle family photographer it’s important that I can photograph and document your family’s memories the way you want to look back and remember. If you are looking for a super posed, formal photography session where everyone is looking at the camera, you may want to search for a different photographer that can better meet your needs. If you’re looking to have a laid back and playful session let’s chat! I will pose and guide your family to naturally interact which will help to create beautiful photos of your family!

5. Prepare your children

   Let your children know ahead of time that we will have a photo session and they will get to play. The last thing we want is for your child to dread the photo shoot. Your family will have a great time playing and snuggling with one another and I’m just there to put you in great spots, make sure you’re close, and take your photos!

Send me a message to schedule your family session!

What Should I Wear for my Family Photo Session?

I get this question often! What should we wear for family photos? When you’re picking out what you want your family to wear for family photos I always like to suggest a few things you can do.

The first thing I will note is that I am a lifestyle family photographer so what’s most important to me is that you enjoy your session and the photos are able to show what your family connection feels like, not necessarily a photo of everyone dressed perfectly and looking at the camera.

With that being said, I do feel that there is some strategy that comes along with outfit choices.

Keep reading to see what to wear at your family photo session:

Keep these tips in mind and you can dress as dressy or casual as you’d like!

1. be comfortable

   Dress comfortable! If you have little ones, you’ll be carrying them and moving around to play with them and I want you to be comfortable! Comfortable to you can mean a dress for you Mama, or it can simply be a cute top and jeans (or shorts!). I would suggest dressing with the season so that you’re nice and comfortable and not too hot or too cold.

2. start with mom’s outfit

   I usually recommend starting with an outfit that Mom feels and looks great wearing. Once Mom is good to go, see if your family members have clothes with colors that compliment the colors in your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing a patterned dress, you can have your family members wear choices that bring out the colors in your dress.

3. coordinate, not match

   Your lifestyle family session isn’t a formal - let’s all go to a studio and dress alike - everyone look the same - session. Be you!

   Simply use colors that go together such as different shades of the same color or complimentary colors that are opposites on the color wheel. We aren’t going to be all wearing those white tees and matching khaki pants here. Add some more interesting clothing choices than that! I promise your photos will look much better when your outfit choices coordinate and look arranged but not matchy matchy.

4. stay away from large logos & “screen tees”

   Unless you’re going for a specific look/theme for your photos, please stay away from wearing shirts with large logos or screen / character tees. This can sometimes date the photos and won’t look as great for the professional look of family photos. It is probably best to stick with solids and prints for your session.

5. add pops of color

   I love love love color and it’s pretty obvious on my website and when you see my work! If you have some items in your wardrobe with a little bit of color definitely go with that! It helps to make the photo more interesting and helps to add layers and variety to the photo.

6. add a mix of texture & pattern

   I would change things up and have one or two of your family members in a different texture or pattern than you. This can mean someone in your family wearing plaid and another member wearing something a little more simple. Think about what you already have in your wardrobe and lay out everything before your session to see how it all looks together.

I have also put together this Pinterest Board in case you need more What to Wear ideas! I hope this is helpful!

Send me a message to schedule your family session!

Why I like using my 35mm for Lifestyle Family Photos

There are so many different choices that a photographer can make for how they want their sessions to look and feel. Choosing a location, a lens, the style of photography, time of day, and what kind of sessions to provide are all at the preference of the photographer. I love looking through photos from past family sessions and figuring out what I love most about each session. For this particular session I was so happy with the images and contribute it to the lens choice for this family.

