Fairlington Family Photographs: Arlington, VA

About a year and a half ago, I photographed a family of three - an adorable and hilarious toddler with his mom and dad.  Fast forward to last weekend, and they're now an equally lovely family of four, having welcomed another little boy in the fall.

These brothers were so expressive and fun, and their parents are wonderful and kind.  We did some outdoor shots, learned the baby isn't a fan of grass or bright sun, and went inside to finish up.  It was a beautiful morning that ended up turning into an 85 degree day, so we had ideal weather!

Be You.

I saw this shirt at Target and needed it for my seven year old.

Often in the Down syndrome community, we hear "more alike than different."

But who says different is bad?  

Chelsea and Ryan: A Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

This year's cherry blossoms were incredible, and well worth the wait.  As peak bloom date kept moving further back, Chelsea and I exchanged emails and rescheduled... and began to get a little nervous about those blooms!

Fortunately, on the morning of our session, there was no rain and the blossoms were beautiful.  Chelsea and Ryan are new-ish to the DC area, and wanted to capture engagement photos in their new hometown prior to their Texas wedding in October.  They were an absolute joy to work with and were up for anything!

Kids in Action Part 2: March for Our Lives

I attended #MarchForOurLives to take some photos for The New Teachers Project.  I had more than a few moments of tears, and I'm sure there will be more as I cull photos for my photo essay.

In the meantime, here are some highlights.  My full gallery is here.

"The Right to Carry" with a drawing of two kids holding a coffin.  One wears a Columbine jacket, the other a MSD jacket.  This one broke my heart.

March for Jaelynn.  She was shot in the days before the march at her school.

Names and stories from Sandy Hook and Columbine.

National Geographic covers, "the only magazines that should belong school" being held by Maggie, a senior.

Kids asking to think about prom, not funerals, not shootings.

Kids.

They're just kids.

They carried so many heartbreaking signs, and also powerful signs.  "You're going to wish we never got off our phones."  "Stronger Together."  "Enough."

World Down Syndrome Day

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, so designated for "3/21" or three copies of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.  Over the years, I've photographed some lovely individuals with Down syndrome, my favorite of course being my seven year old daughter.  Ellie is the reason I got my first camera and my forever model and muse.

For WDSD, I encourage you to take a look around your personal life and see if people with disabilities are part of it.  If so, great!  People with disabilities deserve to live full lives - not just being supported, but giving back as well.   And if there's a noticeable lack of anyone with a disability?  It's a great time to reach out.  An invitation goes a long way.

Easter Egg Hunt and Tea Party: An Alexandria Family Session

Over the weekend, I was scheduled for a Saturday morning Easter session.  We moved to Sunday afternoon, which was the best decision ever.  It felt like Spring!  Knowing that sweet toddler Z would not want to pose, mom and I plotted an egg hunt and styled tea party.  The kids had a great time, and we laughed hard.  Z was very into the egg hunt, and he would go from heartbroken to thrilled every time he located an egg.  B was more than willing to pose, and she re-hid the Easter eggs at least three times, then went out to find them herself.

Photographing the same families multiple years in a row brings me such joy, as now I'm on round 3 or 4 for some groups.  Babies turn into toddlers with opinions and toddlers turn into big kids.  I'm so thankful for what I do and for the amazing families I get to capture.