Cousin Love | Alexandria, VA Child and Family Photographer

Everyone has their reasons for hiring a family photographer. Some people want to document milestones. Others want a family photo for their holiday card. Regarding these sweet kids, they are two sets of cousins and their parents really wanted a photo of the four of them to give to their grandmother. And what a lucky and proud grandmother she must be, because these four are fabulous!

The two little ones were super cute - bubbly and giggly, beaming from all the cousin love. And the two older boys were absolutely wonderful - attentive to the younger two, and entertained by their silliness. Smiles all around and a joy to work with!

Here is a sneak peak from our session. I sure hope Grandma enjoys her surprise!

Pretty in Pink | Alexandria, VA Child Photographer

These two lovely girls get more beautiful every year. With their gorgeous long locks, bright smiles, and fancy pink gowns, they were a delight to work with.

Here are a few favorites:

This outtake had me giggling. Couldn't resist sharing.

Pirates, Vampire Bats, and a Hobbit House | Alexandria, VA Child and Family Photographer

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a super sweet and affectionate little boy and his lovely mother. In nearly every picture I have of them together, he is practically attached to her, nuzzling into her shoulder or pressing his cheek against hers. So sweet. Then again, what could be better than a mother's embrace? 

We spent a beautiful morning wandering through Winkler Botanical Preserve and chatted about all sorts of silly things. Kinda hard to believe that such a calm and cautious boy would be interested in pirates and want to be a vampire bat for Halloween. Perhaps this gentle soul has a darker alter ego ;)

He also enjoyed exploring a small stone structure built right into the side of a hill that has a cute kid-sized door and is only maybe three feet tall on the inside. I have no idea what the purpose is for the structure, but my family has dubbed it the "Hobbit House". Random little play area for little people and their vivid imaginations. Fortunately, no real bats inside the house.

Thank you to the 'K' duo for a fun walk in the woods.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

Mega Mud After-Party | Alexandria, VA Child Photographer

After a three day deluge, all my son wanted to do was play outside. And not just go out and jump in puddles. No, he wanted a full-on-mega-mud-after-party. He probably would have rolled in the mud if I had been more approving of the mud slathered in the hair. I've had parents comment that they can't believe that I let him do such things. But he's in such sensory, tactile heaven, how could I deny him such simple pleasures? Besides, everything's washable, including him!

Sitting Pretty on a Hot Fall Day | Washington, D.C. Baby and Family Photographer

One of my favorite times in a baby's first year is what I call the "sitting pretty phase", when they can comfortably sit upright without toppling over, but before they start rocking back and forth and moving. The phase can be quite short for some babies, but it's a perfect window of opportunity for photos!

So what wonderful timing that Baby 'M's second portrait session happened to be just as she's in the sitting stage. And what a sweet and delightful baby, with such a calm and pleasant demeanor, sitting pretty in every setting that we put her in. Unfortunately, the rest of us were sweltering on an unusually hot fall day, but she was as happy as could be, showered with love and attention from her lovely family.

I look forward to seeing her again when she turns one. Although at that point, she may be on the move, which will be fun, but a challenge to capture!

Here are some favorites from our session:

Two Cuties, Cinderella, and a Live Cicada | Alexandria, VA Family Photographer

I have had the pleasure and honor of photographing the beautiful 'B' girls for four years now. This year, it struck me that the older sister didn't seem like such a little girl anymore. Maybe it was the dress and heels she chose to wear, or the ladylike manner of crossing her legs, or the greater sense of calm, confidence, and cooperation. Don't get me wrong - she's still as goofy as she's always been. But I'm starting to catch glimpses of the lovely young lady she's becoming. So sweet.

Meanwhile, her little sister ran all around the gardens squealing with delight and silliness as she has done in years past. She was thrilled to be wearing her Cinderella 'glass slippers', which eventually got kicked to the wayside so she could run around barefoot. The girl is so full of personality and energy, she cracks me up!

The highlight of the session was when the younger sister found what we thought was a massive cicada shell, which she placed on her mom's leg. Oh, the laughter and screams of excitement when the bug started moving and fluttering like a wind-up toy. The bug-loving older sister artfully scooped the live cicada into an empty snack bag and happily carried it around for the rest of the session.

Never a dull moment with the wonderful 'B' family!

Here are some favorites from our session:

Kisses at the Cathedral | Alexandria, VA Child and Family Photographer

There are lots of picturesque spots near Old Town Alexandria that are lovely for photo sessions. But for this year's session with the 'D' family, we decided to try something different and headed into D.C. for a session in the gardens and woods next to the National Cathedral. Apparently, the mom has always wanted photos taken there, and I was more than happy to help cross something off her bucket list.

And what a difference a year makes. At last year's session, all three kids were under the age of five and were running in completely opposite directions. This year, all three were so calm and cooperative, practically glued together, hugging and kissing, especially the oldest one towards the younger two. I don't know how many times we had to ask him to stop kissing his siblings because we couldn't see his face.

There is so much love in this family, they always warm my heart and make me smile. Always a pleasure spending time with them.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

 

"Move Over Big Sis, I'm Here To Stay" | Washington, D.C. Baby Photographer

Born less than two years after her strong-willed, high-energy big sister, Baby 'M' must have known that she needed a dramatic entrance to get her time in the limelight. She entered this world at near record speed, catching her family completely off guard. What a way to get their attention!

I was thrilled and honored when her parents asked me to photo-document her first year, like I had done with their first child. I applaud their efforts to try to get as many photos of the second child as the first. I totally understand that challenge - been there myself! 

At nearly four months old, Baby 'M' is a gentle and happy baby. Of course, nothing makes her smile more than snuggles with mom or dad. I did catch a few exciting glimpses of sweet sisterly affection in-between the comings and goings of the very active two-year-old.

Thank you so much to the lovely 'F' Family for giving me the wonderful opportunity to be part of and to document this exciting journey. I look forward to seeing them again in a few months to see how much both girls have grown and developed.

Here is a sneak peak from our session:

Weeds and Windows | Alexandria, VA Child Photographer

Beautifully manicured gardens can definitely make for lovely settings for photo sessions. But really, a great portrait can take place just about anywhere, with a little creativity and some good lighting.

Sometimes a random patch of tall weeds under a tree will do just fine:

Lying on a bed by a big window works well too:

And who needs to drive miles and miles away, when you can just be out on the sidewalk, in front of your next-door neighbor's over-grown shrubbery: