Fall Family Portraits Mini Sessions for New Clients!

IT’S HERE!
THE FALL FAMILY PORTRAIT MINIS FOR NEW CLIENTS!

What’s included:
15 minutes of photos
3 high-res downloads
Proof gallery of 15-20 images to choose from, and the option to buy more photos or the full gallery at a discount

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Location: Dumbarton Oaks Park or Rock Creek Park, whichever has the best colors that day.

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DC's Top Wedding Venues

I’ve had the honor of photographing weddings at some of the best wedding venues in Washington DC - here are my top favorites! They are beautiful, the service is impeccable, they have adequate light that is a pleasure to shoot in, and they offer a wide variety of great spots for photos without walking too far. My wedding photography clients value an old-world, classic setting for their special day, and these venues offer that and more!

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The Omni Shoreham

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Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall

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Woodend Sanctuary

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Larz Anderson House

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Dacor Bacon House

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L’auberge Chez François in Great Falls

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Morais Vineyard

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Grammercy Mansion

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Tabard Inn

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Salamander Resort

Top DC Wedding Venues, Best Wedding Spots in DC, Best Wedding Venues outside of DC, DC Wedding Photography, DC Wedding Photographers, Luxury Weddings, Luxury Wedding Photographers, Destination Wedding Photographers, Omni Shoreham Wedding, Grammercy Mansion, Arts Club of Washington Wedding, Dacor Bacon House Wedding, Salamander Resort Wedding, Tabard Inn Wedding, Morais Vineyard Wedding, Stone Tower Winery Wedding, L’auberge Chez Francois Wedding, Anderson House Wedding, Woodend Sanctuary Wedding, DAR Continental Memorial Hall Wedding, Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographer, Magazine

Romantic Surprise Proposal in Georgetown

Steven proposed to Shreya in the intimate courtyard of the Graham Hotel in Georgetown. They live in another state, but early in their relationship, they took a memorable trip to DC together. Steven wanted the floral design to mimic a flower field they walked through on one of their first dates. With Mike Heuer’s beautiful guitar music playing softly in the background, Steven got down on one knee and asked Shreya to marry him.

A huge thank you to the team that helped put everything together!

Planner :: Marvin Velazquez at The Heart Bandits
Guitarist :: Mike Heuer
Florals :: Genevieve Targoni of La Fleur du Jour
Venue :: Graham Hotel

Nashville Maternity Session :: Family Portraits in Centennial Park

I spent a beautiful week in Nashville taking family portraits and had the pleasure
of meeting this wonderful family for a maternity session in Centennial Park!

I love maternity sessions with older kids because the photos are just so darn cute! The older siblings have fun hugging and kissing mama’s belly and talking to their new little brother or sister. Kids can be such goofballs and have high energy during afternoon photo sessions, so we use that energy to create laughter and love-filled portraits, a combination of candid and posed photos.

Thi told me before her session that

Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

Catherine and Matt have been coming to me for portraits for years, and seeing their kiddos get big and helping them capture the growing-up experience warms my heart and makes going to “work” not work at all, but fun! I get to spend a fantastic afternoon encouraging their giggles and watching two loving parents interact with and have fun with their kids.

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!

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.

Motherhood Photo Session: a Sweet Afternoon Mother-Daughter Portrait Session at the Cherry Blossoms

L&L drove down from New York on their first mother-daughter road trip and scheduled an afternoon cherry blossom portrait session to commemorate the happy occasion. We texted back and forth a few weeks prior to their session to pick out their outfits to coordinate with each other and to create an elegant, coherent look with the cherry blossom backdrop.

Motherhood portraits are quickly becoming one of my favorite types of sessions. I love showing the special bond between a mother and her first-born daughter. They often share the same expressions, smiles, and twinkle in their eyes that can easily be captured on film. Together, we create memories that can be carried on and loved through generations.

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.

Surprise Rooftop Proposal :: a Romantic Afternoon by the Capitol

“Our love is resilient. We both know life is not perfect and we are not perfect.

Through the ups and downs of life, we both just want the other to be happy, but more importantly, we want to be there for each other
in the good and bad times. We know the commitment we have made to each other and we always put that first.”

– Dylan

I recently read that the greatest compliment a woman can give a man is the desire to have and raise his children. The questionnaire I send to my engagement photo session clients includes the prompt, What is the best thing about being with him/her?

