Anywhere you go, I'll follow you... perfect places for your family photo session in Northern Virginia

Firstly, I want to say, that my location list doesn't mean we have to go there. It simply means I've been there or want to do sessions there and I know what to expect, lay of the land, I have the options and variations already laid out in my head.

My portfolio can only reflect work from the places I've done work at.

If you have a place near and dear to you or somewhere you'd just simply like to be for your session - I can't wait to make your family session even more customized in that special way for you.

Also, I'm a traveler - take me with you. Let me document your family vacation, your couples retreat, your solo get away. I want to be the outside looking in on all those unique adventures that are yours and yours alone.

ABOUT SAM

Locations I am familiar with

Scarlet Springs Farm Waterford Virginia - Not just the sweetest micro wedding venue but also an amazing rustic spot for outdoor picnics, surprise proposals, family sessions, and that awesome farm feel backdrop, and highland cows.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - even though it is a bit of a drive, it is gorgeous. And the variety of textures, backgrounds, scenery, even the weather - all make this place even more lush. This location requires parking permit.

Ida Lee Park, (Loudoun County) Leesburg Virginia - a classic. This is great for a simple garden view, lots of wide open grassy space that is taken care of well and easy to traverse. There is just enough variety to fill your session with variety.

Meadowlark Gardens Vienna (Fairfax County) Virginia - it is a bit more restrictive than Ida Lee because there is so much vegetation that needs to be minded, but the pathways are easy, the view is lovely, the variety is consistent. This location does require a permit and reservation.

Museum of Shenandoah Valley Virginia - this is a really fun location with LOTS of walking. There is a steep hill at the base of the walking path but once you get up it, its smooth sailing on paved and gravel walk away, open field, an amazing tree etc. there are many more walking paths that are dirt, but we will stick to the one. This option does not need a reservation or permit, but the trails close at dusk.

The Gardens of the Museum of Shenandoah Valley - this is lush! I love this option. So much variety! There is a pond, a greenhouse, an archway, a historical house, a field, and of course gardens etc. I could go on. This option requires a permit and reservation.

Locations I want to add to my resume

Blooming Hill Lavender Farm in Purcellville - A sweet little lavender field location. We have to schedule at least one week in advance. There is a fee but will be covered by me. Best time to go is in June.

Halcyon Watson Leesburg, Virginia - is a wedding venue that can easily be used for a family session. There is a nice cottage that can be used for a cozy in home feel and then a barn with land to roam on. This location requires a permit.

Seven Oaks Lavender Farm Catlett, Virginia - a field of lavendar at sunrise, or sunset, a picnic, surrounded by purple and green. Amazing. This location requires a permit and reservation for times outside of business hours.

Morven Park Leesburg, Virginia - this is such a sweet location with lots of walking, opportunities for natural engagement, and tons of variety in scenery. This location does require a permit.

Manassas Battlefield Park Virginia - this is a stunning location truly for the sessions where the need of open fields are ideal.

Glenstone Potomac, MD. Fifty Miles from round and an Hour+ drive on a good day but oh my goodness, how fun! would it be to have your photos taken amongst the sculptures in the gorgeous gardens here? Photographs are only permitted outdoors but tickets are free but required. Booking tickets will require some planning as they only release them on the first day of the month and book out pretty quickly.

Wineries - I would be absolutely elated to do a session at each of our amazing wineries in Western Loudoun Virginia. But I know there are many other options too. Gorgeous scenery and ambiance, wine to indulge in during the session, amazing views. Take your pick, and we will be golden with this choice.

Urban Settings - I love a good urban setting. A coffee shop, a dessert on a bench, the top of a parking garage, the streets, windows, doorways. Stop! So much adventure and variety in urban settings.

Downtown Leesburg and downtown Winchester are awesome choices.

PORTFOLIO

In your home or while you're traveling

Your home - there is nothing like living, breathing, existing, and finding contentment and joy in your very own safe space. If you want to capture family life in the very same home you create most of your memories - we can bake cookies, play dolls, pillow fight, etc etc to your hearts content.

Travel - near and far - Most clients want to stick close to home. But if ever want to steal away and go on an adventure - I would be over the moon if you let me tag along and document every moment of your amazing travel experience. The travel family session below showing a Caribbean setting was in St John US Virgin Islands.

A few places off the top of my head:

Scotland holds my soul
USVI holds my heart
Greece, I've never been but I cannot wait to go.
British Columbia, Canada
Take me anywhere outside of the US actually
Any of the US National Parks including Joshua Tree - which does not disappoint.
Pacific Northwest
Salt Flats of Utah
Death Valley

If you need some help choosing a location

Most clients like to stay relatively local to make their session a bit more seamless and stress free. These are just a very small sampling of what North Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia have to offer. I strive to continue to add new locations to the list annually.

Its important to remember the location contributes tremendously to the setting, the light, and the overall feel of your session. Some locations aren't ideal of the time of day light you want your session, and others aren't ideal because of lack of variety, or maybe the backdrop will be a distraction from the clients. But the awesome part is, the location can customize your session and make it even more your own. During your session booking we will talk about time of day and location and find a location that works for everyone. Its a discussion and ultimately, if you are happy, I am happy.

If you're having trouble identifying a location, you can always head over to my portfolios to view the backdrop, lighting, feel of my previous work. If you find the vibe you're looking for, we can narrow down setting and time of day from there. If you have any reservations or questions, please always reach out.

So tell me in the comments... think I should add a location to my list? Where did you have your last session? What did you love about it? Where would you like your next session to be?

CONTACT