1. Tidal Basin: The Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. is the most famous location for cherry blossom viewing and photography in the DMV area. The beautiful cherry trees that surround the water offer a stunning backdrop for family photos.

2. National Arboretum: The National Arboretum in Washington D.C. has over 30 varieties of cherry trees, and they bloom at different times, extending the season for cherry blossom photos. The grounds also feature beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths for family photos.

3. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Located in Vienna, Virginia, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens has over 100 cherry blossom trees, as well as other beautiful flowers and scenery that make for a picturesque location for family photos.

4. Green Spring Gardens: Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia, has over 20 varieties of cherry trees and is a quieter, more peaceful location for family photos than some of the more crowded spots in D.C.

5. Kenwood: The Kenwood neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland, has many beautiful cherry blossom trees, as well as a quiet residential neighborhood setting that can make for a unique and memorable family photoshoot.

Remember to check the bloom forecast for the cherry blossom trees before planning your photoshoot and to choose a time when the trees are at their peak bloom. Also, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the time together!
 

1. National Mall: The National Mall in Washington D.C. is a classic location for family photos, with its iconic landmarks and cherry blossom trees in full bloom in the spring.

2. Brookside Gardens: This 50-acre public garden in Wheaton, Maryland, has a variety of stunning flowers, trees, and water features that make for a beautiful backdrop for family photos.

3. Great Falls Park: Located on the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, this park has breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and scenic trails for family photos.

4. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: This 95-acre park in Vienna, Virginia, features beautiful gardens, lakes, and gazebos that make for a picturesque location for family photos.

5. Old Town Alexandria: This historic town in Virginia has charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and waterfront views that make for a unique and memorable family photoshoot location.

6. C&O Canal: This scenic park in Maryland follows the path of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and has many beautiful views of the Potomac River and historic structures that make for a rustic and natural backdrop for family photos.

7. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Located in Washington D.C., these gardens have beautiful lotus and water lilies in bloom in the spring, as well as scenic walking paths and water features for family photos.

8. The Kenwood neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.You can take pictures of your family among the trees or use them as a background for candid shots.

Remember to choose a location that matches your family's personality and interests, and don't forget to have fun and enjoy the time together!

1. Balloon pop: Fill balloons with either blue or pink confetti and have the couple pop them to reveal the baby's gender.
2. Paint reveal: Fill a box with either pink or blue paint and have the couple smash it open to reveal the gender.
3. Scratch-off: Have a large scratch-off card made with either blue or pink underneath and have the couple scratch it to reveal the gender.
4. Cake cutting: Bake a cake with either blue or pink inside and have the couple cut into it to reveal the gender.
5. Confetti cannons: Use confetti cannons filled with either blue or pink confetti for a fun and explosive gender reveal.
6. Gender reveal piñata: Fill a piñata with either blue or pink candies and have the couple take turns hitting it until it breaks open to reveal the gender.
7. Smoke bombs: Use colored smoke bombs in either blue or pink for a dramatic gender reveal photoshoot.
8. Gender reveal puzzle: Have a puzzle with either blue or pink pieces, and put it together to reveal the gender.
9. Fireworks: Have a fireworks display with blue or pink fireworks to reveal the gender.
10. Sand reveal: Fill a clear container with either blue or pink sand, and pour it out to reveal the gender.

Remember to coordinate the color theme with your photographer and have the gender reveal plan ready ahead of the photoshoot to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Also, consider safety when planning a gender reveal photoshoot, and make sure any materials used are safe for all participants.
 

1. Show him examples of beautiful family photos and explain how they capture precious memories that can be treasured for years to come.
2. Remind him of the importance of documenting family milestones, such as the birth of a child or a special vacation.
3. Explain how family photos can be used to decorate the home and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
4. Highlight the benefits of having professional photos taken, such as the use of high-quality equipment and the ability to capture the perfect shot.
5. Emphasize that taking family photos is an investment in the family's future and will provide memories to look back on for years to come.

1. Coordinate, don't match: Coordinating your outfits is more visually pleasing than matching them exactly. Pick a color palette and use variations of those colors in your outfits.

2. Consider the location and the theme: Think about the location of the shoot and the theme of the photographs, and dress accordingly. If the photos are taken outdoors, dress in earthy tones and avoid bright or neon colors that may clash with nature. For indoor studio shots, you can wear more formal attire

3. Dress in layers: Layers such as cardigans, jackets, and scarves can add depth and dimension to your photographs, and also allow you to remove or add layers as needed.