As I wrote this photo feature for my website, Sonali’s response got me misty-eyed:

“I cannot wait to one day have our kids have this kind of role model to look up to. It’s the most inspiring thing to have someone in your daily life who genuinely makes a difference in other people’s lives. Dylan is incredibly passionate about his work; it motivates me to work hard, but also find purpose in it.”

How They Met

Dylan had noticed Sonali in grad school at GWU, and one day when they both happened to leave class late, Dylan seized his opportunity and ran after her. They had their first conversation on the metro; a simple, but life-changing encounter.

Sonali saw Dylan waiting for the same train and decided to approach him. They immediately connected. Dylan had something that naturally made Sonali feel safe from the minute she met him: “I barely knew Dylan, but I knew I could rely on him.”

“Just as my metro stop was approaching…Dylan asked for my number. He texted me a half hour after I got home (the longest 30 minutes of my life). Two weeks later, we went on our first date and now it’s been 3.5 years together with a wedding in December!”

When They Fell in Love…

Dylan knew Sonali was the one when they ended up spending six straight hours talking - on their first date!

“As much as I wanted to listen to her, she wanted to listen to me. Sonali always put others before herself and her kindness always came through whenever I spoke to her. It also doesn’t hurt that when I see her, I find myself not being able to look away.”

Sonali says, “Something that constantly reminds me of why Dylan is my “one” is his love for family. Family is everything to me, and he always goes out of his way to do the little things for them. He has the purest of intentions for me, he has this go-with-the-flow personality (something my Type A self is trying to learn), and never says no to having an impromptu dance party with me.”

How He Proposed

Sonali and Dylan now live in Florida and Texas, but Dylan wanted to propose in DC because of how much it meant to them as a couple; it brought them together. Dylan invited Sonali to a work conference (not actually taking place). She knew how much his new position meant to him, so she didn’t think twice about the trip.

That’s when Dylan called me to be his photographer. As he described his vision for their proposal and engagement with excitement and confidence, you could hear in his voice how much his soon-to-be fiancée meant to him, how much he loved her.

Together we fine-tuned timing and location details. Dylan had chosen 101 Constitution Ave, a spectacular DC rooftop I’ve photographed before, with a perfect view of the heart of DC - the National Mall, Capitol Building, museums, and gardens. He’d coordinated a private driver and worked with the event coordinators at 101 to set up a table with flowers and champagne on the private rooftop. Dylan told Sonali they had a nice reception that afternoon, so she got dressed up for the occasion.

Dylan did a fantastic job of keeping his proposal a big surprise until the last second. Sonali says, 

“A private ‘company’ car came to pick us up and of course, all of my Olivia Pope dreams were coming true. His ‘boss’ even called him about said ‘event’. Once on the rooftop, I saw tables being set up and started walking towards them.

Dylan pulled me back and said, ‘Babe, this is us.’ I was utterly confused and said, “No, Dylan, the event is over there.”

I turned around and there was Dylan, dropped to one knee, reminiscing the last three years of our lives together.

He asked me to marry him. Nothing else mattered in the world.”

Their Engagement Celebrations

Dylan had a weekend full of surprises for Sonali. He had planned a celebratory dinner at one of their favorite restaurants with their siblings and best friends from home, and 30 of their closest friends from around the country. Last but not least, instead of Dylan flying back to Houston, he flew back to Jacksonville where Sonali is from so that they could see her parents.

“101 Constitution Ave’s staff were amazing to work with and it was a great bonus that Rachel had done a photo shoot there before so she knew all the logistics of the location.”

– Dylan

How did you choose your engagement session location and outfits?

Sonali:

My friends, mom, and sister-in-law were a huge help in this. I always opt for black clothing, but everyone kept pushing me to wear a light color. I thought they were just tired of my boring clothing choices. Later found out that it was actually Rachel’s advice to wear lighter colors for the pictures! I started searching for ideas thinking this event is a big deal to Dylan and I wanted to dress nice. Dylan also had bought a new suit so of course we had to coordinate (something he knows I love!). Everything else was Dylan’s doing, but it makes complete sense as to why it had to be in DC. 

Of working with Lincoln Photography, Sonali and Dylan say…

Sonali:

Dylan was the one who found Rachel to photograph one of our most memorable moments. I will say that these pictures are my most cherished and I cannot wait to show our future kids someday. Thank you so much Rachel for being so easy to work with, and always keeping up with us as a couple.

