Racing the Rain: Alexandria, VA Ft. Ward Park Session

A long list of weather apps and contradictory weather reports greeted us Saturday, but we decided to go for a session and beat the rain.  We started feeling drops about 45 minutes in, and despite the rush, managed a complete session.

Roses in Fall: Arlington, VA Family Photographer

We tried to take family photos for this sweet family at the Bon Air Rose Garden last year, but were literally ousted by zombies.  The Zombie Run was taking place on the morning of our session, so we went elsewhere.  This year, we decided to try again, after confirming that zombies would be out in force a different weekend.  The garden has some fun architectural elements and great fall trees and a creek, but we didn't expect roses in bloom in November!  It was a pleasant surprise and a fun session, capturing leaves and roses in the same shot!

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

It's NOVEMBER!  That means it's time for me to publish my annual holiday gift guide.  Whether you are a photographer or just photo lover, there's a little something here for everyone on your list.  This post includes affiliate links - I get a small percentage of sales on some of these products.

For grandparents, people in general, and anyone who wants to display photos in a classy way:

The image above is the Dainty Shapes Photo Holder set from Noonday Collection.  While I love all things Noonday, this is my photo lover choice.  Get a print set from Artifact Uprising to complete the gift.  Both Noonday and Artifact Uprising have lots of other great gift options, too!

For a high school senior:

Of course, I'll always recommend a gift certificate for a Senior Portrait Session.  But I also love the idea of Pinhole Press wall decals for those moving into dorm rooms!  If you have a senior girl who has a photo session planned, consider gifting a colorful scarf or statement necklace for her photos.

I like these pencil cases from Sandra Smith, which are personalized with name and sport.  They'd make a great big kid stocking stuffer!

For kids:

My kids have loved every item they've received from Pinhole Press.  The board books and memory games are their favorites.  Other kid gifts I love are these donut shirts which have nothing to do with photography but are awesome.  My kids love theirs.  (Unfortunately, my two year old thinks she gets donuts just for wearing hers!)

For Friends with DSLRs:

Got a new lover of photography in your life?  I always recommend a 1:1 session to learn photo basics for those who get a new DSLR for the holidays!  I offer those sessions primarily in January and February.  Just email me or use the contact tab to book!   I also think a subscription to SmugMug is super helpful for storage and the chance to upgrade and be able to sell work.  I use it to deliver all my galleries but I loved it before I had my business to share with friends and family!

For Tired Photographers:

My good friend over at Capitol Maker makes these mugs!  Every photographer needs one!

For Teachers:

I think a bottle of wine with a custom label would be hilarious, depending on the teacher/kid.

For those of us who have taught special education or been through IEPs as parents, the IEP mug is hilarious.  It's another winner from Capitol Maker.  This set goes well with that wine label!

For Anyone Who Needs Pampering (Moms, Teachers, Tired Photographers....):

Gift some self care from Ceh Flora Gift Co with these sweet boxes.  

And for anyone, of course I offer Megan Landmeier Photography gift certificates!  

One is Fun: Alexandria, VA Cake Smash

First birthdays (even those we celebrate a bit late due to a rain delay) are so very sweet.  The start of the silly toddler stage, the expressions, and the big experience of eating CAKE for breakfast.

Extended Family Welcoming Baby Brother: Alexandria, VA

When a family of four becomes a family of five and grandparents are visiting from across the country, it's a great time to document the ages and stages of the kids with a photo session.  Big brother and sister were troopers in spite of a chilly morning (one of the first this year!) and the baby was so cooperative!  We sought out fall colors and actually found them!

Laughter at Ft. Ward {Alexandria, VA Family Photographer}

The same baby that spent last year's session giving me thumbs ups and cracking me up was back in front of my camera, a full fledged toddler and still full of sass and sweetness.  Her parents are absolutely wonderful to work with - they go with the flow and are so full of love for their sweet girl.  And all that love absolutely shows on camera.