DMV Summer Photo Sessions at the Lavender Farm
I know it’s hard to believe, but we are mid-summer in Northern Virginia and I am so excited to kick off a full month of DMV summer photo sessions!
This adorable family met me at the idyllic Seven Oaks Lavender Farm in Catlett, Virginia. They had just arrived from Colorado the night before and yet managed to have their sweet kiddos dressed and ready for their 10 am photo session. It was a pretty toasty morning, as you might imagine on a mid-summer day in Nova, and this sibling duo were total troopers. The heat didn’t phase them as they excitedly held their baskets, picked lavender, and shared some precious smiles with the camera! I am excited to share more of their photos from their morning on the lavender farm, as well as tips for preparing your kiddos for their summer photo session!
Lavender Farm Family Photo Session
Preparing your Kids for their Photo Session
If you are preparing your family for a photo session this summer, you have chosen such a fun time! There is something about summer that brings out so much natural, lively energy and adventure! Take this lavender farm for example – when else during the year can you visit such a beautiful place with all of this organic and whimsical feel?
However, no matter the season or the time of year, I am often asked the same question: “How can I better prepare my kids for photos?” As both a professional photographer and a mom, I have compiled some tips for you below 🙂
- Snacks and bribes goes a long way. Just be sure the snacks and treats won’t stain their lips, fingers, or more importantly, their clothes. Photoshop is a powerful tool, but a chocolate mustache is even more powerful.
- Bring a change of clothes for the kiddos – just in case! As a photographer, I love capturing kids when they’re “just being little”. If they want to splash in the water near the end of a session (with your approval, of course), I love to capture such sweet, simple childhood joys! However, that would also mean they may need an outfit change before heading home.
- Prepare them with adventure. You can tell them something like, “we are going to meet Ms. Alexis for fun day at the park!” Thankfully, we are taking photos, which means they don’t have to be perfect, frozen statues the whole time. Only for a few moments, which trust me – I won’t miss those 3 second giggles and smiles 😉
- Stay positive, have fun, and let the smiles come naturally. I’m not going to make everyone “cheese” the whole time. (Only a few times, because I do really love the “cheesy” school-photo-style, squinty grin!) It’s better if you help me in making them laugh naturally! Stay calm, enjoy your time with them and each other, and I promise to deliver beautiful photos of everyone!
- If you are able, bring a neutral-colored blanket (to possibly sit on), snacks, water, change of clothes, and layers in case the weather changes on us.
- For summer sessions specifically, if you have a little had fan, these are great little tools to have on hand! I always bring a couple in my camera bag, but for larger parties, you may want to bring extra!
For more tips, tricks, or ideas, send me a message here. I would love to help!
Booking Your DMV Summer Mini Sessions
Did you hear? I am excited to offer mini sessions around the DMV through the month of July! I genuinely love this time of year with my family and would love to create some memories with you and yours! For questions about summer mini sessions, message me here and I’ll get back with you right away. Hope to see you and your family very soon!
Alexis El Massih is a wedding and portrait photographer, serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and destinations beyond.
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