Dylan:

I heard about Rachel through just combing the internet for DMV photographers and noticed her pictures are great. Rachel was absolutely amazing. She spent the time with me going over how I was going to propose and she gave great advice on the layout and even the color of the suit I wore to make sure It went well with the setting. The pictures were stunning and she made taking pictures so much fun. I'm so grateful to Rachel for beautifully capturing, up to this point, the most important moment in my life.

“I cannot wait to one day have our kids have this kind of role model to look up to.

— Sonali

He asked me to marry him. Nothing else mattered in the world.”

— Sonali

“Our love and bond is the most unexpected. We are so different in personality and interests, but our core values are completely aligned. I enjoy learning from our love and him. I never want to stop growing and building this life together because I truly think we have the rare balance of supporting each other in everything while also pursuing our own goals.”

– Sonali

“As much as I wanted to listen to her, she wanted to listen to me. Sonali always put others before herself and her kindness always came through whenever I spoke to her. It also doesn’t hurt that when I see her, I find myself not being able to look away.”

— Dylan

Engagement sessions are a fun way to get used to being in front of the camera, and to get to know your wedding photographer before your big day - one less thing to worry about at your wedding! During my engagement photo sessions, I always give plenty of direction so you aren’t left wondering what to do. You don’t need to know how to pose for engagement photos; that’s my job! Many couples I’ve worked with tell me first thing: we are really awkward in photos! I’ve never found that to actually be true with just a little posing guidance from an experienced photographer to bring out your natural, happy smiles. Together we’ll create loving images filled with real emotion that you’ll treasure and enjoy sharing with your family and friends.

Sneak Peek at this year's Cherry Blossom Photo Sessions in Washington DC!

I’m so excited to share 2023’s cherry blossom portraits! They turned out nothing short of spectacular. Sunrise cherry blossom sessions are always pink, dreamy, light-filled, and fun! Here is a sneak peek of family portraits with little kids, engagement photo sessions, a surprise proposal, and even an anniversary photo session!

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.

How to dress for your Cherry Blossom Portrait Session!

What to Wear :: Cherry Blossom Edition

To create an elegant portrait that stands the test of time, a coherent wardrobe for everyone involved is a must. Figuring out what to wear to a cherry blossom portrait session should be fun and simple.

Here are my tips for putting together your cherry blossom session outfits, and links to some of my favorite pieces! You can follow the links directly or use the images as inspiration.

What color theme do we find at the cherry blossoms?

First, let’s consider the colors we find at the cherry blossoms…pale pinks, light blues, and white.
That means if you wear black or other deep colors, you’ll stick out in the photos, and not in a flattering way.

We want to highlight you in your photos, but not create a glaring, unpleasing contrast.

Stick to light colors like pastels and creams like pale pink, beige, baby blue, and ivory. Medium blues also photograph well, especially at sunset.

Avoid navy (with the exception of a light navy for men’s suits), deep orange, dark jewel tones, reds, 

What patterns are best for cherry blossom outfits?

Second, let’s consider patterns.

As a general rule, solid colors and large patterns photograph better than tiny details, but there are a few exceptions.

The cherry blossom trees have zillions of tiny flowers and we want the focus to be on you, in the cherry blossom setting. There are already a ton of tiny details in the form of blossoms, let’s try to steer clear of high contrast patterns for your cherry blossom photos. That means avoiding things like navy blue and white, polka dots, etc.

Low contrast patterns like tiny pale flowers on an ivory or pale pink dress will match the setting beautifully. Simple textures like eyelet, swiss dot, ruffles, lace, will all photograph well in the cherry blossom setting.

How to think about your wardrobe for your cherry blossom photo shoot

Last, think nature. Choose florals over zig zags. Choose cotton over polyester. Silk over satin.

To create a coherent look in your portraits, whether you’re a couple or a family of five, choose flowing dresses with sleeves over body-con and mini skirts.

Additional notes

Other things to consider: close-toed shoes for easy walking on the uneven ground, tights for toddlers and babies in dresses so we don’t risk accidentally seeing a diaper, and make sure you try your outfit on in advance and move around in the mirror to look for things like bra straps showing, a low-cut v neck that gets pulled down too far as you shift your baby around in your arms, etc.

