family sessions
Portraits are my specialty
I specialize in Family and Children’s Portraits. I will work with you to capture your family at it’s best to preserve the moment in time forever. I want to capture your love for each other and this unique time in the life of your children.
Together, we will have a pre-session conversation to discuss the best location for your family to feel relaxed. In addition, I will also provide guidance on clothing choices for your photo session. During your Session, we will take a wide variety of poses both with the whole family as well as the children together and individually. I also try to capture some of mom and dad together!
My goal for your session is a relaxed time together, I want your children to play, snuggle, and just love on you. My favorite images of families not looking at the camera but engaged with each other.
testimonial
“Wow, talk about a talented photographer who is also a kid whisperer!
I have 12 years of photos from Wendy that document our family’s growth and history. Wendy truly loves taking pictures and it’s amazing to see her work her magic with my kids - and husband too! To this day people tease me and my kids about “how well they photograph and where did they learn to take such great pictures?” The answer is always, “Wendy!” And I’m so grateful I have the pictures to enjoy as the years fly by!”
- Susan
RESOURCES FOR YOU
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Where Do We Go?
Here you will find some suggestions for locations that I frequent and am very familiar with in all seasons.
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What to Wear Guide
It’s the number one question I’m asked from my clients so I am answering for you here!
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Portfolio
Here you can find recent sessions that can help you visualize what your session may look like.
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
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Kids are kids! I’m a Kindergarten teacher during the day, if they move fast, I’ll move fast.
I have found the best way to work with children is to have you engaged with them as parents. I want you to play together, laugh together and enjoy your time.
And just a note… sometimes a little bribery helps.
I’ve had many of my clients tell me when we are finished they “had fun”. That’s the goal and I want your children to see it as FUN!
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I suggest a small bag to put phones, sunglasses, snacks/water for the kids if needed. If your child may need a snack to keep them going or for bribery, I’d try to find something that will not stain their face or teeth.
If there is something special you want to bring along, a blanket grandma made or something incorporate in the session, pack it and we will try to use it during our session.
Consider bringing bug repellent for your family.
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Your house is your home! It is where your sweet family lives and loves each other. It is where your children grow and play.
We can use just a few areas of your home, you don’t have to deep clean just for me. We can decide which rooms you want to use and you can just tidy up those rooms.
Straighten up the room, remove some clutter if there is any and we can be creative with angles. I have a wide lens, I don’t need a lot of room. And if it’s too dark, we can embrace the shadows and/or pop in a little off camera flash so it doesn’t look like flash.
Your house is your home, let’s embrace this period of life that you are in.
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The best thing you can do is to try to relax! The stress is on me, that’s my part, that’s why you hired a professional!
Your children will pick up on your anxiety and will act “accordingly”. I will guide you, we will let your children play and get a mix of posed and also play/fun images.
Please take a few deep breaths and let me do the hard work.
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Of course! There is a release section on my contract that allows you to mark if you release your images being shared on my website or social media pages.
I do not ever use client names or even first initial of the family’s last name. Some clients choose to see their images first and then allow them to be shared after they view them. Whatever your decision is, I respect it!
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Ah… the waiting is the hardest part! I will do a sneak peek for you of 2-3 images within 72 hours of your session. Your full gallery will be available to view in 3 weeks after your session.
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Pinterest is a great place to find ideas. If there is a pose or two that you really like, we can try to emulate it but know that traditionally the image will not necessarily look the same. I try really hard to have unique images that show off your family and your love for each other.
Use Pinterest as a source of inspiration but we want what is beautiful and unique about YOUR Family.
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Contact me today and let’s get you on my calendar!!!
(703) 986-9209
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Use the Inquiry Form found on my contact page or send me an email to hello@letthelightinphotography.com or phone (703) 986-9209.
First time clients: I like to set up a time to talk via phone to discuss the packages, location choices and I will answer any questions you may have!
Once we set our date and time, I will send you the online contract.
Your session is considered scheduled and date held once I receive your contract and retainer fee.
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I schedule any where from 3-6 months ahead.
I encourage clients to always book early to get their best choice of dates.
Spring and Fall Weekends fill up very fast! Mid March to end of October, weeknight sessions are available.
It is never too early to schedule!
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The best light of the day is about an hour and half before sunset if we are doing an outdoor session.
For in-home sessions, I typically start between 10am -2pm.
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If it rains we will schedule for our next date that both of us are available. I may ask for some flexibility if I need to back your session up to a previously scheduled session.
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I travel within a 25 mile radius of my home in Northern Virginia, which includes a wide variety of great locations.
Your home is also an option if you would like an In-Home portrait session.
Please see my locations page and portfolio for places that I recommend in the local area.
Outside of the 25 miles radius, I charge a $75 travel fee.
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This depends on your package selection. All of my packages include some digital images and a print credit.
The digital images are chosen by you from your gallery. I include a print credit with my packages because I believe that when you invest in photography you should have something tangible to see and display in your home.
See the Pricing & Packages page for all the details.
The digital images included in your package, you will have the print rights up to an 8×10 size. You are able to print at your lab of choice 8×10’s and smaller. So this means you can use the digital images for small gift prints for family, your holiday cards, social media posts etc.
Why do I restrict your rights above and 8×10 size?
Because there is a huge difference between consumer labs and professional labs. If you print something large on your walls, I want your friends say “WOW! Who did that??” NOT “eewww… who did THAT?” I give you a print credit included with all packages so you can have a large print in your home that is professionally printed and stunning in your home!
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Typically about an hour. I find that much beyond an hour, the kids (and the husbands) are done. We typically move to a few different spots within our location to have some variety in your images.
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This is the most asked question I get! My biggest tip is to wear what your family is comfortable in. You want clothing/colors that coordinate but are not “matchy matchy”.
I usually suggest choose 2 colors that coordinate with each other and then you can mix in black, white, gray, khaki, even brown sometimes.
Layers on women are always nice and flattering. Take a look through my portfolio images, you will get a good feel for ideas.
And feel free to send me photos of outfit ideas you have and I can always help guide you.
Take a look at the What to Wear Guideto see some ideas.
Ready to Book?
Like What you See?
Are you thinking we may be a good fit and you are interested in working together? Submit the inquiry form and we will find a time to talk to nail down your date, discuss the details and get all your questions answered!
