In September I had the pleasure of conducting a family portrait session with the “B” family at their Washington DC family home. This shoot included parents, Helen and Mark, as well as their daughter, Deena, 12, and their son, Sam, 10.
Several months ago I donated a family portrait session to the annual auction at the synagogue I attend, Temple Micah in the Washington DC area. Because my family is new to the congregation, we don’t know many of the families yet, particularly those with older children.
Helen and Mark placed the winning bid and in late September I had the pleasure of meeting them for the first time. Helen and Mark shared with me that they hadn’t had any professional photos taken of their children since they were in preschool, and while they had some beautiful close-up photos from those earlier days, it was certainly time for an update. And so we had one very specific mission in mind: to refresh their family portraits.
The images we created will join those that already adorn their staircase wall and we also planned a large framed print of the two kids to showcase in the family dining room. And as a bonus, I was able to help them get a jumpstart on the holiday season by making their annual holiday card.
For the family portrait session we primarily utilized the sidewalk right outside the family home, where lots of beautiful foliage and tall grasses grow along their fence line.
With the early fall afternoon light and the temperate September weather, we had the perfect setting for a beautiful shoot.
I don’t frequently get the opportunity to work with older children and this family portrait session was a nice change of pace that gave me the chance to use some different skills – no need for baby squeaky toys, or a corralled area to make sure everyone stays together.
Deena and her brother Sam followed my every lead and listened to each instruction with the kind of attentiveness that school teacher’s daydream about. In the end we were still able to achieve that same warm, candid feel that brings each image to life.
About the Photographer and Author:
Julie Kubal is a child and family portrait artist and photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She is passionate about creating warm and meaningful artwork through modern portraits and lifestyle photography at a location of your choice!