Best Locations in Washington DC for Autumn Family Portraits

The fall season in Washington DC is one of the prettiest times of the year, and there are wonderful spots for family photos with lots of colorful fall foliage. Below are the most popular locations that I highly recommend for their accessibility to fall colors, and places to sit, stand, and move around. Peak fall colors in DC are late October through mid-November. Depending on the weather, late November may still have pretty colors in some spots. From hidden spots along the water to the iconic DC skyline, DC has a wide range of locations for fall family portraits no matter what your vision.
Enjoy!

Washington National Cathedral :: The Bishop’s Garden

One of my absolute favorite locations for fall family portraits. Parking is easy, it’s enclosed so kids can run around, and it’s pretty in every direction. There are lush trees, stunning flower beds, quaint benches, brick pathways throughout, and a stone gazebo in the middle. The Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral is modeled after a walled medieval garden, so you don’t readily see it from the street. It’s on the south side of the National Cathedral, sandwiched between Pilgrim Rd and South Rd in the northwest quadrant of DC. You can access it from either road.

It’s also dog-friendly!

We’ll want to meet a little earlier than we would in other locations because the high trees will block the sun as it gets closer to sunset. For beautiful, golden-hour photos, we’ll meet here about an hour and 45 minutes prior to sunset. This time of year that means meeting around 3 pm - 3:30 pm.

Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park, NW DC

Another of my top favorite spots for taking family photos with autumn colors is Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park (northwest quadrant of DC). It’s peaceful, has easy parking, and there are several great spots that allow for a variety of backgrounds all keeping with the fall color theme. Near the mill there’s a bridge next to water to stand or sit on, and the mill has stone walls that also photograph well. Across the street is a wide open park for kids to run around.

Dumbarton Oaks & Montrose Park in Georgetown

Another spectacular location for fall family portraits with autumn colors in Washington DC is Dumbarton Oaks (the public park, not the private garden). The entrance is a pathway next to Montrose Park called “Lover’s Lane”. Street parking isn’t usually difficult, and once we’re down the pathway you’ll encounter trails, stone bridges, and stunning colorful leaves for a dreamy autumn background. It’s also dog friendly!

We’ll want to meet earlier than usual - two hours before sunset - to ensure enough light in the trees.

Rock Creek Park

For outdoorsy families, look no further than Rock Creek Park! There are lots of great spots along the water to interact together, climb rocks and fallen logs, and have fun throwing around colorful leaves.

The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool

For families who want to highlight their time living in DC (many families come here temporarily for work or military assignment), the National Mall, specifically the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool area, is a great location that provides fall colors against the classic DC skyline. There are a lot of good spots to sit, stand, and walk, and we’ll have the option of taking photos with a greenery background without the city. We can also go up into the Lincoln Memorial for varied views and backdrops.

Parking can be very difficult; plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to look for parking and walk several blocks.

Meridian Hill Park

A beautiful park with a cascading waterfall (check construction in advance), Meridian Hill Park in northwest Washington DC offers a beautiful, easy-to-access location for fall family portraits with autumn colors. There are pathways winding through the trees, and it’s spacious and peaceful enough that crowds aren’t an issue.

Street parking is available, and on really nice days around rush hour you should plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the start of your session in case you end up circling.

Constitution Island

One of my favorite hidden gems in Washington DC, Constitution Island on the National Mall is gorgeous in fall. The water reflects the golden sunset and colorful trees surrounding it, and the island has several weeping willows. It’s great for golden-hour, fall portraits with changing colors and pretty easy to access once you find parking (parking around the National Mall can take up to 30 minutes on nice days). There’s a bridge crossing the water that photographs well, and you have the option of including the Washington Monument in photos.

Washington National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

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DC War Memorial on the National Mall

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Smithsonian Institution’s Enid A Haupt Garden

Many locals have never even been to this spectacular gated garden. It’s on the Independence Ave side of the Smithsonian Castle (Smithsonian Institution) on 1000 Jefferson Dr SW. There are quaint benches, granite archways, and greenery and floral in every direction. We can also easily run out to the National Mall for views of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument.

The Tidal Basin on the National Mall

The Tidal Basin is another popular location for fall family portraits for those who wish to highlight the city they live in. There are benches along the water, stones to sit on, and views of the Jefferson Memorial. A good meeting point is the MLK Jr Memorial. Parking should be available on Ohio Drive along the west side of the Tidal Basin. It’s about a 15 minute walk to MLK Jr depending on how far south you park.