Keep reading to find out why I like to use my 35mm lens for family sessions.

including a pretty background

This was a late summer/fall photo session and I wanted to be able to photograph the pretty foliage at Winn Park in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia. I have had a few sessions at Winn Park and you can find more photos from those sessions here and here. Winn Park has pretty trees, natural light, and an adorable little pond. All of this is in the middle of Midtown, Atlanta! A wide lens like a 35mm allows me to be able to photograph the surrounding environment during the family sessions.

getting closeups of the kids 

With the 35mm lens for family photography sessions, I’m able to get in close to photograph individual family members. This works out great when the little ones are already sitting in mom and dad’s lap and works too when the little one just wants to remain there. I have taken several children’s portraits while the children are still in their parents arms! The 35mm doesn’t have a zoom capability and I much prefer to “zoom with my feet” by taking steps closer towards the family to get those closeup shots.

being able to touch and guide family members

When I use a short focal length lens such as a 35mm, I’m able to remain pretty close to be able to touch and guide family posing. This comes in handy when my brain thinks faster than the words that come out of my mouth and sometimes it’s easier to gently guide the family to sit or stand where I’d like them. It might feel like you’re already in close with your family, but some of the time there may still be space between you, and the photo ends up looking like you are farther away from each other than you really are. Family posing and guiding is important even with lifestyle family photography to ensure your family is connected and engaged for those special lifestyle photos!

engaging children by singing a song 

Often at my sessions if the children have seemed to lose a little bit of interest or when they want to explore rather than sit still, I will either sing a song or have the parents sing a song to keep them interested. When I have a 35mm lens I’m already remaining pretty close to the kids and I think it makes it easier for me to engage with them (even singing a silly children’s song).

engaging children by playing a game

Another trick I do all the time when photographing children is playing games! Depending on the age of the child they may show some interest in the camera or try to figure out exactly what I’m doing. Other times they want to look at the camera and say, “cheese”. I will not be asking them to say cheese! I rather engage with the children in a game like peek-a-boo with my camera and this usually does the trick to relax the child and bring out organic smiles.

Are you interested in booking a family session?

Send me a message!

What I look for in a Session Location

When planning a family session location, there are a few things to consider. Your family may already have a special place that is meaningful to you that would make the perfect location! Here in the DC area, there are several areas that make for a great place to take family photos. When I am helping a family decide on a location for family photos, there are some things that help make it a great location.

Keep scrolling to read what I look for in a session location…

1. a place to stand 

   At the beginning of the session when we are getting started, I like to start with standing poses. This gives me and the family an opportunity to chat a little and get the “safe” photos where the family is looking at the camera. These standing poses start off a little traditional, and then I will guide the family to interact in order to get more of the lifestyle photos you see in my portfolio and social media pages. Finding a great spot for standing poses is the first thing I like to look for when choosing a session location.

2. a place to sit 

   Of course we need a place to sit as well! Moving around to different spots at the session location gives us a way to have variety in the session. There are several photos we can create when there is a place to sit and/or lay and interact with one another. I want to make sure that there is a clean and uncluttered place to sit without many distractions in the background so that the focus can be on the family.

3. an open field 

   Having an open field is great to have at a session location because it gives the kids a way to run around if they need a break from the session. I don’t typically make the children look at the camera, but sometimes children (especially at this toddler age) still need a cuddle or snack break for a few minutes. This little guy took advantage and was supported to walk around and I’m glad I kept shooting!

4. hazy light 

   If you’re able to either see the sun rise or set at the session location, take advantage! What I love about this location is that there is beautiful sun if you go at the right time. We weren’t there quite in time for the actual golden hour/sunset but I was able to still choose an area with beautiful hazy light to take some creative images of the family.

   Many locations will have “open shade” where the light is even and make for great photos. If I see a sliver of hazy light or golden hour rays, I will definitely guide the family to move to that area to see how we can add more variety to the family gallery.

5. easy parking

   We know how hard it is to find parking in the DC area. I tend to offer session locations that allow for easy parking because I think it makes a great session experience. Many times the family has little ones and/or strollers or pets, so it’s always helpful to be able to have parking close by.

