A family portrait session captures the essence of your family's personalities, relationships, milestones, and meaningful moments, and can even include your pet.

The session can be casual or formal with the option of a 1.5 hours, 1 hour or a 30 minute timeframe.

Choosing the right location is a key part of creating beautiful, meaningful family portraits. I recommend selecting a place that reflects your family’s personality, style, or story—especially if the location holds special meaning for you.

Some of my favorite locations include beautiful outdoor spaces such as Green Spring Gardens, Dora Kelley Nature Park, the National Arboretum, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, the Washington National Cathedral garden, Bon Air Park Rose Garden, and Brookside Gardens. 

For architectural and urban charm, you can’t beat Old Town Alexandria with cobblestone streets, and a waterfront area.  

Other suggested locations include Potomac Park, Fairfax county parks, areas around the Smithsonian museums, DC memorials especially the Jefferson Memorial, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and more.

Family portrait sessions are available in 30-minute, 1-hour, or 1.5-hour timeframe options. The ideal session length depends on your family’s size, your goals, and the type of experience you want.

30-Minute Session: Perfect for smaller families who are comfortable in front of the camera and have limited time. This session is a quick and easy way to update your family portraits.

1-Hour Session: The most popular option. It offers a relaxed pace with time for a variety of poses, candid moments, and multiple backgrounds. You may also have time for a quick outfit change to add more variety to your images.

1.5-Hour Session: Ideal for larger families or those with shy children/family members. This extended session allows more time for everyone to settle in, includes outfit changes, and is great for locations that involve extensive walking. It’s perfect for capturing a wide range of images and storytelling moments.

Clothing: Choose outfits that are comfortable, well-fitting (not too tight or too loose), and wrinkle-free. Stick with coordinated colors and timeless styles. Avoid busy patterns or logos. Don’t forget appropriate footwear and accessories. For more detailed advice, check out our What to Wear guide.

Energize and Hydrate: Eat a balanced meal or snack beforehand to keep your energy up, and be sure to hydrate well the day before and the day of your session—especially in warmer months.

Bring a Snack (Especially for Kids): Pack a clean, non-messy snack that won’t stain hands or clothes. A quick snack break can help keep little ones happy and cooperative

Pets are Welcome: Including pets in family sessions is wonderful!  If your pet is joining, please bring a helper to watch them during any pet-free photos. Don’t forget treats, waste bags, and a clean, simple leash (black or brown works best).

Scheduling: Book your session during golden hour—early morning or just before sunset—for the most flattering, natural light.

Parking: Plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and settling in. A calm start helps everyone (including your photographer) feel more relaxed. 

Have Fun: The best photos happen when you're enjoying yourselves. Be present, have fun, and enjoy your time together.