Outside of Washington DC

If you’d like to venture further outside DC for an afternoon outing, or if you live within an hour of the city, here are a few places that are beautiful all year-round.

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Founder’s Park just off Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria is a beautiful location in the heart of a city for fall family photos. We’ll have the option of waterfront views with boats, or colorful trees and bushes. It’s not a very big area overall, but it provides several diverse spots for varied backdrops and well-lit places for kids’ portraits.

Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis

A must-see if you’ve never been! Quiet Waters Park is a nature preserve in Annapolis, so fall colors are bound to be plentiful. La Glorieta is the location with the gazebo pictured below, a spectacular spot to watch the sunset after your session. Quiet Waters Park has easy parking in several spots, and a small per-vehicle fee to enter.

Glyndon Park in Vienna, VA

A small but gorgeous park in Vienna, Virginia that has yielded stunning fall colors five years every year I go. There’s a playground as well for after your portrait session if you want to stay and let your kiddos play.

The National Portrait Gallery in Chinatown

My go-to indoor location for rainy or cold days is the National Portrait Gallery in Chinatown. Since we’ll be using a combination of natural light and the lights in the museum, we’d meet a little earlier than planned to ensure we can take bright enough photos. The National Portrait Gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm every day of the week. Parking in Chinatown is usually difficult, so plan to arrive 45 minutes early to circle and find parking, and potentially walk a couple blocks.

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New Paris Prints Available!

Visit my print shop now!

My work and family have taken me around the world to myriad of unique and beautiful locations. I have thousands of photos to sift through and have recently set time aside to bring you some spectacular new prints!

I’m excited to share with you previously unpublished photos from my wanderings through Parisian streets and gardens.

Bon voyage!

How to Prepare for Your Family Portrait Session

Below are some tips on how to prepare for your session - what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during & after your session.

What to Expect

Let me do the work. You don’t have to worry about posing or anything of that sort. You just need to focus on being together and enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Everyone looks best when they are having fun, so let’s have a good time interacting together! We’ll be sure to get classic posed photos of everyone, but most of the session will be action-shot oriented. I will pose you and call out directions as I take photos, and we’ll move around the whole area you’ve selected for your session so you have a variety of backdrops.

Little kids like to run around and rarely sit still for more than 1-2 shots. I know this, and work with them accordingly. If your little one isn’t a fan of a certain pose or action I’ve suggested, that’s ok! I will still have gotten good photos out of it, and we’ll move on to something he or she might like better.

Babies

Babies are curious and learning about the world, so they look everywhere - including directly at the camera, and directly away from the camera. That’s ok! I know how to work around it, and we’ll set up poses or actions that will allow me to see his/her adorable little face!

Don’t fret if he or she doesn’t look at me the whole time - some couples get tense and start arguing because they feel like their baby is not cooperating, or one feels his/her spouse isn’t helping keep the baby looking at the camera. They wear themselves - and the little one - out from constantly calling out his/her name, when simply waiting a few extra seconds will do the trick.

Even when a baby cries during most of the session, I’ve still been able to get *lots* of beautiful photos from those little brief little moments when he or she stops crying and looks up at you with wonder or a smile.

Props

It’s always fun to bring along props! Don’t hesitate to bring anything that truly reflects you and your children individually or as a family. For instance, I’ve had a family bring along a soccer ball for their two oldest children (8-11) who were on teams that year. Another family bought cotton candy and had fun eating it together. The list is endless!

Suggestions:
Favorite book, bikes, painting & drawing sets for your little artist, baseball mitts, favorite truck or doll, family heirloom (jewelry, toys, blankets, etc).

What to Wear to Your Family Portrait Session

Wear something you would dress in for a really nice dinner. You can also do a more casual look with jeans and a dress top.

I recommend sticking to solid colors (tiny patterns don't photograph well), and for women, using accessories like scarves or jewelry for accent pieces. Bold jewelry, scarves, and shoes photograph well!

Men

Think very nice dinner. That means no polos or t-shirts. Also avoid writing and logos, unless it’s your favorite shirt and there’s an inside joke about it that you both agree should be documented. :)

Please come clean shaven, if you don’t wear any facial hair. While I can easily remove any razor burn or cuts in post-production, removing stubble or a 5-o’clock shadow may need to be done by a retouching specialist.