Did I miss anything that you like to consider when choosing the best location to take family photos? Leave a comment!

related blog posts

Differences between Lifestyle Family Photography and Traditional Family Photography

If you’ve ever searched for a family photographer you may have an idea of what you’re looking for and how you want to experience your session. You may have a special place in mind and you might already have the family’s outfits picked out. That’s great! There are likely several photographers in your area and it might be overwhelming to choose whether you want a lifestyle family photography session or a traditional family photography session. I wanted to share this blog post to give you an overview of the differences between lifestyle family photography and traditional family photography.

at a traditional family session,

You will receive images of everyone looking at the camera:

Typically with traditional family photography, your photographer will do a lot of posing and guiding to make you all look your best while you’re looking at the camera. It’s a great way to get that shot of the family that Grandma wants and it’s great for holiday cards. Your photographer will have tips or noise makers to have the little ones pay attention to the camera and smile so that everyone is looking together at the same time.

the photos will show what you look like:

Traditional family photography focuses on what you look like and tend to be a little more formal (in my opinion) and they are great for documenting photos that are perfectly composed and perfectly lit and just, well, “perfect” but doesn’t necessarily always focus on what it feels like.

at a lifestyle family session,

Children want to play:

During a lifestyle family session I encourage your children to play. It might take them a little while to get comfortable with a new person following them around with a camera. I encourage playful interactions when I photograph your family, which means if your child wants to play a game of chase or enjoys tickles or wants to look at the flowers, I will follow you and document those moments.

Sometimes children want to be comforted:

If your child needs a nap or hugs from mama, please take advantage of that time. I love photographing those little moments when she’s reaching for your  hand or when he needs a paci to be comforted. As your children get older they will grow out of these little moments that will make you wish they were still that little. Sometimes these moments can be missed at traditional family sessions when your photographer is working hard to have the children look at the camera rather than focusing on family connection.

We can capture everyday moments:

Everyday moments of your family can take place outdoors at the park or right in your own home. When you book your lifestyle family session with me I want you to share those moments that are special to your family and see how we can incorporate them into your family session and get photos of those moments. I offer in home lifestyle family sessions as well, which is perfect if you want your home as a natural backdrop. It’s also great for the kids because they can grab a toy or book and I’m right there to photograph it! There isn’t usually as much flexibility at traditional family sessions because there isn’t as much of a focus on family connection and interaction.

you don’t need to smile:

I tend to photograph children as they are. If they’re happy they will smile. If they’re engaged with their family, they will laugh and want to continue playing with their family. I try to be quick when photographing so that I can catch those fast moments. At a traditional photo session your photographer may have a lot of tricks to get the child to look at the camera and smile and it might also take some bribing. I don’t focus on that when I am photographing families but rather make sure to catch those moments and ensure I’m right there when the children are having a good time and smiling naturally.

you don’t even have to look at the camera:

I mentioned this at the last point and think it’s important that family portraits don’t require everyone to be looking at the camera and smiling. Some of my favorite photos of myself and others are when the people in the photo are engaged with one another and you can see the engagement in their face and expressions. Traditional family photographers are typically looking to find ways for everyone to look at the camera and say cheese.

Don’t be surprised at your session when I tell you to only look at the camera at certain moments. Sometimes moments are better uninterrupted and rather photographed, than interrupted making everyone stop having a good time just to look at the camera and smile.

Do you think you now know enough about the differences between traditional family photography and lifestyle family photography?

Please reach out to me and we can schedule a session that you feel will be great to capture your family!

related blog posts

Why you Should Consider an Urban Location for your Family Photo Session | Family Photography Bethesda

Have you ever thought about the best location to have your family photos? There are a few things I like to consider when planning a location for a family session and I figured it would be a great way to showcase this family! Keep reading if you want to learn a few reasons why you should consider an urban location for your family photo session.

1. colors and textures

   When it’s possible, I always try to look for colors, textures, and patterns when I am photographing children and families. I think it makes the photo more interesting. Downtown Bethesda was a perfect area to have a family photo session because of the leading lines, the buildings, and all of the colors and patterns. All of this came not only from the nearby shops, but also from the colorful plants and outdoor furniture.

   An area like this is best to shoot early in the morning before the crowds come. If you and your family are morning people, this is the perfect idea for you!

2. change of scenery

   There are several different types of locations you can choose when you plan your family photo session. Some families may choose a park location because they like the open field and trees. You may choose your home because you just had a baby and you want the intimate space. Having your photo session at an urban location may not seem traditional, but I think it’s great to incorporate a variety of interesting elements that you may not get in a different location.

