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Proud pup mom, type A creative, lover of the outdoors, Top Chef fan girl, and wedding and portrait photographer. Welcome to the blog!
HI, I'M RACHEL!
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I know I’ve mentioned this before, but one of my favorite things to do is location scout. It’s just fun to get out there, explore, take some photos, be in nature, and let myself be inspired by my surroundings. It’s one of the many perks of the job! A couple of weeks ago I had an Arlington spring family photos session, and I wanted to find the right spot that evoked the feeling of spring. It was kind of the tail end of when all the flowering trees were in bloom, but I went out with high hopes that I would find a few I could work with.
Milli and I went for a drive, stopping at Long Bridge Park in Crystal City (you know that’s a favorite of mine!) and a little lesser known spot off the W&OD Trail outside Ballston. LBP was a no go – everything was still looking dry and not at all lush from our long winter, but the W&OD spot looked promising. There were a few flowering trees and lots of green space, so I was satisfied that would work for our Arlington spring family photos session. But I had a gut feeling to keep exploring…
I walked down the bike path, dodging bikes and runners (or, I guess they were dodging us!), and sure enough, across the creek I spotted it! An entire garden of vibrant azalea bushes! Jackpot!! Milli and I hustled back to the car and drove over to Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden. We walked around the side, past the roses that weren’t yet in bloom, past the sun garden which had been cut back, and found this gorgeous garden full of different colored azalea bushes!
I excitedly told Jordan I had the perfect spot for her Arlington spring family photos that weekend! If azalea bushes don’t scream ‘SPRING!’, I don’t know what does! We met there that cloudy Sunday evening, keeping our fingers crossed the rain would hold off – and it did! We had the best time playing in the field, swatting away spring gnats (haha!), and watching their daughter smile so big because she got a lollipop!
All I have to say is, thank goodness for location scouting and little girls with lollipops, because these photos are adorable!
HELLO@RACHELEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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Rachel is a wedding and portrait photographer
Serving brilliant, elegant couples in Washington D.C. + Beyond
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