Cherry Blossom Sunrise with your Pup!

ONE PREMIUM SPOT REMAINING!

BOOK NOW

Cherry blossom photos at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC are nothing short of spectacular! Sunrise cherry blossom sessions are always pink, dreamy, light-filled, and fun! Natasha and Kyle came to DC last year for the cherry blossoms close to their wedding anniversary, and they brought their adorable puppy with them to be part of their photos.

I often get asked by couples and families, Can I bring our dog to our photo session? The answer is almost always - YES! The only exception would be if our location doesn’t allow pets, but I hold most portrait sessions in parks and gardens where man’s best friend is allowed to come out and play!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

Early Morning Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

CHERRY BLOSSOM MINI SESSIONS!

During your family portrait session, we’ll prioritize getting that frame-worthy family portrait, but we’ll also have time to take lots of other combinations - mother+kids, father+kids, just the parents, just the kids, individual portraits, and more!

This beautiful family drove up for the National Cherry Blossom Festival and arrived on a picture-perfect morning during peak bloom. In the days leading up to their session, we spent days texting about everyone’s outfits, something I *love* to help clients with to ensure a timeless, elevated look and elegant portraits they’ll treasure for generations.

For photographers, check out my Family Portrait Pose Guide!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

a Dreamy, Pink, Light-filled Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

Aswitha and Mayur were a delight to photograph at this year’s cherry blossom festival. We spent an hour and a half running around the Tidal Basin on a chilly but beautiful morning just after sunrise during peak bloom. Aswitha’s graceful poise and cherry blossom-pink dress paired with Mayur’s easy smile and affectionate gaze at Aswitha were a photographer’s dream to work with. Congratulations on your engagement and I wish you all the best as you plan your big day!

We hold the majority of our cherry blossom photo sessions at the Tidal Basin in downtown Washington DC. Most sessions took place at sunrise or around 9 am - morning has become increasingly popular to help avoid insane crowds. I’ve been holding photo sessions at the cherry blossoms in DC for over 15 years, so I know all the best spots for crowd-free, flower-filled photos you’ll never tire of looking at.

Sunrise Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

I had the pleasure of working Corene and Cody at Christmas last year for their family photos - including brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, and grandparents! This spring it was just the two of them and their kiddos. They are a picture-perfect example of how to elegantly coordinate colors and outfits for cherry blossom family photos. I just love the soft pastels everyone is wearing, and Corene’s dress is gorgeous!

I mentioned in an earlier post about needing to reschedule due to cold weather at the cherry blossom festival; this family had to do the same! Fortunately, my schedule takes into account unexpected bad or freezing weather during the extremely in-demand cherry blossom season, so I always have room to reschedule as needed and families get the date that works best for them.

Book your cherry blossom photo session early - only a few spots left for spring 2024!

Completely Unposed Family Portrait Session

Brooks and Shana had a special request for their fall family portraits - that their photos be completely candid. Normally I capture a variety of candid and classically posed, with instructions on how to sit or stand and interact so they look completely natural. B & S wanted minimal direction, and had a blast playing with their two boys. They tickled, chased, and hugged their way through their portrait session, and I just love the result!

Want to book a family portrait session? I’m currently booking fall in DC and October 14th weekend in Nashville. Once you book, I’ll send along instructions on how to prepare, what to wear, and offer guidance on coordinating outfits.

Rooftop Proposal

Colin and Isabel had their first date at the rooftop bar of Hotel Hive in downtown DC. They met in DC, and now both live in other states. They were planning a trip to DC for the Fourth of July, and Colin wanted to propose in that special place. After, their friends came up to surprise Isabel and they had a wonderful celebration together. The next day, Colin and Isabel booked my classic engagement session, which allowed us enough time for multiple locations around the Tidal Basin, National Mall, and Lincoln Memorial, as well as an outfit change.

Interested in booking photography at your proposal? Email me! You’ll be in expert hands.