   The DC area is filled with many areas that are similar to this one in Downtown Bethesda for that urban feel. Let’s think outside the box!

3. interesting art

   One thing you’ll find when you venture out and have your family photos at an urban location is the opportunity to find cool art! This was my second time at this location and I didn’t realize the fun mural on one of the walls. We took the opportunity to bring the boys over there and it was perfect!! They were the perfect size to showcase the wings.

   Do you need help planning the best area for your upcoming family session? Send me a message and I can recommend some areas in the DMV once I get to know your family a little better.

my style of photography

How I define my Style of Photography | washington dc family photography

I think it’s really important to show photos of my work that I’m most proud of. I want the photographs to focus on things I look for when I am composing the photo. When you look through the photos on my website in the family, newborn, fresh 48, and maternity galleries, you will notice that the photos will usually have something in common. Whether that is composition, lighting, editing style, proximity, or touch, I am proud to have those elements in my work.

I am writing this blog post to share how I define my style of photography.

bright

I love photos that are edited bright rather than dark and moody. I want you to have a photo of yourself in the way that I photographed it, in lighting that was similar to when I photographed you.

Joyful

I have photographed several families and I always want to take some time at your session to document playful moments. Those can be when the kids are up high on dad’s shoulders, or when the siblings are competing in a race. I want you to have photos to help you remember the joyful, happy moments not only from your session but the joyful moments of your family.

colorful

if I see colorful home décor when I’m in your home, I will most likely ask to photograph that space. I shoot most of my photos with natural light but I always take a speedlight flash with me in the event that I want to bring out the colorful space in your home. Think of fun art, bedsheets, nursery walls, and playrooms. I love using all of those colorful home spaces during your in home session!

connected

I will usually tell your family to squeeze in tight and remain close together. There’s something about connection in photos that really helps to show the family dynamic. I love making sure everyone feels comfortable with one another and connected.

candid

I will pose some family interaction to get your family engaging and will get you to sing a song or just hold your baby tight. The result of some of this prompting is candid. The prompt and the moment may have been created at the session, and it is my job to make sure you have those laid back, candid and personal moments that are special to your family.

Are you interested in booking a family session? Send me a message and let’s get your session scheduled!

Bethesda Family Photography | Tabitha Maegan Photography

I am a little behind my blogging from my summer family sessions here in the Washington DC area so today I am sharing this sweet family with you! I have booked many sessions that include newborns and toddlers and I couldn’t wait to photograph this family with young twin boys. We had our session at McCrillis Gardens which is in Bethesda, Maryland and McCrillis Gardens is great for a lifestyle family session! At the beginning of my lifestyle sessions I try to get the family close together either sitting or standing and go from there. The boys were a little shy to warm up but they quickly relaxed and it was as if they forgot I was there photographing them.

What I really enjoyed about my time with this family was the ability to focus on their dynamics and close relationship with one another. I definitely got some shots of just the boys together and wanted this lifestyle family session to focus on the interaction between them. This family was so playful!

You’ll notice in a lot of my work that one person may be looking at the camera and that’s on purpose.

I try to have a main purpose for each image, whether it’s a portrait or a feeling. Some of my favorite lifestyle images is when no one is looking at the camera and when the family is interacting and looking at each other.

The lighting was perfect at McCrillis gardens because we were able to get many family images and portraits, and we spent the last bit of our session towards one of the back gardens where the sun was setting. The lighting was incredible and I love the haziness. I definitely like playing with light when the location allows for it.

How do you want to feel when you see images of your family? Leave a comment below!

Rock Creek Park Family Session | DC Family Photographers

Have you ever had a family session at Rock Creek Park?

Things have been so busy lately and I am coming across so many amazing images I wanted to share from sessions I had over the summer. I got to photograph this family session at Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. I drive through Rock Creek Park almost everyday but I haven’t actually gotten to hike it much. Several people enjoy this park because it’s great for walking and hiking. There’s also a lot of beautiful foliage this time of year and I definitely need to spend more time there! When driving I noticed there are several areas that are good for family sessions and figured “why not?!”