Ladies

Don’t bring a purse, if you can help it. Unless it’s part of your props, or even your bag to carry your props in, you probably will not want to worry about where to set your purse as we walk around the location taking photos. You might want to bring a small lipgloss or lipstick with you, but most women I have worked with haven’t needed to touch up their makeup.

Most women I photograph choose to show off their beautiful locks - and I highly encourage this. To help you out the day of your photo session, try using a little hairspray on long bangs that might fall into your face from the side (don’t pile it on though, we want you looking natural!), or bring a backup hair tie in case there is some wind. Occasionally a slight breeze will blow hair in the way, but don’t worry, we’ll work around it and make sure your hair looks great in your photos.

Kids

If your daughter or granddaughter is wearing a dress, add on some tights or leggings. That way if she squirms or crawls around, and her little dress gets out of place, the photos are still useable. :)

Think Color Palettes.

Coordinate, don’t match. Choose colors that make you look alive and bring out the best in your features. If you are pale, stick to deep colors like navy, maroon, or forest green (not pale pink, white, etc).
Avoid having a single person in a contrasting outfit, meaning a very bright white or red shirt - they will stick out much brighter the rest of the group!

Try your clothes on first (everyone!) and double-check in the mirror. Look for any problem areas and choose outfits that flatter you from all sides. While bra straps, low-cut shirts, or logos can usually be edited out in Photoshop after your session, the extra work will delay your finished photographs, and may cost extra. Plus, you need to be comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. If you love your clothes, you’ll be more relaxed and your photos will turn out even better!

What Kind of Photos Will We Take?

Classic family group portraits and unposed, candid full-family photos; group shots; just the kids; parent-kid groupings; close-ups and action shots; you name it!

I like to capture a wide range of photos so you have a variety to choose the images you love for your walls and sharing online. If you have a preference for classic or candid, just the kids, etc, let me know.

Getting to Your Photography Session

Please be on time! I’m a natural-light photographer, so the sun dictates how long I can photograph you. Please make proper considerations for traffic, hair delays, and kid emergencies! If you arrive 30 minutes late, the session is not extended, but, rather, ends at the regularly scheduled time. I want the BEST photography experience for you, and being on time achieves exactly this!

*Please note: Parking at the National Mall is difficult any time of year. If your session is taking place there, please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to your session to ensure you don’t spend session time finding parking and walking several blocks + across the Mall to our

meeting point. As a reminder, the metro also runs slower on weekends, usually scheduling trains 20 minutes apart. Please take this into consideration when traveling to the National Mall.

Pets

Can I bring my dog(s) to our family portrait session?

YES! Please do!

I always recommend bringing a friend along to watch over your pup while we take any photos of the whole family that don’t have your pet in them, or maybe while we are at a spot that doesn’t allow animals (like on the steps of a monument or museum).

Other

Family sessions are for...families!

“Quick Linkedin headshots" and all other shots not geared towards family will not be taken.

Why do Lincoln Photography family sessions only last 45 minutes?

Many photographers set family portrait sessions at 2-3 hours. Nearly a decade of experience photographing families of all sizes has taught me that this lengthy duration is not necessary and can prove counterproductive. Almost inevitably, children under the age of 10 lose interest, get tired, cry, or complain after 45 minutes. !

In the first 30-40 minutes that I am with a family, I am able to
capture a variety of poses, groups, and close ups with the
adorably dressed little ones. I spend a few extra minutes exploring fun and candid options and then the kids lose steam. I choose to stop my sessions there in order to provide you a better set of photos with less stress, and to save you money. I pride myself on high levels of customer satisfaction and I have found that my method produces the best results.

After Your Photo Session

After your session, it will take 1.5 - 2 weeks for your photos to be processed and uploaded. I’ll remove any photos with closed eyes, less flattering expressions. I’ll email you a link and password to access, view, and download your gallery.

Retouching includes sharpening, brightening, contrast adjustment, color correction, cropping if needed, and light blemish removal on close-ups only.

Your final retouched images will go into a downloadable high res gallery. Anyone with the link and password can download the photos and purchase prints. Prints are provided by one of the country’s leading professional printing companies, and ship directly to you!

Looking to book your family portrait session?

Start here! Or email me

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!