Sakura Family Portraits :: Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms

It always means the world to me when, year after year, families and couples ask me for portrait sessions. I’ve had the pleasure of watching dozens of kids grow up from the time they were one month old - or in Jonathan’s case, not yet born! Jessica and her husband (not pictured due to his job) traveled from several hours away for their cherry blossom portrait session for the second year in a row. They used to live in Japan where she got her gorgeous kimono. Needless to say with her beautiful outfit and absolutely adorable son, there was a crowd of tourists clamoring behind me trying to take their photo! Luckily we found some quieter spots and created some magical portraits together!

If you’re planning a trip to DC, let’s connect!

I help families from across the country and around the globe plan their portrait session at all the best spots - you won’t miss anything and we’ll have a ton of fun in the process! You’ll come away with dozens of laughter-filled photos capturing your precious memories.

Family portrait sessions on your trip to DC are an exciting way to become familiar with the city, find the best vantage points, and have fun seeing the sights. Together we’ll create a custom photography collection that’s right for you. You’ll come away with a beautiful set of photographic wall art prints, an album, and online gallery to share with loved ones around the world.

Cherry Blossom Family Portrait Session :: Unposed Fun in DC

The cherry blossoms peak bloom is one of the most magical times of year. The festival marks the beginning of spring, and families of all shapes and sizes come out to play! This family portrait session took place a sunset on the Tidal Basin. After weeks of frigid weather, we finally saw bright blue skies and golden sunlight.

If you’re planning a trip to DC, let’s connect!

I help families from across the country and around the globe plan their portrait session at all the best spots - you won’t miss anything and we’ll have a ton of fun in the process! You’ll come away with dozens of laughter-filled photos capturing your precious memories.

Looking to book your cherry blossom photo session?

Send me an email!

Surprise Proposal over Reflecting Pool & National Mall, Washington DC, Lincoln Photography

Ashley and Jamie were acquainted years ago while on the same swim team; it wasn’t until 2017 when he moved to DC that they had their first date at Heritage Brewing in Virginia. Since then, their love has grown as they stand strongly, side-by-side, through the best and worst of times.

When they “survived” their first vacation together in Cancun, Ashley knew their future would always be filled with fun and laughter, no matter what they got into. But, when Jamie was ill with food poisoning while returning from Europe, Ashley took charge of packing and helping him walk through multiple airports. “She saw me at my absolute lowest point, and still wanted to be by my side. It was then that I truly knew I would spend my life with her.”

And when Ashley’s company hit a rough patch in 2020, Jamie was by her side through anxious phone calls and emails. He always reminded her that they were a team, saying “we will get through this.”

James proposed to Ashley this weekend on a perfect, blue-sky afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial in downtown Washington, DC after lunch in Georgetown.

---

“I fell in love with Ashley's extremely kind heart and thoughtfulness; her ability to love me for me, despite how silly and child-like I can be at times. Ashley makes me feel cared for, inspired, confident…the words can go on and on. She makes me feel this way every day.”
~ James

“I fell in love with Jamie when I first saw him interacting with my niece and nephew. Jamie is a totally family-oriented person and it really warmed my heart to see how well he interacted with them and how naturally it came.”
~ Ashley

Surprise Proposal in downtown Washington, DC ~ Esha & Nihar at the Spanish Steps

When Nihar called me a few weeks ago about his proposal to his girlfriend, Esha, he had every last detail planned; they would “meet some friends” at the Spanish Steps (a quaint, tree-lined space tucked away in northwest DC), where a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a bouquet waited their arrival. Esha beamed with happiness, and I was honored to have photographed those precious moments of the next stage in their life together. I was taking photos from far enough away that I couldn’t hear the words, but the expression on her face and how they held each other close said everything (and I didn’t wear waterproof mascara that day so …).
~
Esha and Nihar met at summer camp over a decade ago; it was then that Nihar noticed her passion for life, and soon after discovered, in his words, “the warmth in her heart that brightens his world and puts a pep in his step.” They spent the rest of the summer laughing, playing
kickball, and bonding.