We started our session getting playful family images of their sweet family. C is full of energy and you can tell by all of the photos with her Mom and Dad!

Lifestyle photography allows me as your photographer to capture your family doing things that are unique to your family, in the way that you enjoy doing them.

Of course we aim to take a few standard family portraits (usually at the beginning of the session because of the attention span of the little ones) but once those are done we play! Each family is different and my goal is to make sure you have images after your session that you can show off to friends and family.

After we got some family shots in the green area of Rock Creek Park we went over to Peirce Mill and used their amazing door, which I think was one of my favorite areas from this session! We played a few little games with C to make sure she was still interested in us and she was occasionally looking at the camera with genuine expressions. She danced with Mom and Dad, played on Dad’s shoulders, and sang some songs with Mom. This is lifestyle photography!

We don’t spend your session focusing on everyone looking at the camera. We focus on capturing your family interacting and spending time together.

At the very end of our family session at Rock Creek Park we played in the water and got to see the beautiful waterfall. It’s a waterfall in the middle of Washington DC which I think is awesome. You wouldn’t really know it was back there unless you are familiar with the area. I did a little bit of research and knew I wanted to take some photos near there. We brought water shoes and had some fun!

I am still booking family sessions this year so please reach out if I can be so lucky to photograph your family!

5 Important Reasons to Print your Family Photos

My friend got me a photo album a couple of years ago to fill up with my experiences, memories, friends and family and I have almost filled it up entirely. I printed out about 50-60 photos from the last 3 years and I love looking back at the memories!  I absolutely love being able to have the album as a way of printing my photos and viewing them differently than on a computer or phone. I tell the story of when I used to visit my grandfather in California I always wanted to look through his photo albums because there are hundreds if not thousands of photos of the way my family grew up. There are photos of my mom and her sisters when they are infants!

These photos are amazing to see and it gives me a way to learn about my family. I now offer family albums as a service to compliment your family session so that you can have something extra to take away from your session. I’ve written this blog post to talk about reasons why you should print your photos from your session in this blog post called…

5 important reasons to print your family photos

1. they don’t take up much room

In this example I wanted to talk about an album as a way to show off your family. This album is a 10x8 photo album that can lay nicely on your coffee or side table. It doesn’t take up much room and it’s also amazing to have right there next to where you’re sitting. I printed out about 100 5x7 photos and to be honest it can be a daunting task to organize them in order and put them in the album slots and start all over if you accidentally made a mistake with how you wanted to view the photos. Viewing and organization should never be daunting - let your photographer design your album! The albums that I offer are very nice to the touch and it is not a bulky item. In fact, it will fit nicely in your bag!

2. It’s tangible and you can feel it with your hands

One of the things I love about ordering prints and family albums is being able to touch it, turn the pages of the album, and feel the beauty of an image. It sounds silly but it definitely makes a difference when you can touch and feel artwork.

3. The images look better than a phone screen

Let’s be real - I’m a huge fan of using my phone to take photos. It’s super convenient. But it can get limiting when that’s the only place you can look to see photos. And your phone screen is smaller than a 5x7 photo! Let’s print your photos so you can look at your beautiful family outside of that little hand held device!

4. You have something to pass down to family members

Prints, albums, and artwork are all examples of ways to pass down memories to your family. I still have photo albums from high school and college and I don’t plan on getting rid of them anytime soon. I have albums from the last couple of years as an end-of-year review and I love looking through them. If you order prints and albums you have something tangible to pass down to family.

5. to remember the insignificant details

Photo albums can store quite a few images. As your photographer I take the time to place images from your family session in a way that makes sense. I include a variety of images from your session and put it all together to tell your story. There are small details I include such as him resting his head on your shoulder and the way you touched the side of her face to calm her down. I want these images to make you feel an emotion and I want you to remember how those details that seem so insignificant be significant to your family.