Best Ways to Photograph Cherry Blossoms at Night :: Washington DC's sakura festival

DC’s iconic cherry blossoms are just around the corner!

And they look *magical* at night. Don’t miss out on this amazing photo opportunity just because you weren’t comfortable with night time photography!

1/6 second, f/2.8, ISO 1000

Here are a few tips for practicing your low light and nighttime shots of the cherry blossoms:

Open up your aperture.

If you’re working on making a single blossom or branch the main subject of your photo, using a wide aperture will help make it stand out against the noisy background. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, but details can get lost with all the extra branches and blooms in the background.

Change Your Focus Mode

If you’re having trouble focusing and your lens seems to go in and out of focus, use AF area mode “spot” or “single point”. Put the point over a place in your photo with contrast. Your lens needs to find edges to focus on, and it can’t if there is no contrast. If you’re aiming it at the sky, it won’t be able to find an edge because it’s just darkness. You can choose a point on the horizon, press halfway down to lock the focus, then recompose your photo by tilting your camera slightly up, down, or to the side. If you move forward or backward, you’ll lose the focus.

Turn down your flash.

If your photo is *almost* perfect but the blossoms are just too washed out due to the powerful flash, you can adjust the brightness of the flash. Most cameras have this option in their quick menu. You’re looking for a little downward lightning bolt arrow accompanied by +/-

Get in close. Closer!

You may be tempted to take photos of entire branches as your “close up” of the blossoms. These tiny delicate flowers look beautiful when photographed in clusters too. I like to use my 100mm f/2.8 macro lens for these shots.

1/13 second, f/8, ISO 1250

I hope you found this helpful! Check out my website for a link to my classes, and if you’re in the DC area, check out my Meetup group, Washington Photography Lovers. I’m excited to announce we’ll be hosting a nighttime cherry blossom meetup this year!

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Cherry Blossom Engagement and Family Portrait Sessions

How to Plan for Your Cherry Blossom Engagement Session or Cherry Blossom Family Portraits

If you’re planning the perfect portrait session during the cherry blossom festival, you’ll want to consider timing, lighting, and clothing. I’ve outlined each of these things to help you best prepare for your photos and ensure a wonderful portrait session experience. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a unique time of year, and one of the best for pink-golden lighting and a romantic setting.

What is the best time of day for cherry blossom photos?

The best time of day for photos at the cherry blossoms is sunrise - and I like to meet couples and families 15 minutes before dawn, while it’s still dark out. This ensures an on-time start so we don’t miss out on any dreamy colors. This also permits us to avoid crowds; there is typically only a small handful of people out at that time, if any. As we’re wrapping up our session, people will trickle in, but they won’t have witnessed the spectacular sight that is sunrise at the cherry blossoms.

Sunrise at the cherry blossom festival yields gorgeous photos particularly due to the delicate, light color of the blossoms. Whether the sky is golden, deep purple and pink, or overcast, the cherry trees photograph beautifully. Their unique, winding trunks and branches add playfulness to the scene and fun lines to play with. The petals photograph well from both far away and up close, ensuring a delightful setting for your photos no matter which angle we use.

All of the photos below were taken by me (Rachel) at sunrise, between 6:50 and 7:45 am.

What are the best locations for cherry blossom photos in DC?

I typically take photos around the Tidal Basin, but there are beautiful spots for cherry blossom trees elsewhere. Cherry blossom trees can be found outside the Capitol Building and Botanical Gardens. The FDR Memorial has hundreds of cherry blossom trees, and the view of the entire Tidal Basin can be taken in from the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.

What colors should we wear for our cherry blossom portraits?

If you opt for white, I personally prefer a pale cream to give us a broader range of lighting to work in since we won’t know exactly what to expect from the clouds on our scheduled day. White or off-white outfits will give a dreamy, airy feel to your photos. It’s best to coordinate white and pale colors with everyone being photographed, or else the one person wearing white will stand out like a bright spot in the middle of the photo and throw off the exposure. Women can choose an ankle-length flowing linen, cotton, or silk dress, and men can opt for light tan linen pants and jacket with a crisp white button down, and brown dress shoes.

For women, flowing maxi dresses are quite flattering and will also give you more options for standing in different positions on the uneven ground since your legs will be hidden.

