My most popular family session type, a standard Lifestyle Session will take place outdoors in Northern, VA (within 20 miles of Fairfax) or Washington DC, or can take place in your home. These sessions focus on your family connection, and include both posed and candid images. I can provide location suggestions and am also open to your ideas as I love exploring new local spots (some of my favorite session locations have been suggested by my clients and I love when they select spots that have significance to their family).
These sessions include immediate family members. Grandparents or Aunts and Uncles in town? Not a problem - additional family members may be included for at $50 per person - please contact me for details about this. Digital files will be provided in an online viewing gallery within three weeks following the shoot. Images will be a mix of color and black & white. Digital files, prints, canvas wraps and other items are available for purchase from the gallery website.
These sessions are most popular in Spring and Fall, so mid-March through May and mid-September through November book up quickly.
I have an assortment of suggestions based on seasons and weather, and am always happy to provide. I always recommend that you are comfortable and coordinated (not matchy-matchy) with one another. Putting most family members in a neutral range with a few pops of colors work best, as does dressing for the season (lighter and brighter in the spring, jewel tone and deep colors in the fall/winter).
Running and playing, exploring or being reserved and snuggling in with parents, kids are all over the board when it comes to photo sessions...and I am here for it all. We'll try to get the "everyone look and smile" images out of the way when the kids seem most open to it (this could be at the beginning, middle, or end of the session), and for the balance of the session we'll work on the connection between your family members, and documenting the personalities of your little ones. My biggest recommendation here is that the parents (and older siblings) remain calm and relaxed, no matter how the little one is behaving - they will play off of your emotions for better (or worse!). Besides, I have tricks which include singing, music, funny noises, and kid jokes...our final resort is a solid bribe ;)
The nature of outdoor photography is that we have to be a little bit flexible with weather. Obviously, if you're signing up for photos in August in DC, you need to understand that it will be hot and humid and I can't control that. This is what makes spring and fall sessions the most popular. It could always rain, or be way too windy...I am flexible and remain in touch with my clients - if we have to reschedule, we'll figure out a day and time that works in the following week or two and make it happen. I simply ask that your trust me to determine if the weather should be cause to cancel or if it's okay - cloudy skies, the calm after the storm, even some gentle breezes can add a level of magic to your images.
Digital files are great for social sharing, but I urge all of my families to print their pictures. Your gallery will have a store which is linked to a professional photo lab that I highly recommend. I can also help with albums, greeting cards, or other display options (Canvas or Metal prints, for example). Remember that digital files will disappear...you'll upgrade your phone in two years and your computer in four years and your files will be forgotten...print, print, print. Your kids (and their grandparents) will thank you!
All full resolution, professionally edited image downloads, availalble directly from your viewing gallery.
All files included
My mini family sessions allow for 20 minutes of outdoor photography in and around Fairfax, VA. With a lower price point and shorter session duration, these sessions are great if...
Parents know best - sometimes young children need time to warm up to the idea of a photographer pointing a camera at them - these short sessions might not make the most sense for certain situations, so please reach out to discuss and we can work together to decide which package would best suit your needs.
These sessions include immediate family members. Grandparents or Aunts and Uncles in town? Not a problem - additional family members may be included for an additional fee - please contact me for details. Digital files will be provided in an online viewing gallery within three weeks following the shoot. Images will be a mix of color and black & white. Digital files, prints, canvas wraps and other items are available for purchase from the gallery website.
These sessions are most popular in Spring and Fall, so mid-March through May and mid-September through November book up quickly.
Your choice of Five (5) full resolution, professionally edited image downloads, selected from your viewing gallery.
Additional files or prints can be purchased from the gallery directly.
(5) files included