4. Avoid busy patterns and logos: Busy patterns and logos can be distracting in photographs, so avoid them when possible. Solid colors and simple patterns are best.

5. Think about the season: Consider the season of the shoot, and dress appropriately. In the summer, you can wear lighter fabrics, while in the fall and winter, you might want to opt for warmer fabrics and colors.

6. Add accessories: Accessories can add a little extra something to an outfit, consider adding scarfs, necklaces, or even a hat for a more polished look.

7. Be yourself: You should be comfortable with what you're wearing, so don't be afraid to wear something that you feel represents you or your family's style.

8. Finally, consult with the photographer: It's important to communicate with your photographer about your clothing choices. They can give you feedback on the colors, patterns and textures and make sure they will look good on the final images.

Remember that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy with what you're wearing, and that your clothing choices reflect the overall look and feel that you want for your photographs.

1. Consider the style of the photos: If you are going for a classic and timeless look, neutral colors such as white, cream, gray, and pastel shades are great options. If you prefer a more modern and colorful look, consider bolder and brighter colors.

2. Consider the baby's skin tone: Some colors may look better on babies with different skin tones. If your baby has a fair skin tone, pastel shades like  baby blue, lavender, pink and mint can look great. If your baby has a darker skin tone, bolder and brighter colors may be a better choice like yellow, red, purple, teal and orange.

3. Consider the background: The color of the background can affect the overall look and feel of the photos. If you want your baby to be the main focus of the photo, consider using a neutral or light-colored background. If you want to create a more dramatic or colorful look, consider using a background in a bold color that complements the colors you are using for the baby.

4. Consider the room and environment: If the photo shoot is at home, it can make sense to choose colors that complement your home decor or the room where the photos will be taken.

5. Consult with the photographer: Photographers are experts and have experience working with different colors and color combinations. They may be able to provide guidance and suggestions on which colors will work best for your specific photo shoot.

6. Take into account the season: If you are planning on using the pictures for cards or announcements, you might want to pick colors that match with the season where the pictures were taken.

7. Use neutral colors: If you're having a hard time deciding on colors, neutral colors like white, gray, beige, and brown can be a safe choice, as they are easy to match and pair with other colors.

Ultimately, you should choose colors that make you happy and that you feel comfortable with, while taking into account the tips above. Remember that the goal of the photoshoot is to document the arrival of your baby, and the colors should only be used as a secondary tool to create a beautiful background or to complement the baby skin tone.

In a posed newborn session, the photographer will typically use a studio setting ( it can also be done at client's home)  and will carefully position the baby into a variety of poses. These poses are usually quite traditional and are designed to showcase the baby's features and expressions. The photographer will take a series of photographs while the baby is in these poses and the parents or siblings may also be included in some of the photographs.

On the other hand, a lifestyle newborn session is typically shot in the comfort of the baby's home and is intended to capture the everyday, candid moments of the baby and the family. The photographer will typically capture a variety of candid and natural shots of the baby and the family interacting, playing, and bonding. This type of session is more relaxed and less formal than a posed session, and it aims to capture the real, everyday life of the baby and family.

Both posed and lifestyle sessions can be great to document the arrival of a new baby and both have its own unique pros and cons. Posed sessions are more predictable and the photographer can get very specific type of images, but Lifestyle sessions will have more candid, natural and spontaneous images.

It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of photographs you are looking for. It's important to communicate with the photographer and understand their style, so you can make a decision that best suits your needs and expectations.

1. Great Falls National Park: This beautiful park is located just a few miles from McLean and offers a variety of stunning backdrops for family photos, including cascading waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and lush forests.

2. Tysons Corner: This bustling commercial district is known for its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, making it a great location for family photos with a more urban feel.

3. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Located in nearby Vienna, Virginia, these beautifully landscaped gardens offer a variety of serene and natural settings for family photos, including meadows, forests, and formal gardens.

4. Old Town Alexandria: This historic neighborhood just outside of Washington, D.C. is known for its charming cobblestone streets and colorful colonial-style houses, making it a great location for family photos with a vintage feel.

5. Riverbend Park: Located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, this park offers a variety of outdoor settings for family photos, including wetlands, meadows, and forests.

6. Scott's Run Nature Preserve: This is a gem of a park. It's just southeast of Great Falls Park with trails leading to the water. 