How do you want to tell your family’s story? I’m booking newborn and family sessions in the Washington DC and Atlanta areas.

Please contact me to book your session!

Kirkwood Atlanta Family Session | Tabitha Maegan Photography

Thank you for being here! I’m all about color and connection and I love sharing photos from recent family sessions on the blog. I think it’s a great way not only to show off the beautiful families I get to photograph, but to also show what a lifestyle family session gallery looks like. We move around a lot during our sessions and I try to get a variety of images of the children alone and with their parents, as well as a group family photo.

This session was with the Sunshine family in Atlanta, Georgia and I absolutely loved seeing them again. I had photographed their daughter when she was two days old during a fresh 48 birth place session and it was awesome to see how big she’s gotten!

This lifestyle family session began indoors in their home and we transitioned outside. Can we just take a few minutes to admire their front porch? Wow! It’s beautiful! I loved the lights and the swing and they helped tell this family’s story. We ended our session in their backyard and it was fun to see their daughter explore and play with Mommy and Daddy.

I’m currently offering lifestyle family photography in Washington, DC and love how much this city has to offer. If you’re looking for a family photographer in the Washington, DC or Atlanta area please send me a message. I’d love to photograph you!

DC Family Photographers | Lifestyle Family Photography

One thing I love about lifestyle family photography is the way moments organically unfold. As your lifestyle family photographer, I do pose and guide you into an area and work on getting your family close together. This is what helps to create beautiful images in your lifestyle gallery. During your lifestyle family session I do have a little bit of structure in terms of guiding, but I am definitely aware that toddlers are busy and they want to play.

The last time I photographed this family was when baby sister was just a two week-old newborn. During her lifestyle newborn session I captured so many adorable moments and got to document their new family of four. I couldn’t help but to include some photos from their newborn session!

Fast forward about 9 months, we scheduled another family session before I made the move from Atlanta, Georgia to Washington, DC. I was so excited to see how big these girls got and it didn’t take them very long to warm up. We sang songs, looked at the pond, and got to play with Mom and Dad.

I want your lifestyle family session to be fun and playful and I want you to love how the images tell your family’s story.

This session was at Winn Park in Atlanta and I absolutely love shooting here. It’s a hidden gem in the middle of Atlanta and there are several areas in the park that are great for variety in the photos. There is a little pond, a waterfall, and beautiful foliage. I photographed this family of four (also with two toddlers) as well as this sweet family and love photos from all of their sessions!

Please send me a message if you think you’d like to schedule a family session either in Atlanta or in the DC area! I love when families book me as they add family members, or just when they need updated photos. I definitely miss my families in Atlanta and I’m happy to say that I am always willing to fly back home to book sessions and see how much my families have grown!

4 Places to Take your Family Photos in Washington, DC

I just moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Washington, DC a little over a month ago and I have spent some time exploring and scouting photo shoot locations in Washington, DC to make sure I can have options for the families I photograph when they contact me for their lifestyle family session. I knew many photo locations in Atlanta, but now that I’m in DC I have to start over to make sure I am comfortable shooting in specific locations!

There are 3 things I am looking for when I am scouting locations for lifestyle family sessions:

1. natural light

I am a natural light photographer and it’s important to find areas for a family photo shoot that have great light. Natural light is our friend!

2. variety in the location

I want to make sure there area different areas at the location that we can have variety in your family gallery

3. parking

Parking can be so hard here in DC so I want to find locations that have easy parking options!

keep reading if you want to find out 4 places you can take family photos in Washington, DC.

Peirce mill - washington, dc

Peirce Mill has great texture with a nice barn door, an open field, and a gorgeous waterfall in Rock Creek Park.

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glenview mansion - rockville, maryland

What I love about Glenview Mansion is the architecture of the house and front porch, the large front lawn, and the small, shaded backyard.

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mccrillis garden house - bethesda, maryland

McCrillis Gardens is a quiet, almost hidden location and I love shooting there. It has colorful foliage and an open backyard that lets in beautiful sunset.

