WEDDINGS
TRAVEL
TIPS & TRICKS
PROPOSALS
PRINTS
PERSONAL
NEWBORNS
MATERNITY
HEADSHOTS
GRADUATION
FAMILIES
ENGAGEMENTS
COUPLES
BROWSE ALL CATEGORIES
read the post
how to include dogs at photo shoots
read the post
how to prepare for engagement photos
read the post
why hire a wedding coordinator
read the post
A+B's gibson island club wedding
read the post
V+A's tranquility farm wedding
TOP POSTS
SEARCH THE BLOG
MORE ABOUT ME
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!
welcome!
micro WEDDINGS
elopements
Today it’s all about the family! I’m sharing these beautiful Kennedy Center family portraits from last fall in Washington, D.C. Woot woot!
Seven Years and Counting
From 2015-2021, in the fall, I’ve hosted family mini session ‘marathons’ in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. (A marathon is where I book multiple 30 minute sessions back to back in one location.) When I’m deciding on locations where I want to host those marathons, I’m looking for places that have open space without distracting elements in the background, like unsightly buildings or cars; away from a busy road so there’s no chance of kids running away and getting hit by a car (morbid, but necessary); a bright space with even light and access to the sky; and bonus if there are no playgrounds nearby – those things are kiddo kryptonite – huge distractions!
In Arlington and Alexandria, you’d be surprised how difficult it is to find a place like that, let alone multiple places like that to give people options and variety. In this area, there are a lot of parks and walking trails, which are wonderful for recreation. Most of those places happen to be in the woods. Which again, is great for exploring – not so great for the type of photography I do. Woods create heaviness, darkness, weird shadows, and color cast on the skin. The exact opposite of what my photography style is!
Search for the Best Location
Over the years I’ve found some locations that work better than others, and some locations that just do not end up being great, even if they have several or all of the elements I’m looking for. One place I found was on a big hill, which limits angles to shoot from. Another place was on a busy bike trail. Little kids standing in the middle of a bike path is not a good idea! For the 2021 season, I decided to take a chance and host some of the the mini sessions at the Kennedy Center in D.C. This was risky because many of my clients live in Arlington, and making it into the city early in the morning with kids in tow is tricky. Also parking can be very scarce. But I took the chance because I knew we’d get beautiful photos, and boy am I glad I did! The Kennedy Center family portraits turned out beautifully!
Baby Johnny
I hosted many families at the Kennedy Center last fall and today I’m excited to feature Tori’s family here on the blog! Tori’s sister in law, Britta, gave Tori this session as a gift so she could capture baby Johnny’s first year. Such a thoughtful gift! You really can’t go wrong giving the gift of photography, in my totally biased humble opinion. Johnny was literally the cutest little guy! When they got to the session, he was snoozing away in his stroller. We had to disturb his slumber so he could be awake for the photos, and this kid took it like a champ! He woke up excited to see his parents and to be in a new place, and was smiley and happy for the whole session!
That little laugh!
Did this post get you excited to book your own maternity, family, or newborn session?! If yes, send me a note and we can chat about what you have in mind: contact me
Hi – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia. I love taking photos of elegant people who love to laugh, as well as of much in-love couples. If you’re a dog owner, that’s a plus! I’m currently booking 2022 portrait sessions, as well as 2022 and 2023 weddings.
HELLO@RACHELEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Get updates, tips and tricks, and specials to your inbox!
Subscribe here
Back to Top
Rachel is a wedding and portrait photographer
Serving brilliant, elegant couples in Washington D.C. + Beyond
Copyright 2022 Rachel E.H. Photography | Website by Alex Collier Design
she / her