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: