Celebrating At Home
This time of year - holidays and the closing of a calendar year - can be so very busy. I was so glad when this mama contacted me for her little one's second birthday. With Christmas and travel and all the other items that can pile up, she reached out in November to make sure we could fit something in! We were able to plan out a lovely in-home session in Gainesville, VA; it was a bit of a drive, but worth it for the comfort of keeping the family at home, staying warm, and being in a familiar place.
The pros of an in-home session can really make a difference for families, but especially when weather (snow, rain, or just COLD) can play a bit part. I brought along backdrops (just in case!), studio lighting, and props to make sure we captured images well. The familly opened up a space in their home and made sure it was tidy - and with the neutral tones in her living room, I think this was the perfect spot! No one needed to leave the house, and the boys could run around and feel comfortable in their own space. Everyone was in comfortable clothing, matching blues and some added gray, which complemented the colors of the living room so well! While we were primarily focused on capturing some pictures of the youngest who just turned two, we also captured some family images and a few of the boys together, too. I brought along some balloons for the festive images, and a large #2, which was a hit with the little guy (and the props help to keep youngsters in one place). I always recommend having water or snacks available with little ones, and toys or special "loveys" when they are really young. The comfort of having a favorite toy in hand worked this time - a little red car joined in the session for a while until the little one was warmed up! We craftily hid the car behind things in a few, but there are some where he's center stage, too!
I love the way this session turned out! The colors, natural light and studio lighting, and the relaxed atmosphere all contributed to a great time together as we captured some memories for this family. The smiles and interactions between the two boys were precious! Thank you for inviting me in to your home, and I hope to work together with you again soon! Happy birthday, and Happy Holidays!
