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:

Brotherly 'Love' | Washington, D.C. Child Photographer

These two high-energy boys kept me on my toes and laughing. The older boy is a force to be reckoned with - he is SUPER smart, HIGHLY verbal, and just overflowing with personality. A total ham, he cracks himself up! Not that the younger boy is a quiet wallflower by any means. Refusing to be lost in his big brother's big shadow, he is just as confident and joyful, but maybe not AS goofy =).  Together, they are hilarious and quite entertaining!

The first series of photos below make me giggle every time I look at them. Love their expressions and quintessential brotherly interactions. Always fun to show what happens BEFORE the smiling-at-the-camera shot.

     

Happy Holidays with the 'S' Family | Washington, DC Baby, Family Photographer

I met the lovely 'S' Family a couple days before Christmas, while their relatives from Germany were in town to celebrate the holidays and their first grandchild's 6 month birthday. The little boy is one lucky fellow, as he is showered with SO much love from all directions. And he reciprocates with such adorable smiles, giggles, and cuddles - you would never guess that his relatives lived thousands of miles away and don't get to see him very often. He definitely had a sweet relationship with his grandmother who had a special knack for making him laugh.

Thank you to not only the 'S' Family, but also to all of the wonderful families that I had the honor of working with this year. I am grateful to each and every one of you, for allowing me to capture such special moments in your lives. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Here is a sneak peak from my last session of 2012: