A Warm Welcome
When I first moved to the Northern Virginia area 4 years ago, I jumped into social media to try and figure out the "best of" all things - a new homeowner, soon-to-be first time mom, and all the locations of all the things I might need. Since launching my photography business, Facebook has been the main source of my growing client base - a fact not lost on me. I connected with this family first through a Facebook ad, but turns out they are the ones new to NOVA, looking for all the things, and they were in need of a family photo. I am so glad it worked out that I could fit them in during the post-Thanksgiving weekend!
Like so many in our NOVA area, the Palmertons relocated for a job from the West Coast. With twin boys who are almost three, they have their hands full, and have spent a lot of time scoping out parks and playgrounds over the last few months. We chatted briefly about a good time and location for booking their session and landed on Lubber Run Park, just a 10 minute drive for them, which worked well for post-naptime schedules.
We arrived and walked down the steps toward the stream that runs through the park. The boys - Jackson and Carson - were quite shy at first, and with the chill in the air, less willing to let go of mom and dad and run around. We snapped some family photos and let the boys throw rocks into the water for a bit before moving up the path toward the hill still covered in a golden blanket of fall leaves. Carson warmed up first, and we managed a different pose for the family before some individual photos of the boys, and a rather valiant attempt at them together. The leaves were a great play option, though Jackson would have preferred to explore what was further down the path instead! We let the boys wander a bit before going back to the rocks at the stream to allow Mom and Dad to get a few photos together before the end of our time. Lots of throwing, lots of watching leaves float down the stream, and enough time to snap those images!
It was so lovely to connect with the Palmertons and share a bit of how we both moved long distances and restarting in a new place. I wish you all the best as you settle in here, with great places to explore, community to be found, and a wonderful area for your family. Happy Holidays!