7. McLean Central Park: The park offers a variety of outdoor settings that could be suitable for family photos, including open grassy areas, trees and wooded areas, and paved walkways. The park also has a number of amenities such as gazebo and bridge which could provide additional, interesting backgrounds and compositions.

8. Lake Fairfax Park in Reston VA: It is a popular location for family pictures due to its natural beauty and various scenic areas. The park features a 40-acre lake, a carousel, a water park and a number of walking trails, which provide a range of backgrounds and settings for family photos.

These are just a few ideas, and there are many other locations in and around McLean that could also be suitable for a family photoshoot. Ultimately, the best location will depend on the preferences and style of the family, as well as the time of year and the weather.

1. Professional equipment and expertise: Newborn photographers have the right equipment and expertise to safely and creatively photograph newborns.They know how to handle and pose newborns in a way that is safe and comfortable for the baby, and they have the technical skills to capture beautiful and   flattering images.

2. Convenience: Hiring a newborn photographer can be a convenient way to capture beautiful photos of your newborn without having to worry about setting up your own equipment and trying to take the photos yourself. This can be especially helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed or tired in the early days of parenthood.

3. Customized photo sessions: Most newborn photographers offer customized photo sessions, which means you can choose the location, props, and other details of your session to suit your preferences and style. This can be a great way to create truly unique and personalized images of your newborn.

4. Keepsake photos: The photos taken by a newborn photographer can serve as a beautiful and enduring keepsake of this special time in your life. These images will be something you can look back on with fondness and nostalgia for years to come, and they will be a treasured part of your family's history.

5. Safety: A professional newborn photographer will be trained in handling newborns safely and will take all necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of your baby during the photo session.

Overall, hiring a newborn photographer can be a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of your new baby and capture memories that you can look back on for years to come.

 A few months before your baby is born! It is so important to plan ahead. Capturing your newborn within the first two weeks of life, while they are still sleepy and curled up, can make all the difference in your newborn portraits. Since we never really know when your little one will arrive, I will pencil you in on my calendar to hold a spot for you. When your baby is born I will move your appointment accordingly.If your baby came early or if your baby is already born, no worries! I always do my best to squeeze newborns into my schedule.

When is the best time to photograph my Newborn?

Newborns are best photographed within the first 2 weeks (ideally 7-10 days) of life, when they are still sleepy and can be curled up into the beautiful poses that are so well known for. 

What should Baby wear? 

 I love to photograph newborns swaddled in wraps and snuggled up tight in buckets and baskets. I also have a beautiful collection of newborn hats, wraps, bows and headbands and cute clothing that coordinate beautifully with the blankets and props that I will use to style your images.

Lovely Light/Only In home Sessions

I ask that you open all of the blinds and curtains in your home prior to my arrival. This enables me to find the best source of natural light in your home, so that I can set up my “mini studio” in the best possible location. Nothing flatters like natural light, so I prefer to use it whenever possible. Go ahead and turn off all the lights and lamps in the rooms as well. It might seem dark but my camera can do magical things that the light will ruin later on! For this reason, sessions are normally done mid-morning to late-afternoon when window lighting is as its best. When I arrive, I’ll walk through your home looking for the best light and that is where I’ll do a majority of the shoot. I’ll also bring additional lighting equipment to help out when needed.

Sleepy?

Most of the images I’ll be shooting work best if the baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, I recommend that you do whatever it takes to make sure baby is pretty exhausted. Warm bath, some massage and tickles might do the trick! Please, do your best to keep your little one awake for at least 1 hour before the photoshoot. I think it will be worth it in the end!

Hungry?

A well fed baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before our session/30 min after the arrival to ensure a happy, sleepy (“milk drunk”) baby. I’ll also be more than happy to take as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel. It’s tough work being a model!

Heat 

I recommend that you keep your home a bit warmer than normal during the session. Please turn the heat up 30 min before our session to ensure that it’s warm enough.(Like a toasty 80 degrees or so.) I do the same if the session is at my studio.
Newborns are used to being all bundled up,warm and cozy…and then I come in and take off all their clothes for those adorable naked baby shots. They tend not to like that too much! Pushing up the thermostat is guaranteed to make the session flow more smoothly and help them sleep better. We may be sweating, but baby will be nice and warm…and that’s really all that matters! I also use a space heater to help keep baby in a steady warmth if it’s needed. 

