As a photographer, there’s an undeniable allure to capturing life’s most precious moments, preserving the fleeting instants that hold profound emotional significance. For the longest time, I resisted the urge to delve into family photography, convincing myself that it wasn’t my calling. However, as I finally took the plunge, a profound realization dawned upon me – witnessing the growth and evolution of families is one of the most rewarding experiences a photographer (and person!) can have!
The sentimental side of me still can’t fathom why it took me so long to embrace this heartwarming aspect of my craft. Watching families blossom, witnessing the unfolding of new chapters, and freezing those cherished moments in time – it is a privilege that fills my heart with immense joy and gratitude.
You may recall Ashley and Max from a previous feature on the blog, where we celebrated the arrival of their little bundle of joy, Baby F, with a newborn session.
This delightful family has been a part of my “From Bump to First Birthday” collection, allowing me to document their extraordinary journey through various milestones in Baby F’s first year of life!
In December, we reunited for a truly special occasion – Baby F’s three-month portraits at the iconic National Portrait Gallery. As the winter chill graced the air, we sought refuge within the gallery’s warm embrace, a haven that offered a plethora of breathtaking backdrops for our family portraits.
It was so sweet to witness the remarkable growth that Baby F had undergone since our last encounter. Yet, even more heartwarming was the palpable confidence that Ashley and Max had developed as parents. During their newborn session, they were undoubtedly naturals, but during this particular session, it was evident that they had found their rhythm, anticipating and tending to their little one’s needs with a seamless synchronicity.
Their chosen location, the National Portrait Gallery, provided the perfect canvas for our afternoon together!
We commenced our session in the Kogod Courtyard, where the architectural grandeur and natural light created a stunning backdrop for our initial portraits.
As our time together progressed, we ventured forth, exploring the museum’s ornate halls, each adorned with its unique charm and character. These captivating spaces offered a myriad of backdrops, allowing us to capture a diverse array of family moments, each one more precious than the last!
Throughout our time together, Baby F was an absolute delight! He remained sleepy and cuddly, nestled in the loving embrace of his parents, who beamed with pride as they held him in their arms.
From start to finish, Baby F’s pleasant disposition never wavered, allowing us to maximize our time and capture an abundance of heartwarming memories within a relatively short window. It was a true testament to the family’s patience and the nurturing environment they have created for their little one!
As I reflect on this incredible family session at the National Portrait Gallery, I’m filled with a so much gratitude for the opportunity to witness the evolution of sweet families like Ashley, Max, and Baby F.
How special is it that this crew has invited me into the first year of their lives together to tell the story of their newest addition growing up? To be a part of their journey, to capture the moments that will forever be etched in their hearts, is a privilege that I cherish deeply.
Since our session at the National Portrait Gallery, I’ve had the pleasure of reuniting with this beautiful family once more, and I eagerly anticipate our final session as we celebrate Baby F’s first birthday. Each interaction reaffirms my belief that family is the cornerstone of our existence, and the ability to preserve these precious moments through my lens is a gift that I shall forever treasure!
Enjoy a scroll through our evening together in Washington, DC!
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