Fall Family Session in the Woods | H Family
Now that all the holiday cards have been sent out, I can start sharing some of the incredible families I had the privilege of photographing this past fall!
I’ve been photographing the H family since little N was born (you can see her previous sessions here and here), and I knew from the moment I met her squishy little newborn face that this girl was going to be a big personality.
For this fall family session in Washington, DC, we headed into the woods at Rock Creek Park for an afternoon surrounded by autumn leaves, beautiful natural light, and plenty of room to explore that gave us the perfect setting for photographs that feel relaxed, connected, and true to this particular season of their lives.
A fall family session in Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is one of my favorite types of settings for a relaxed family photography session in Washington, DC. The wooded trails, mature trees, and changing foliage create a beautiful sense of place without competing with the people in the photographs.
For families with young children, an outdoor location like this also gives everyone something to do. Instead of asking a little one to stand still and smile for an extended period, we can walk, explore, hold hands, play, and simply let the session unfold naturally.
That approach is especially important to my style of family photography. I want your photographs to feel like your family, rather than a collection of perfectly posed images. There is still intention behind the way I photograph and compose each frame, but the goal is to preserve genuine connection and personality rather than manufacture it.
Photographing families with film
This session was photographed on film, which is a natural fit for the quiet, nostalgic feeling of an autumn afternoon in the woods. Film renders skin tones beautifully and has a softness and depth that works particularly well with natural light, fall foliage, and the organic textures of a wooded setting.
I also love using a mix of gently directed portraits and documentary moments during family sessions. A few photographs may be carefully composed, while others happen as a family walks down the trail, a parent interacts with a child, or everyone simply forgets the camera is there.
Those photographs tend to become some of the most meaningful images over time because they bring you back to how this particular season of family life actually felt.
A family photography tradition
I've been photographing the H family since N was a newborn, so it is always a joy to see her personality emerge and change from one session to the next.
And while N has grown, one thing has remained wonderfully consistent: her big personality and her parents' impeccable sense of style. I was particularly obsessed with her adorable Boden dress for this session.
These are the details I love documenting as a family photographer. Not just what your family looked like at a particular age, but the little things you might otherwise forget: a favorite outfit, the way your child moves through the world, the way they reach for your hand, and the feeling of spending an ordinary afternoon together.
Choosing a location for your Washington, DC family session
When planning a family session, I don't believe you need an elaborate location to create beautiful photographs. A place where your family feels comfortable and has room to interact can often be much more meaningful.
For families who love the outdoors, Rock Creek Park offers a wonderful combination of natural scenery and variety. The wooded trails provide shade and texture, while seasonal changes give each session its own distinct character. In the fall, the changing leaves add warmth and color without requiring much additional styling.
I also photograph families in their homes and at other meaningful locations throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The best setting is often the one that feels most connected to your family's everyday life.
Film scans by The FIND Lab
Family photography in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia
If you're looking for a family photographer in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, I would love to create photographs that feel personal, timeless, and true to your family.
My family sessions are relaxed and thoughtfully directed, with an emphasis on genuine connection, beautiful natural light, and images that will still feel meaningful years from now.
When you're ready, get in touch to tell me a little about your family and what you're envisioning for your session. I would love to hear from you.