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downtown bethesda - bethesda, maryland

Downtown Bethesda is perfect for an city-feel location for your photo shoot. There is a lot of color, leading lines, not to mention neighborhood eateries and coffee shops that are perfect for lifestyle photography.

There are many other historic, well known areas in Washington DC that I want to use for lifestyle family sessions so I will be writing another blog post with you for Part 2 of Places to Take Family Photos in Washington, DC. Stay tuned!

I can’t wait to photograph you!

Potomac Family Photographers | In Home Milestone Session

One of my close friends moved back to her home state of New York a couple of years ago. We met in Atlanta and I was happy for her move but knew I wouldn’t get to see her as much. We talk often and I was so excited when she became pregnant with her daughter and I was already planning when I would get the chance to meet her!

I had seen photos of her daughter online and knew when I had a trip planned to New York I couldn’t contain my excitement to meet her and schedule a 10 month photo session at home to show how big she’s gotten!

It is so neat to see one of your friends now be a Mom! Her daughter is such a bubbly, fun little baby and I loved spending time with them.

Most of the portraits I take are of newborns and families, but I loved this 10-month milestone session. She was such a wiggle worm and wouldn’t sit still for too long. She kept me moving fast to be able to catch her for a photo and I love the variety we got!

Interested in booking a lifestyle family session?

Head on over to my contact page and send me a message!

Family Photography Atlanta | Winn Park

When families invest in me for family photos I feel special. I feel that families can trust that I will tell their family’s story in a fun, laid-back and true way.

I’ve been a lifestyle family photographer for a couple of years now and I’ve met several families that want updated family photos and choose me! Tabitha!

I get so excited for every single family photo shoot.

Sometimes there is a new addition to the family and a lifestyle newborn session is perfect for them. Sometimes it’s great to have updated family photos in the fall to send to friends and family, and that’s exactly how I got to meet this family.

This session was actually in my last busy season and somehow it slipped my mind to post this beautiful session on the blog! There are many photo locations in Atlanta, and Winn Park is one of my favorites.

Winn Park is located in Midtown Atlanta off of 15th street and this park is such a gem!

You may have been photos at Winn Park from the blog post what to expect from your lifestyle family session that included a family of four with two little ones. Our maybe you have seen the blog post how to look your best in family photos with two of the most energetic little guys, which made for a very playful family session. There is pretty foilage, big green space, and a cute little lake. There’s also a waterfall! How did I not know about Winn Park for so long?

When choosing a family photographer it’s important that you know what to expect and how your final images will look. At every session I take a group photo including all family members. I also try to get each parent with each child, as well as portraits of each child. I really enjoyed spending time with this family of three and I thought Winn Park was a perfect location that gave us so much variety. I also made sure to get some of just Mom and Dad and loved the playfulness in their photos!

However big your family, I can assure you that we will have fun and you’ll love your lifestyle family session and your photos!

Wanting to get on the calendar? Send me a message and we can schedule your family session!

lifestyle family session at ponce city market | atlanta family photographers

One thing I love about being a lifestyle family photographer is including elements that are unique to the family. I met this family that had recently moved to Atlanta and wanted a way to incorporate some Atlanta elements into their lifestyle family session! We discussed whether a park or an urban location would be best and we decided to have our family session at Ponce City Market!

What I love about having sessions at Ponce City Market is the fact that there is so much color and texture!

And if you know anything about me, you know I love color! I wrote a blog post all about it and you can find that here! 5 ways to incorporate color into your family session.

Mom, Dad, and their son were the sweetest.

I wanted to focus on their loving and touchy-feely family dynamic so I focused a lot on closeness, connection, and hands!

Mom and Dad didn’t hold back and I think it created a way to show their family uniqueness, even with their son looking over to them! We danced a little and moved around different locations at Ponce City Market to have a variety of images from this fun shoot. As you can see, this guy is loved by his mom and dad so much and seeing them hug and kiss and tickle him really made my heart so happy!

Interested to book a lifestyle family session? Check out session information here as well as the family gallery. I’d love to hear from you so please send me what you are looking for on my contact form!