For men, a jacket is a must. It will help us avoid showcasing potentially bulky or wrinkled shirts in the arms and waist. Even if you’re going for a more casual look, dress as you would for a nice dinner. A blazer will add an extra level of timeless style to your photos.

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If you prefer deeper colors, navy blues, deep forest greens, or rich pinks will look wonderful against the cherry blossom backdrop. A nice medium/dark blue (not too dark) will look best.

For in-between shades, I recommend coordinating khaki pants with a navy blue blazer and white button down, a solid pink or blue dress.

Do not wear black.
It is a rather dreary color for the occasion and season, and from a purely technical standpoint, it will look like a dark hole in the middle of your photo.

Dark colors don’t match the overall look and feel of the cherry blossom setting, which is light, airy, romantic, and serene.

Avoid an orange and brown combination. Those colors are much better for autumn portraits. Also avoid red as it will cast a red shade on faces, which is difficult to remove, and doesn’t necessarily match the pink cherry blossom scenery.

Also avoid wearing patterns. Tiny details don’t photograph well and can be distracting. We want your happy faces to stand out among the cherry blossoms, which are already a thousand tiny details. That is the focus of our session. If one person is wearing a pattern, the other(s) should be in solid colors only. You want your look to be coordinated, not clashing.

Please ensure your outfits are made of natural material such as cotton and linen, rather than rayon or polyester. They photograph and hang so much better, and you’ll be all the happier with your photos.

For even more cherry blossom delight, check out these sessions

This magical sunrise maternity portrait session

Hannah & Joe’s cherry blossom engagement portraits

Nefi’s surprise proposal to Emily at the cherry blossom festival

Donal & Fernanda’s cherry blossom portrait session on their visit from Ireland

Friends’ Vacation group photo shoot at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Aaron & Natasha’s engagement photo shoot at the cherry blossoms in Washington DC

And don’t forget to take a peek at my latest e-magazine, Cherry Blossoms from Dawn til Dusk.

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From Paris to Key West

Re-discovering Hemingway and expanding my love for all things vintage

I have come full circle: from Paris to Key West, walking in the steps of Ernest Hemingway. I did not intentionally seek out Hemingway’s old haunts, but am delighted at the fun coincidence. In 2018 I had just spent six weeks in Le Berry, where icons such as George Sand and Chopin lived. I took a little extra time to explore pockets of Paris I had yet to discover, and the historic Shakespeare and Company librarie was near the top of my list for its ties to the Lost Generation and the roaring 20s.

Obscure Paris: Shakespeare and Company bookshop

Vanity Fair calls it, “Perhaps the most famous independent bookstore in the world”. If you’re not familiar with the little place, Shakespeare and Company was the local hangout spot for Lost Generation writers like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, and James Joyce. It was owned by American expatriate Sylvia Beach in the ‘20s and ‘30s before closing during the Nazi occupation.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

--Ernest Hemingway

The original Shakespeare and Company bookshop was at 12 Rue de l’Odéon in Paris, and George Whitman reopened it in the ‘50s at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, and became a home away from home for authors such as Ray Bradbury and Henry Miller.

The bookshop overlooks La Seine, and is just a short walk from Cathédrale de Notre-Dame and La Sainte-Chapelle.

My brief exploration of Key West

This past April, as I prepared for a little birthday getaway in Key West, a friend sent me an excellent three-part documentary series on the life of Hemingway (by PBS), where I learned about his deep ties to the island.

Hemingway Arrives in Key West

Hemingway fell in love with Key West in April 1928, and the house he lived in during the 1930s at 907 Whitehead Street is now a National Historic Landmark. The quaint property has large, winding gardens, the first in-ground pool on the island, dozens of 6-toed cats, and a gorgeous wrap-around balcony with a view of the lighthouse.

"It's as if an imagination is intermingling salt water with desert, sea with plain, creatures of the deep with creatures of the bush."

--Ernest Hemingway

Nearby Places to Visit

A short walk from the house is Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Blue Haven Restaurant, and Papa’s Pilar Distillery, named for Hemingway’s boat.

@shakespeareandcoparis @hemingwayhomemuseum @hemingwayhomecats @hemingwayhomegarden

Portraits to celebrate 18 months, handsome little Neil

This summer has brought me so much portrait happiness! Here’s a sneak peek at Neil’s in-home portraits marking his 18 months of baby fun.

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.

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“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 …).
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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!