Warm Hugs and Wheee!
Fall is winding down here in Northern Virginia - many leaves have already fallen and trees are beginning to look bare. As we roll into the next 5 weeks of multiple holidays, chilly weather, and busyness, I still have some fall sessions! I "met" this family on Facebook - moms looking for available photographers, or scrolling through photographer comments on another mom's post is a common connection for me! We juggled some time options to work with nap time (toddler schedules are key for photo sessions), and settled on Burke Lake Park.
For Reilly and Bridget, this fall is unique - they're expecting another baby in 2025, so this season of holidays is their last as a family of three. Sweet Hanna was shy at first as we walked toward the lake - avoiding a nature presentation for toddlers at the amphitheater - and kept close to Dad. Bridget had wisely brought along some additional helpers for me (figures of Elmo and Abby) if need be, and we all worked on teasing out smiles for the first 10 minutes of the session. Of course, little Hanna and her big eyes didn't need a smile all the time with her adorable face! We finally loosened up a bit by playing "wheee" (swinging between mom and dad), and Hanna decided she could walk along on her own.
Bridget and I chatted a bit about the soon-coming sibling, picking names, and how Hanna feels about being a big sister as we walked from the lake up along the tree lined path for some additional poses. We tried capturing Hanna with mom's bump, but she wasn't feeling it. We did get several family poses, some of Hanna with Mom, some with Dad, and even a few by herself. As we neared the end of the session, she was coming out of her shell, chatting with me about all sorts of things, and wanting to know if she should look at "other mama" (me... how cute... totally melted my heart!).
This was a gorgeous fall day at the end of November, and not too chilly! The fall leaves hung on enough for some color in the background, and this self-proclaimed "awkward in pictures" family had a session chock full of picture-perfect images! It was such a pleasure to meet you all and get to know you a bit. Congratulations, and a Happy Thanksgiving!