Loosen up
Please loosen your baby’s diaper and clothing at least 30 minutes before the session. This gives those little imprint marks time to disappear. (You baby will be naked with no diaper on in most of the shots, but I pose them so that all the “important parts” are not on display.)

Volume control

Please do whatever you can to keep the noise level to a minimum during the session. If you have other children that might create noise, try to find a sitter or family member to take them away from the home for a few hours. If you have a noisy pet, you may want to do the same. I have a white noise machine, but it doesn’t always block out all the noises.
If you have children and would like them to be included in some photos, I will be taking those shots first since older sibling (especially toddlers) don’t have that much of a patience to wait till the end of the session. Only those being photographed should be present to help maintain a calm environment.

Patience is key
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something I can predict!  I take the baby’s lead ! Getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t happen, within the time frame that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too.

Poop happens
Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use my blankets (or me) as his/her own personal potty.This is natural and I expect it! Please don’t feel embarrassed or worry when this happens, because they all do it. I wash all of the baby props and blankets between each session with unscented baby detergent. (This is why I only schedule one newborn session per day!) 
I have a stack of towels, extra wipes and blankets available for when things get messy.

Relax
I’m pretty comfortable holding and posing newborns. Your baby is in safe hands, I promise! I’m Mommy myself :) Newborn safety and comfort is my number one priority!
So yes! Feel free to rest and leave the room for a bit if you’d like. I’ve had parents who’ve used this time to take a nap and even run out for a quick errand. All totally acceptable to me! Moms tend to stress out because this is a new experience…and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is newborn photography.
They see their baby being fussy or having a difficult time getting settled and panic. I promise, I will take good images! Sometimes that best photos happen when baby doesn’t do what I want.
Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mommy’s!) It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way I’m going to get the shots I’m looking for.

Also, the best time to take newborn photos is when the baby is between 7-10 days old. This is because at this age, babies are still very sleepy and are able to be easily positioned into the cute and curly poses that are typical of newborn photography. Additionally, they tend to have that characteristic "newborn" look, with their tiny features and smooth, unblemished skin. After the first two weeks, babies tend to become more alert and less willing to be posed, so it can be more difficult to get the photos you want. Additionally, newborns can sometimes develop baby acne or other skin conditions after the first two weeks, which can affect the appearance of the photos.
 

Here are a few cake smash ideas: 

1.A classic birthday cake: For a traditional cake smash, you can have a simple birthday cake made in your child's favorite flavor, and decorate it with colorful frosting and sprinkles.

2.A fruit smash: Instead of a traditional cake, you can use a large bowl of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, and slices of watermelon or pineapple. This can be a fun and healthy alternative to a traditional cake.

3.A doughnut smash: A doughnut smash can be a fun and unique twist on the traditional cake smash. You can use a large glazed doughnut or several smaller doughnuts to create a colorful and delicious backdrop for the photoshoot.

4.An ice cream smash: An ice cream smash can be a fun way to beat the heat during the summer months. You can use a large ice cream cone or sundae as the centerpiece for the photoshoot, and let your child dig in and enjoy the cold, creamy treat.

5.Cupcake smash: Using a cupcake instead of a full-sized cake. Cupcake smash photoshoots are often just as fun and messy as traditional cake smashes, but can be a little easier to manage and clean up afterwards. To make the photoshoot even more fun and unique, you can use colorful and creative cupcakes with fun frosting and decorations.

6. Fruit smash: Fruit smash sessions are a fun alternative to a classic cake smash. I use lots of lovely, colorful fruit rather than a giant cupcake, but the concept is exactly the same. Your baby has an absolute blast munching and scrunching their way through the delicious fruit.

Before the photoshoot, it's a good idea to plan out the details and make sure everyone is on the same page. This can include deciding on a theme or color scheme for the photos, as well as choosing the right location and outfits.

Once everything is set, it's time for the photoshoot itself. This can be a bit hectic, especially if you have young children, but try to remain patient and have fun with it. Encourage everyone to be themselves and express their personalities in the photos.

After the photoshoot, you can use the photos to create holiday cards, gifts, or decorations for your home. These can be a great way to share the joy of the season with friends and loved ones, and they will serve as a reminder of the fun you had during the photoshoot.

In conclusion, a holiday family photoshoot is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your loved ones. By planning ahead and having fun with it, you can capture beautiful photos that will be treasured for years to come.