In Esha’s words, “Nihar has the kindest heart. He goes out of his way for everyone. He anticipates my needs (especially when I get hangry). But most importantly, he sees the good in the world and has made my life better for it.”

Congratulations Esha & Nihar!

Family Christmas Photos ~ in home portraits

Deck the halls with boughs of holly!
Wrapping up this holiday family portrait season with one of my favorite families - I’ve had the privilege of photographing these kiddos from 0 to now - and look how big and bright eyed they are! They had a great time showing me their favorite ornaments, and little Kai broke out his guitar for a full-on concert!
Happy Holidays, everyone!

Welcome Baby Lily!

In 2016, Mary and Brian were married on a sunny day in the shade of the Jefferson Memorial (link) in downtown DC. This year they welcomed a beautiful baby girl - Lily! Lily rocked her newborn session, she was all affection and on very special moments, showed us her *adorable* smile with dimples. Congratulations, Mary and Brian! It was an honor to meet your little girl.

Happy Family Portraits in Autumn at the National Cathedral

On the last beautiful day of autumn with flowers still in bloom, Kaitlin & Eric brought their three *adorable* children to the National Cathedral for their annual family portraits! We spent a fantastic hour running around the stone pathways of the Bishop’s Garden and frolicking in the flowers. I was thrilled at the older siblings’ readiness to show sisterly affection and grin each other for the camera. Even more adorable was how they held and cuddled their little brother! Picture-perfect <3

Autumn Family Portraits - the kids are growing up!

I had the pleasure of photographing these good looking kiddos last fall in Rock Creek Park, and they’re back again this year for some updated portraits! One of my favorite things about being a photographer is seeing how little ones change each year, and how they act in front of a camera - shy, energetic, playful, mischievous, the sky’s the limit! This happy bunch has been one of my favorite return clients, and they brought their dog this time, too!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Fall Family Portraits in DC, with the dog too!

Sheila & Greg’s daughter Alexandra is just the brightest-eyed little munchkin I ever saw! And I was thrilled when they asked to bring their puppy to their portrait session - of course! The more, the merrier! Photographing families with their pets is one of my favorite things. Kids get to run around and play, forgetting about the camera and just being themselves, and fortunately many families I’ve worked with this fall season have brought their dogs!

Washington DC Family Portrait Session - a fun afternoon!

Every time a new family entrusts me with the task of documenting their children as they grow, I’m honored they chose me out of all the other photographers in the area (and there are a ton of good ones!). But what really brings a few tears to my eyes is when families come back year after year because they just *loved* their photos so much! This beautiful family (with three boys!!!) often travels the world but have managed to take autumn portraits with for the past several years running. This year we spent a gorgeous sunny afternoon at Meridian Hill Park. One of my favorite things to photograph during fall portrait sessions are the colorful leaves fluttering down around the faces of smiling children. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Autumn Portraits, Garden Portrait Session in DC

I was so excited when Catherine wrote to me again about setting up another portrait session! She’s warm, has an easy laugh, and is fabulous in front of the camera! We met up at the gorgeous Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral - the ideal spot for playful, fun portraits to celebrate *you* !

❤️

18 months Baby Portraits!

Meghan & Nick :: Engaged!

Yesterday was a beautiful afternoon here in DC, blue skies and warm sunshine for this happy couple's engagement session down by the Lincoln Memorial. Meghan and Nick met in college, and this summer he proposed…on a secluded beach…at sunrise! #couplegoals

In-home Family Portraits :: Dreamy sunset afternoon photo shoot

It’s been a few years since I last had the pleasure of photographing this happy bunch, and I’m thrilled they’ve finally moved from Cali to DC! Because that means I can take their portraits more often ;) Emerson is growing up into a beautiful young lady, and I just loved seeing their new home. We had a blast running around their backyard taking portraits a couple hours before sunset, when the golden light came through the trees and gracefully lit up their pool, garden, and smiles! They even brought out the veil from their wedding for their daughter to play with, which was a ton of fun!